Relationship between Stride Length, Front Foot Kinetics and Ball Speed in Cricket Fast Bowling

Background: Previous literature has demonstrated that delivery stride mechanics are linked to performance. However, the pre-delivery stride's impact remains underexplored. Vertical and horizontal impulses generated during fast bowling pose injury risk and this could be affected by variations in stride length. Optimal stride length can minimize injury risk while improving performance. This research examines stride length's relationship with impulses and ball speed to improve performance and reduce injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 40-state-level male fast bowlers aged 18–30 years. Kinetic data, including vertical and horizontal impulses, were measured using force plates, while stride length was recorded using high speed video cameras. Pearson correlation was used to study the relationship between stride length, impulses and ball speed. Results: Stride length showed a positive correlation with horizontal impulse (r = 0.33, p = 0.03) and a negative correlation with vertical impulse (r = -0.31, p = 0.05). A weak non-significant negative correlation was observed between stride length and ball speed (r = -0.24, p = 0.12). Conclusion: Longer stride length is associated with larger braking forces and may improve ball speed. Shorter stride length is associated with larger vertical forces and is a risk for lumbar spine injury. While stride length did not have a significant relationship with ball speed in this study, optimizing the stride length remains a key factor in improving performance and mitigating injury risk in fast bowlers.