A novel intervention program (CricFit) for the strength and conditioning of adolescent cricket players

Purpose
The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of a 4-week field-based intervention program (CricFit) on general fitness, with the program designed to reflect the demands of the game in an adolescent population.

Methods
The total of 28 schoolboy cricketers (aged 15–19 years) were assigned to either a control (n = 14) or experimental (n = 14) group. Both groups performed traditional net and field-based training over a 4-week period (one net- and one field-based session), with the experimental group executing 2 additional 35–45-minute conditioning sessions per week. Prior to and post the 4-week period, measures were recorded with a test battery that was specific to the movement demands associated with intermittent sports.

Results
Both groups showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in most responses, but the changes for the experimental group were greater than those shown in the control group, likely owing to the additional conditioning sessions. Furthermore, significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed between the two groups for the percentage body fat, flexibility, plank time, 20-m sprint time, push ups, and 25-m shuttle distance.

Conclusions
It was concluded that the CricFit intervention program can be used by coaches and conditioning specialists to improve cricket-specific fitness throughout the pre-season period.