Abstract
Despite extensive research on batting
biomechanics among male cricketers, limited studies focus on
female cricket players.
Objectives: This study examines the biomechanical and
performance implications of the lateral batting backlift
technique (LBBT) and straight batting backlift technique
(SBBT) among female cricketers.
Methods: This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the
backlift, its influence on shot execution and its relationship
with performance metrics among local (n=18; South African
National Women’s Cricket Team, also known as the Protea (P)
Women’s Cricket team (n=9) and non-Protea players (NP)
n=9), as well as international (n=34) female players, using
high-speed video analysis and StanceBeam bat sensors.
Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s Rho correlations
and Mann-Whitney U tests, were applied to evaluate key
performance metrics such as bat speed, impact speed, and
wagon wheel shot distribution.
Results: Findings show that local (67%) and international
(62%) players used the LBBT, which was associated with
greater performance metrics, e.g., strong positive correlations
were found between bat speed and impact speed (r=0.85,
p<0.001). A significant difference in wagon wheel shot
distribution was observed between P and NP players
(p=0.039).
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the LBBT offers
biomechanical advantages and may be a key contributing
factor in optimising female batting performance. Future
longitudinal research studies should focus on threedimensional
(3D) motion capture (as well as markerless
motion capture) on the LBBT, integrating real-time analytics
and expanding sample sizes to include diverse player
populations.