Effect of expertise on pacing strategies and sprint performance in batsmen

Objectives
To assess whether the absence of a known endpoint, at the beginning of repeated-sprint bouts between the wickets, affects how skilled compared to less skilled batsmen pace themselves.

Design
Repeated measures.

Methods
Twelve skilled and 12 less skilled batsmen completed three trials. All trials required the same number of sprints (14 shuttles, 28 runs), while only the information before each trial differed. CT: batsmen were aware of the endpoint (28 runs). UT: not informed of the exercise endpoint and were required to run on command for an indefinite period (28 runs). DT: told they were only doing 14 runs when they actually did 28 runs. Sprint times, electrical muscle activity, and ratings of perceived effort were recorded.

Results
Skilled batsmen were significantly faster than less skilled across all trials. Hamstring muscles activity decreased significantly over time in the skilled players during the UT, and during the CT and DT for the less skilled players. There were significant reductions in quadriceps muscles activation for the less skilled over time in all trials and in the skilled batsmen in the vastus medialis during the UT only. Perceived effort increased significantly in both groups in all trials. Skilled batsmen were fastest in the UT and less skilled fastest in the CT.

Conclusions
Better batting skill facilitated improved sprint times, especially when the exact endpoint was unknown. These results suggest that less skilled players should be given more central wicket practice with uncertainty to better develop their ability to maintain their sprint performance.