156 - Paul Felton - How international cricket is developing the next Jimmy Anderson

Michael Wright interviews Paul Felton, an expert in biomechanics and bowling technique. Felton discusses his background and passion for cricket, as well as his ongoing research on prosthetic blades for Paralympic athletes. The discussion also covers the principles and application of fast bowling, including the key parameters for consistent fast bowling and the challenges of applying these principles to junior bowlers. Felton emphasizes the importance of talent identification and individualized coaching for fast bowlers.

Introduction and Small Talk 0:16

Biomechanics in Cricket 6:44

Felton explains how he got into biomechanics and his passion for cricket, and discusses the work of Peter Worthington and his research on fast bowling. He also describes the process of analyzing movements in biomechanics and the importance of starting with a question rather than data.

• Biomechanics in cricket bowling

Sensor Technology and Body Tracking 16:25

Michael asks about the level of sensor technology used in a study and which body parts were tracked. Paul explains that they used reflective markers on 18 different body segments, including wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. He also mentions the emergence of new technologies like inertial measurement units and machine learning for body tracking. Paul notes that the technology is rapidly changing and may move away from reflective markers in the future.

Principles and Application of Fast Bowling 19:01

Paul Felton shares insights from research on fast bowling, including the four key parameters for consistent fast bowling and the importance of talent identification. He also discusses the challenges of applying these principles to coaching and the need for individualized coaching based on a bowler's strengths and limitations.

Illegal Action and Technical Issues in Cricket 28:15

Paul Felton shares a story about Charlie Morris, a cricket player who was called for an illegal action. Felton and Matt Mason, a bowling coach, spent months trying to change Morris's technique, but it wasn't until Felton's friend Stuart Mcc and Nailer pointed out that Morris had a physical problem that they were able to solve the issue. Morris went on to have a successful professional cricket career.

Individualized Coaching and Building Pressure in Sessions 30:19

Felton and Wright discuss the challenges of coaching bowlers to improve their technique while maintaining their skill level. They also talk about the unique aspects of cricket technique and the need for individualized coaching based on physiological differences. They emphasize the importance of laying foundations for young players to develop their skills and reach their potential.

• Individualization in coaching and training
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Developing Safe Bowling Practices for Junior Players38:04

Paul Felton shares his experience working with Matthew Mason in Western Australia during Covid, where they developed a new approach to coaching young bowlers. By focusing on alignment and safety before speed, they were able to develop some of the strongest pace bowlers in the world. This approach has been successful in Western Australia and has helped young bowlers avoid injury and develop their skills over time.

Factors Affecting Fast Bowling Speed40:44

Paul Felton explains that fast bowlers like Mark Wo and Jeff Rach have different bowling styles, but both have key factors like alignment and hyper mobility that allow them to bowl at high speeds. He also discusses the importance of horizontal momentum and range of motion in fast bowling.

Importance of Backfoot Contact in Bowling 48:45

Discussing the use of models in sports science research 52:00

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