It’s just not cricket!
On a Sunday afternoon in summer you can often find me at my local recreation ground playing cricket. I’m not sure I consider myself a serious cricketer, and that’s perhaps why, at the end of a match, it feels more like I’ve run a marathon than, well, actually running a marathon!
As anyone who’s spent a few hours on a cricket pitch will attest, cricket is a whole body sport. No matter your role in the team, your actions will involve running, throwing and bending. It’s also a technical sport, so many teams will focus on a skills-based warm up rather than getting your body prepared. In truth you can probably get away with this, giving yourself a week to recover until the next match. But why would you? If you can add in a warm up and some stretches either side of the match you will start feeling better sooner and be more than ready for next week’s contest.
When warming up, think about the activities that you’ll be doing in the match.
Shoulders – think small circles gradually getting bigger and faster
Legs – leg swings, calf raises and heel kicks are great start
Back/Core – hip circles, rotating your upper body and gentle forward/backward bends will help you to prepare.
A warm up should be dynamic – include movement – and will raise your heart rate and prepare appropriate muscles for cricket. As well as preparing physically, it will also help your mental focus – no chances going astray for your team!
Afterwards, although the bar is calling, take a little time to cool down. This will bring your heart rate down and through gentle movements will help your body kick-start the recovery process.
As a focus, stretching the muscles that you’ve been using is one of the best places to start. Hold stretches for at least 20 seconds and take some long deep breaths. As for the warm up, focus on shoulders, back and legs and this should see you right.
Even a few minutes will make a difference then you can grab yourself a cold drink and talk your team through the victorious innings.
Get in touch for a copy of my favourite cricket stretches or if you have any regular niggles
If you’re serious about cricket, I can help you or your team with a running-based fitness program.