The Effect of Balance Training on Agility in Young Cricketers

Studies of cricket injuries show an increasing incidence, varying from2.6 to 333/10 000 athlete hours played, 24 with 28.471.6 % of cricketers2 sustaining between 1.61 and 1.91 injuries per season. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 6-week balance training on agility in young cricketers.66 young cricket players between the age group of 12-16 yrs were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. T agility test, Hexagonal agility test, Single limb stance test, Multi-directional reach test were used as outcome measures. The experimental group underwent 6 week balance training in addition to regular routine exercises. Experimental group showed significant improvement in balance and agility. T agility test performance improved from 13.36+ 1.34 sec to 12.5+ 1.35 sec. Hexagonal agility test performance improved from 20.25 +3.08 to 17.52+ 2.26. Thus it can be concluded that 6 weeks balance training programme improves agility in young cricketers.