Strength and Conditioning for Cricket Wicketkeeping: A Narrative Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT A cricket wicketkeeper is a player on the fielding team positioned behind the stumps. They adopt a crouching position upon ball delivery from the bowler to take catches, execute stumpings, and limit extra runs because of byes. Wicketkeepers are advised to conduct a combination of technical and strength and conditioning training to support the dynamic actions required in matches and reduce injury risk. There is evidence on wicketkeepers concerning match-play demands, physical development, and injury risk reduction; however, this research is limited compared with other positions. This research should be consolidated to provide meaningful and informed guidance for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating strength and conditioning programs. Therefore, this review presents a needs analysis, normative data, and evidence-informed guidance for wicketkeepers. This information can be used by strength and conditioning coaches and the athlete support team to inform decisions regarding training programs. This review recommends that strength and conditioning programs accommodate the demands of specific match formats and individual physical, physiological, and technical needs of wicketkeepers. The key physical characteristics underpinning wicketkeeping performance such as multidirectional speed, change-of-direction ability, lower-limb power, and aerobic fitness should be considered to ensure the specificity of training programs.