Youth players fast bowling workloads

Now that the season is underway and Parley youth teams have played a few matches, we hope all junior players are enjoying putting into practice the skills they have learnt.

Our young cricketers may be playing for more than one age group in the club, for their school and also for County. Many will also be playing adult cricket on Saturdays and Sundays too. It is important that parents are aware of the stresses and strains that fast bowling takes on their child's body. We want all the boys and girls at Parley to remain fit, healthy and enjoy their cricket.

Whilst the captain at each match will know how many overs they are allowed to bowl in the game, they will most likely not be aware of all the other matches that they have played in during the week or practice and net sessions they have attended.

Therefore, we encourage parents to help monitor this... players will just want to bowl as much as possible!

It is important for bowlers to warm up and stretch thoroughly before bowling and training. A good warm up can help to reduce the chance of an injury occurring.

The ECB Fast Bowling Directive states:

It is recommended that in any 7 day period a fast bowler should not bowl more than 4 days in that period and for a maximum of 2 consecutive days.

For example:

Bowling in nets Friday, play on Saturday means no bowling Sunday

Play Saturday & Sunday - No bowling Monday in nets or matches

Please use this link to download the ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives.