Cricket is not often thought of as a sport for honest athletes. It has always been considered a gentleman's game. Recently, with the introduction of the one day game, cricket has become more of a sport. It takes a true athlete to succeed in cricket. Sports performance training for cricket is now a vital part of success in this sport.

What you want to do to achieve sports performance for cricket will depend on what position you will be playing in the sport. The main positions are batsman, bowler, and fielder. Each position has a unique set of responsibilities that requires a unique fitness program.

Batsman

The duty of the batsman is to get as many runs as possible, which means staying on the wicket as long as possible. Sometimes the batsman may have to stay at the crease for three to four hours. First and foremost, the batsman needs to consider where the strength comes from to hit the ball as hard as possible, while still being accurate in where the ball goes. This requires strength training in the upper arms, forearms, and abdomen.

You will also need to focus on endurance. This can be achieved through aerobic exercise such as running. Swimming is often considered the most effective method for building endurance. Finally, you will need to focus on eye hand coordination so that the ball goes right where you want it to go. This is going to require nothing less than practice in the field.

Bowler

The bowler's job is to get the ball to the batsman. The ball must be delivered as fast as possible, requiring explosive power. This requires upper body strength, gained through intensive weight training. This position also requires high endurance, as the bowler may need to deliver balls for three to four hours. To avoid cramps, bowlers should ensure they are well hydrated before and during a game. They should also get plenty of aerobic exercise to help with endurance and general conditioning of the body.

Fielder

Fielders have to chase the ball around the field for five to six hours at a time. Intense training on the track will be necessary for fielders. You will need to be able to give out explosive power and energy at a moment's notice. Endurance is, again, a vital key to this role.

For All Positions

The best training regimen for sports performance for cricket is about one hour of aerobic exercise three times per week, alternated with about one hour of weight training three days per week. The weight training should be specialized for the position played. Fielders should focus on lower body strength, while bowlers and batsmen need to focus on upper body strength. A balanced diet and plenty of fluids are also necessary for success.