Salford University sports science students put the Lancashire CCC first team squad through their paces on Monday when the players dropped into the University’s high-tech human performance labs for a gruelling fitness testing session.
In preparation for the new season, the cricketers, including skipper Glen Chapple, were analysed for speed, strength, power, agility, flexibility, body fat and endurance, using cutting-edge technology.
Students from the Directorate of Sport in the School of Health Care Professions analysed the players under the supervision of academic staff, and the results will be used by the team’s coaches to plan a training strategy for the season ahead.
The session was part of ongoing fitness testing, post-injury rehabilitation, and expert exercise and health advice which the University is delivering as official higher education partner to the Club.
The University’s Dr Phil Graham-Smith said: “The tests were a real success and the players enjoyed learning more about their fitness levels and making use of our facilities. Hopefully the results should enable them to train smarter and play at their optimum throughout the long season ahead.
“The students also benefitted from this hands-on training with some of the fittest and most accomplished sportsmen in the UK. Our investment in the human performance lab and our highly qualified staff helps us to attract professional sports clubs and give our students some great experience.”
Alex Horn, Lancashire CCC’s Strengthening and Conditioning Coach, said: “This is the second year we have used Salford University’s state-of-the-art facilities, and each year the players get a better understanding of their abilities and weaknesses.
“The season is very long, and the nature of cricket means they spend many hours playing and just as many travelling. If we can be more targeted and efficient with our fitness programmes, that will allow the players to spend more time honing their cricketing skills and resting their bodies and minds between fixtures.”
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