The Association Between Internal and External Measures of Training Load in Batsmen and Medium-Fast Bowlers During Net-Based Cricket Training.

PURPOSE - To examine the relationship between session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) and measures of internal and external training load (TL) within cricket batsmen and medium-fast bowlers during net-based training sessions. METHODS - The internal (heart rate), external (movement demands, Player Load™) and technical (cricket-specific skills) loads of thirty, male cricket players (age: 21.2 ± 3.8 y, height: 1.82 ± 0.07 m, body mass: 79.0 ± 8.7 kg) were determined from net-based cricket training sessions (n = 118). The relationships between sRPE and measures of TL were quantified using Pearson's product moment correlations, respective to playing position. Stepwise multiple regression techniques provided key internal and external load determinants of sRPE in cricket players. RESULTS - Significant correlations were evident (r = -0.34 - 0.87, P < 0.05) between internal and external measures of TL and sRPE, with the strongest correlations (r ≥ 0.62) existing for GPS-derived measures for both playing positions. In batsmen, stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that 67.8% of the adjusted variance in sRPE could be explained by Player Load™ and high-intensity distance (y = 27.43 + 0.81 Player Load™ + 0.29 high-intensity distance). For medium-fast bowlers, 76.3% of the adjusted variance could be explained by total distance and mean heart rate (y = 101.82 + total distance 0.05 + HRmean -0.48). CONCLUSION - These results suggest that sRPE is a valid method of reporting TL amongst cricket batsmen and medium-fast bowlers. Position specific responses are evident, and should be considered when monitoring the TL of cricket players