Author(s): Pradeep Prakash and Varender Singh Patial

Abstract:
This study looks at the motor and perceptual skills of cricket and softball players by measuring their scores on balance, reaction time, depth perception, and steadiness of hand. The total number of players analysed from each sport was 50. The findings pointed out remarkable differences based on the sport. Softball players displayed better balance with an average score of 89.46 over 82.22 from the cricket players showing enhanced balance stemming from base running and turning in the sport. On the other hand, faster reaction times were shown by cricket players (1.2836 sec) compared to softball players (1.6778 sec) due to the multiple reflex actions needed for quick batting and fielding and other on-the-spot decisions. In depth perception, scores were slightly higher for softball players (9.4380) than for cricket players (9.3440) which shows better spatial awareness and ball tracking for softball players. In hand steadiness, they were better in cricket players (1.7276) than in softball players (1.9714) which indicates better fine motor skill which could be the result of precise batting and fielding in cricket. The standard deviations for all variables were not too far apart from each other which exhibits those members from the same group performed similarly. These insights highlight the reaction- and precision-based skill requirements of cricket, while noting how softball hones balance and visual skill factors. These perceptual differences can improve sport-specific training and performance for the athlete.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i3b.3777

Pages: 82-85  |  90 Views  51 Downloads

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