Bangalore, 26 September 2024: A group of around twenty youngsters, including an eight-year-old and two girls from different parts of the country, came to Invictus Performance Lab in Bengaluru to improve their fast-bowling skills. They received coaching from fast-bowling coach Steffan Jones and pacer Ishant Sharma during a three-day camp organized by PaceLab and Invictus. The camp is part of an initiative to develop the next generation of fast bowlers.
The camp was a real eye-opener for most of these young players. It was the first time they had the chance to learn about the finer points of fast-bowling, such as injury prevention, technique, maintaining high performance, and consistent bowling. As the sport becomes more competitive, the young pacers recognized the effort required to become top players and the importance of support systems based on data, science, and consistent training.
The curated camp aims to dispel the myth that India cannot produce fast-bowling all-rounders. It is worth noting that recently, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir had said about fast-bowling all-rounders: ‘If we don’t have it, we don’t have it.’ However, PaceLab and Invictus believe that there are plenty of fast bowlers waiting in the wings who need extra support to reach transformative levels. The camp marks the start of a new chapter in fast bowling development, bringing together the best in bowling science and performance training.
This unique collaboration aims to combine the art and science of fast bowling by merging Steffan Jones’s biomechanical expertise with Invictus’s holistic approach to athlete performance. The camp is designed to lay the foundation for the long-term development of a new generation of fast bowlers, both men and women, through a comprehensive and integrated training program.
“Working with Stefan Jones was a game-changer for me. His approach to fast bowling is unlike anything I’ve experienced. The focus on footwork and momentum has already made a noticeable difference in my performance”, said Sheena, one of the participants.
”The seminar on the PaceLab principles was incredibly insightful. As a coach, learning the science behind training fast bowlers has given me new tools to help my players excel”, said Vignesh Battula, one of the coaches attending the camp.
Year-Round Support and Long-Term Development:
The curated camp was the first of many that will be held multiple times throughout the year. Beyond these camps, Invictus and PaceLab will offer year-round support for fast bowlers, including pre-season preparation, in-season performance management, and injury prevention. This long-term development strategy aims to nurture athletes over the next few years, guiding them through their entire career progression.
Varun Shetty, founder of Invictus Performance Lab said, “Our association with Steffan Jones and the PaceLab Camp marks a significant step towards shaping the future of fast bowling in India. By combining Steffan’s years of expertise in fine-tuning the PaceLab model with our comprehensive sports science and rehabilitation methodologies, we are creating a holistic system for developing elite fast bowlers. This partnership emphasizes not just performance, but also longevity, injury prevention, and complete athletic development. Together, we aim to set a new standard in fast bowling training that will help produce the next generation of world-class bowlers in India.”
Steffan Jones said, “Partnering with Invictus Performance Lab has been a fantastic experience. The integration of cutting-edge sports science, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation with the PaceLab model creates an unmatched environment for fast bowlers to excel. India has immense talen, and this collaboration is designed to not only sharpen their skills but also ensure they have the physical resilience and technical understanding to sustain high performance throughout their careers. We’re building the foundation for the future of fast bowling in India.”
