Essex Cricket eye-tracking study uncovers secrets of elite fielding

Scientists have teamed up with Essex Cricket to explore the secrets of professional fielding for the first time.

The University of Essex study uses eye-tracking technology to analyse how players track and catch the ball at the elite level.

Researchers from the Department of Psychology and the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences used eye-tracking glasses to monitor where players looked before making catches or stopping the ball.

Identify patterns

Ten women's players each received 40 balls in the club’s high-tech indoor training facility under the watchful eye of researchers.

After recording the sessions, scientists will analyse where players were looking before successful and missed catches to identify patterns.

It is thought to be one of the first studies on fielders’ gaze - as previous studies have focused on batting.

Masters student Sophie Liddiard is leading the research after being invited to the club by their sport psychologist Dr Ryan Bailey and fielding coach Robbie Gunn.

'Practical insights'

Sport and Exercise Psychology student Sophie, 26, said: “This research is important because there is limited knowledge of gaze behaviour in cricket fielders, only in batters.
“Although batters’ gaze behaviour is well understood, we need to know how it translates to fielding.

“Is there a relationship between gaze behaviour and fielding performance?

“I’m hoping to give Essex Cricket practical insights they can use to improve performance, something that hasn’t been done before.”

And added: “This is such a great opportunity the University has given me. It feels like an idea I had has suddenly become reality.

“I mentioned that I was interested in eye-tracking behaviour in athletes, and the next thing I know I’m working with the professional women's cricket team in Essex.”

Elite sport partnership

The findings could help elite players refine their fielding techniques and give Essex a competitive edge this season as they push for silverware.

The project builds on the We Are Essex partnership between the University of Essex and Essex Cricket, which launched the women’s cricket team and supports research into the realities of women’s professional sport.

The collaboration is also linked to the University’s professional teams, the Essex Rebels, and aims to promote and champion women’s sport across the county.

Sophie’s supervisor Dr Paul Freeman is hopeful the project will help unlock the secrets of fielding and praised its potential impact.

Dr Freeman said: “By understanding where players look as the ball travels from batter to fielder, we can provide new insights to inform training and improve performance on the pitch.”