Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management

Cricket Matters

Cricket performance doesn’t stall because players need more nets or more motivation. It stalls when the system breaks down.

Hosted by Performance System Architect James Breese and Josh Kennedy, the Cricket Matters Podcast delivers the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for long-term cricket development — connecting performance, injury management, and decision-making into one governed system.

We explore why injuries repeat, why training effort fails to translate into technical output, and how unmanaged load, fatigue, and recovery derail progress across a season. Drawing on clinical biomechanics, physical capacity development, and neural economy, each episode breaks down what actually holds up under match-day pressure.

This is not a tips-and-drills show. It’s a framework for cricketers, parents, and coaches who want clarity, not noise — and a performance system that lasts.

Better Every Ball starts with a better system.

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90 episodes
Updated Sep 30, 2025
Explicit

Episodes90

Newest first

Apr 29, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Why Most Cricketers Don’t Know How to Throw (ft. Ken Miller)
We’re back on the Cricket Matters podcast, and this time, we’re going deep into throwing mechanics with none other than NASM Master Trainer Ken Miller. From near-death experiences in Serbia to world-class insights from baseball legends, this episode is packed with wisdom and laughs. You’ll Learn: How baseball throwing mechanics apply to cricket. Ken breaks down how elite baseball pitching techniques—like hip-shoulder separation and ground-up force generation—can revolutionize how cricketers throw. The overlap between sports is far deeper than most think. How the lead arm acts like a shield that maintains balance, power, and accuracy. “Bite the burger” becomes your new mental cue for form. How many throwing injuries are due to problems in the core and lower body. A targeted warm-up and mobility work can transform both safety and performance. How to coach youth and adult athletes differently. Whether it’s a 12-year-old or a 40-year-old weekend warrior, Ken shares practical drills and adaptations to get the best out of every body type and experience level. Key Takeaways: If you’ve got a shoulder problem, you’ve got a body problem Ken emphasizes that pain or dysfunction in the shoulder often stems from the hips, core, or even the feet. Effective throwing starts with a full-body check-in. Front side mechanics are a game-changer Dropping your front arm ruins your throw. Keeping the elbow up and pulling through ("biting the burger") helps maintain rotational integrity and prevents spinal and shoulder injuries. Movement quality beats aesthetics A six-pack won’t help if your spine can’t rotate or your hips don’t move. Ken urges athletes to focus on quality foundational movement first. Elite throwing relies on disassociation The ability to separate lower-body motion from the upper body is key. Ken explains that most amateur athletes lack this and that it's critical to train for that “lag” in movement. Preparation must be individualized Everyone has different postural and mobility issues. Custom warm-ups and drills based on individual needs beat cookie-cutter routines every time. Quotes: “If you've got a shoulder problem, you've got a body problem.” “Don’t train like an elite athlete—move like a human first.” “Your shoulder is only as good as your spine, hips, and footwork.” Find Ken on: Instagram: @kjfitlab Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Apr 24, 2025 · 7 min
Why Walking is One of the Best Things You Can Do Pre-Season?
In this episode of the Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into why walking remains one of the most underrated yet effective pre-season strategies for cricketers. We just got back from a charity walk through the Welsh valleys, and it reminded us exactly how crucial endurance and volume training are—especially for club-level players. You'll Learn: How consistent walking builds endurance, strengthens your joints and bones, and prepares your body for the demands of cricket season. It’s a simple but powerful way to boost recovery and maintain match fitness. How gradually increasing your walking volume helps develop baseline endurance, reducing injury risk when the matches start. Volume matters more than intensity for sustained pre-season progress. How to kickstart your walking routine with practical advice—whether you’re short on time, balancing family life, or just getting off the sofa. Hint: it starts with just 30 minutes a day. Key Takeaways: Walking Builds Durability. Pre-season cricket requires more than nets and drills—it demands leg volume and general endurance. Walking is a low-impact way to build this durability. Most Cricketers Are Underprepared. Many club-level players skip fitness prep and jump straight into matches, leading to stiffness, soreness, and preventable injuries. Walking helps bridge that gap. Walking is Scalable for Everyone. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or a weekend hike with the family, walking is easy to scale based on your fitness level and schedule. Small steps lead to big gains. Don't Skip the Basics. Everyone wants to sprint or bowl at full pace—but if you haven’t walked regularly, you're not ready. Start with walking, and let your body adapt from the ground up. Quotes: “As simple as it sounds, go walk more. Start walking more.” “Endurance is a big part of cricket. You’ve got to last the whole day.” “People start running, and I ask—when was the last time you even walked for 30 minutes?” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Apr 22, 2025 · 8 min
Three Muscles Every Cricketer Needs to Release
In this episode of The Cricket Matters Podcast, we’re diving into three muscles that every cricketer absolutely must release to perform at their best. We break down what these muscles do, why they get tight, and how you can effectively release them to avoid pain and play better. Whether you’re a bowler, batter, or just battling shoulder stiffness, this one’s for you. You'll Learn: Why the Teres Major, Obliques, and Tensor Fascia Latae (TFL) are crucial for cricketers. These muscles often get overlooked but play a huge role in movement, performance, and pain prevention. Foam rolling techniques and manual therapy suggestions to release deep muscular tension. From massage balls to dry needling, we cover methods to help you recover faster. Why Rotation is Key for Cricketers. We highlight the chain reaction poor mobility has on your entire performance. How Often You Need to Work on These Muscles. We share how to build these practices into your training routine. Key Takeaways: Teres Major Is More Important Than You Think This deep shoulder muscle often becomes overactive, leading to restricted rotation and pain. Addressing it can significantly improve shoulder function and throwing mechanics. The Obliques Aren’t Just for Aesthetics Overactive obliques inhibit trunk rotation, which is essential for batting and bowling. Foam rolling and targeted release techniques are essential for restoring full movement. The TFL Plays a Hidden but Powerful Role Located at the side of the hip, the TFL helps with hip and knee stability. When tight, it interferes with hip mobility and overall athletic movement. Release Equals Performance Releasing these muscles improves flexibility, power transfer, and body coordination. It's a non-negotiable for serious cricketers who want to stay injury-free and sharp. It’s a Repetitive Process These techniques should become a consistent part of your training routine. Long-term gains come from short-term discomfort—lean into it. Quotes: “Most people have never done their obliques before, and it hurts like hell—but you’ll thank me later.” “You can’t just do it once and expect magic—it’s something you have to revisit.” “Rotation is everything in cricket, and these muscles are usually the reason it’s not happening.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Apr 17, 2025 · 11 min
Cricket Lessons from Serbia
We’re back with a fresh episode of the Cricket Matters podcast! In this one, James returns from Serbia with plenty of stories and most importantly insights from an elite-level coaching conference. From eccentric training to athlete pressure, we dig into the performance secrets of some of the world’s top sports minds. You’ll Learn: How focusing on the "down phase" of movement can improve strength, control, and injury prevention—especially for cricketers and rotational athletes. How breaking and changing direction separates good athletes from great ones—and how it applies across multiple sports. How elite athletes use focused attention (without distractions like music) to sharpen their performance and make every rep count. W some of the best insights for cricket conditioning come from explosive sports like triple jump, and how to reverse-engineer their methods. Key Takeaways: Eccentric (lowering) strength builds control and explosiveness. Athletes who master the "going down" phase of movement tend to be stronger, faster, and more resilient. It's not just about pushing up—it's about how you absorb and manage force. Deceleration training is underrated but essential. The best athletes aren’t always the fastest in a straight line—they're the ones who can stop and change direction efficiently, like a high-performance Formula One car. Intentional training beats distracted workouts every time. Tuning into your body during a session leads to better movement quality, deeper focus, and more meaningful progress. Learning from other sports expands your coaching toolbox. Insights from triple jumpers and baseball pitchers are helping James refine how cricketers move, jump, and rotate efficiently. Pressure in sport is real—but so is perspective. Hearing from a 7’2” pro basketball player about pressure-packed Serbian games reminds us that handling the mental side is just as critical as the physical. Quotes: “The best athletes are better on the eccentric version—the going down section.” “If you can improve the brakes of the athlete, you change their ability to recycle energy.” “Most people aren’t in tune with their body enough to know what’s really going on.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Apr 1, 2025 · 7 min
Why You Should Fix Pain First Before Changing Your Technique
In this episode, we dive into a crucial but often overlooked topic—why you should fix pain before changing your technique. Pain isn't just a nuisance; it's your body’s way of signaling a deeper issue. We discuss how ignoring pain and pushing through can lead to long-term movement issues, ingrained bad habits, and even worse performance on the field. You’ll Learn: Pain isn’t random; it’s the final alert after your body has tried to compensate for an issue. Ignoring it can lead to movement alterations that negatively impact your cricketing technique. Adjusting technique while in pain only reinforces poor habits. Addressing the pain first ensures that your body moves correctly without subconscious compensation. Continuing to train through pain can hardwire bad movement patterns into your game. Even after pain subsides, these habits often persist and must be unlearned. Key Takeaways: Pain alters movement and technique – Your body instinctively compensates for pain, which can lead to faulty biomechanics and bad habits in batting, bowling, and fielding. Training through pain is like driving on a flat tire – You might get by for a while, but eventually, the damage will catch up to you and worsen your performance. Fix pain before making technical adjustments – Addressing the root cause of pain ensures that technique changes are based on proper movement rather than compensation. Bad habits formed due to pain can linger – Even when pain is gone, your body may still default to improper movements, requiring retraining to restore optimal technique. Be honest about pain – Hiding injuries from coaches or teammates to stay in the game can lead to long-term damage and prevent proper recovery. Quotes: “Pain is your body’s final response—it’s been compensating for a long time before it gets to that point.” “If you keep playing through pain, you’re not just risking injury—you’re changing your technique in ways that might be hard to undo.” “You don’t want to get stuck in bad habits—get out of pain first, then work on refining your technique.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 27, 2025 · 12 min
The 4 Tests We Use to Screen All Cricketers for Technical Deficiencies
In this episode, we dive into the four essential tests we use to screen cricketers for technical deficiencies. These simple yet powerful assessments reveal hidden weaknesses and help athletes improve their balance, movement, and power. You'll Learn: The balance, movement, and power assessments that identify performance limitations and injury risks. How vision, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems impact stability and overall athletic performance. How a strong lunge pattern reduces injury risks and enhances movement efficiency. The importance of lower body and rotational power in maximizing batting, bowling, and fielding potential. Key Takeaways: Balance is foundational – If you can't balance on one leg with eyes closed, it reveals deeper issues that affect every aspect of your cricket performance. A strong lunge pattern prevents injuries – Owning a proper lunge position can significantly lower injury risks and improve movement efficiency. Power starts from the ground up – Effective power generation begins in the lower body and transfers through the core to enhance cricket skills. Asymmetries can limit performance – Identifying and addressing left-right imbalances helps optimize movement and power output. Simple tests give powerful insights – These four quick assessments can immediately highlight areas for improvement in any cricketer. Quotes: "If you can't balance on one leg, how can you balance speed, a cover drive, or a bowling action?" "Power isn’t just about strength—it’s about how efficiently you transfer energy from the ground up." "If you’re struggling with technique despite training, the issue might be physical, not technical." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 25, 2025 · 7 min
Becoming the Durable Performer
On this episode, we dive into what it means to be a durable performer. We discuss why reliability and consistency often outweigh raw talent in sports and explore the traits that make athletes like Bruno Fernandes and James Tarkowski indispensable. Whether you're a budding cricketer or just looking to improve your longevity in the game, this episode is for you. You'll Learn: What makes an athlete consistently available and reliable, and why durability is often more valuable than raw talent. How balance and rotational ability impact injury prevention and overall performance. Why teams need a mix of both and how durable performers form the backbone of any successful squad. Simple mindset and training adjustments that can help cricketers become more resilient and available for selection. Key Takeaways: Superstars may be the game-changers, but durable performers are the ones who keep teams competitive over time. Injury-prone players often lack balance and rotation, which are crucial for long-term athletic success. The best teams don’t just rely on star power—they have a strong core of reliable, consistent athletes who show up every game. Understanding your own physical limitations and strengths can help prevent injuries and extend your career. If you want to last in any sport, focus on consistency, movement quality, and resilience rather than just raw talent. Quotes: "A team full of durable performers is sometimes better than a team full of superstars." "Bruno Fernandes doesn’t miss a game unless he’s sent off—that’s the kind of reliability teams need." "Your ability to perform week in, week out, matters just as much as your peak performances." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 20, 2025 · 7 min
Analysing Glenn Phillips: The World's Best Fielder
In this episode, we break down the athleticism of Glenn Phillips, arguably the world's best fielder. We analyze what makes him such a phenomenal athlete and how his background in gymnastics, goalkeeping, and even aviation has contributed to his elite movement skills. You'll Learn: What sets Glenn apart from other cricketers, from his agility to his ability to reuse energy efficiently. How Phillips' experience in baseball, American football, and gymnastics shaped his exceptional fielding skills. The mechanics of power, rotation, and ground contact time that enable his incredible catches. Practical insights on how movement screening, strength, and agility training can enhance your fielding abilities. Key Takeaways: Athleticism Defines Great Fielders – Phillips’ ability to glide across the field and react with lightning-fast reflexes is a result of years of multi-sport training. Energy Storage and Reuse is Key – His spring-like movements and efficiency in recycling energy make him an elite fielder. Training Beyond Cricket Matters – Learning from other sports, such as baseball and American football, can significantly improve fielding skills. Movement Before Power – Screening movement patterns is crucial before focusing on strength and power development. Elite Fielding Changes the Game – A fielder of Phillips’ caliber forces opposition players to rethink their shot placement, proving that athleticism can be a game-changer. Quotes: "If you want to be the best, you've got to look at what the best do." "He’s picking up from baseball, football, and gymnastics—all these elements come together to make him world-class." "Imagine having 11 Glenn Phillips on the field—that would be intimidating." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 18, 2025 · 9 min
Are You Broken, Breaking or Balanced?
In this episode, we’re diving into an important question: Are you broken, breaking, or balanced? We'll explore how movement screening helps prevent injuries, optimize performance, and keep athletes in top shape. You'll Learn: The difference between being broken, breaking, and balanced, and why identifying which category you fall into is crucial for performance and longevity. How FMS assessments can predict injury risks and improve movement efficiency, making athletes more resilient. How pain impacts technique and why addressing it first is the key to effective training. What balance really means in an athletic context and why reducing asymmetries can lead to better agility, power, and injury prevention. Key Takeaways: Pain Dictates Performance – If you're in pain, your technique and efficiency suffer. Fixing pain should always come first. Breaking is Just as Concerning as Broken – Many athletes don’t realize they’re on the verge of an injury. Movement screening helps catch issues before they escalate. Balance Isn’t About Perfection – The goal isn’t to be perfect but to minimize asymmetries that can lead to inefficiencies or injuries. Screening is a Must for Injury Prevention – The FMS system has been adopted by elite sports teams to predict and reduce injury risks. Cricketers Need to Move in Both Directions – Unlike some sports, cricketers must rotate both ways, making balance even more essential. Quotes: "Don't load dysfunction - fix movement before adding strength." "Pain dictates how well you perform; it impacts everything." "Most athletes are breaking, not broken, but they don’t even know it." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 13, 2025 · 14 min
Zone 2 for Cricketers: A Beginner's Guide
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Zone 2 training for cricketers - a beginner’s guide to understanding its importance. We’ll break down why Zone 2 training is crucial for endurance, fat oxidation, and overall performance, helping you train smarter, not harder. You’ll Learn: What Zone 2 is, how to measure it, and why it’s an essential part of cardiovascular fitness for cricketers. How training in Zone 2 helps your body use fat as a primary fuel source, leading to better endurance and fewer energy crashes. How improving your aerobic threshold can enhance your stamina and allow you to maintain performance over longer periods. Why Zone 2 training boosts mitochondrial function, leading to better energy production, faster recovery, and sustained performance on the field. Key Takeaways: Zone 2 is about training smarter, not harder. It involves working at 60-70% of your max heart rate to build cardiovascular endurance without overexertion. Fat oxidation is key for sustained energy. By training in Zone 2, your body learns to efficiently use fat as fuel, preventing the quick depletion of glycogen stores. A higher aerobic threshold leads to better stamina. The goal is to push your aerobic threshold closer to your anaerobic threshold, improving endurance over time. Mitochondrial efficiency drives performance. More efficient mitochondria mean better energy production, which translates to longer batting, better bowling, and faster recovery. Most people train too hard without realizing it. Many cricketers unknowingly train above Zone 2, missing out on its long-term endurance benefits. Quotes: "You can’t train Zone 2 through strength training—it has to be cardiovascular." "Training in Zone 2 helps your body use fat for fuel, meaning you won’t burn out as quickly." "Zone 2 is all about efficiency—better heart function, improved energy production, and faster recovery." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Mar 11, 2025 · 11 min
WWS: Three Non-Negotiable Habits for Cricketing Success
In this episode, we dive into WWS - three non-negotiable habits for cricketing success: Walk, Water, Sleep. These might sound simple, but trust us, most people don’t track them properly. We break down why these habits are essential for performance, how they impact recovery, and how small changes can lead to big results. You'll Learn: The Importance of Walking – Discover why walking is crucial for both recovery and endurance in cricket. We break down how increasing your daily walking reserve can improve efficiency on the field. Hydration and Athletic Performance – Learn how chronic dehydration affects performance and why tracking your water intake can transform your game. James shares his personal wake-up call when he realized he wasn’t drinking enough. The Role of Sleep in Recovery – Understand how proper sleep enhances focus, endurance, and overall well-being. We discuss the common mistakes athletes make when it comes to rest. Tracking Habits for Success – Find out how simple habit tracking can expose blind spots in your routine. James shares how a journaling exercise helped him reset his hydration habits. Key Takeaways: Walking is a Performance Multiplier – Walking is not just for fitness; it builds endurance and movement efficiency essential for cricket. Many players underestimate how much they walk during a match. Hydration is Often Overlooked – Most people think they drink enough water, but tracking reveals otherwise. Making hydration a priority leads to better focus, energy, and recovery. Sleep Fuels Performance – Lack of proper sleep can lead to fatigue, poor decision-making, and increased injury risk. Cricket players need to prioritize sleep just like training. Tracking Creates Awareness – What gets measured gets managed. Writing down daily habits makes it easier to spot areas for improvement. Your Body Adapts Over Time – When you start drinking more water, your body takes time to adjust. After four to six weeks, hydration becomes second nature, and your performance improves. Quotes: "Most people think they’re hydrated until they actually track their water intake." "If you don’t track your habits, you’re guessing and guessing won’t make you better." "Your body craves what you give it consistently so why not make it crave water and movement?" Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 20, 2025 · 11 min
How to Get Better at Batting: 5 Key Areas to Focus On
In this episode, we dive deep into the five key areas that can transform your batting performance. Whether you’re a seasoned cricketer or just picking up a bat (like Josh, not knowing if he’s left or right-handed), we share valuable insights to take your game to the next level. You'll Learn: How factors like fitness, breathing capacity, and overall well-being directly impact your technique and performance on the pitch. How restricted neck and shoulder mobility can hinder your stance, alignment, and ultimately your batting technique. Why strength, power, and cardio endurance are crucial to maintaining technique even when fatigue sets in. How mental resilience, decision-making, and focus are influenced by physical preparedness. Key Takeaways: Health is the foundation of batting technique. Without it, even the best technique can fall apart under pressure. Proper movement mechanics prevent bad habits from forming and improve shot alignment and execution. Building athleticism isn’t just about power—it’s about translating strength into effective batting technique. A strong mindset can only thrive when physical fitness and efficient movement are in place. When technique breaks down, it’s often due to fatigue, highlighting the importance of holistic preparation. Quotes: “Technique is the outcome, not the starting point.” “Movement restrictions lead to technical limitations.” “Mindset breaks down when the body does.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 18, 2025 · 11 min
Introducing the Complete Cricketer Performance System
In this episode, we introduce the Complete Cricketer Performance System, a game-changing framework designed to help cricketers maximize their potential. Instead of focusing solely on technique, we break down five key pillars that influence performance, starting with the fundamentals that most players overlook. You'll Learn: Why Technique Isn’t Everything – Many cricketers believe technique is the primary factor in performance, but other overlooked elements play a crucial role. We discuss why improving health, movement, and athleticism should come first. The Five Pillars of Performance – We introduce the five essential areas that impact cricketing ability, beginning with health and movement as foundational elements. Without these, technical improvements are limited. The Role of Movement in Cricket – Poor mobility acts as a "handbrake" on performance, restricting a player's ability to rotate, squat, or generate power efficiently. We highlight key mobility tests every cricketer should assess. Why Athleticism Matters – Strength, power, agility, and speed are vital for performance. We explain the athleticism pyramid and how hitting certain baseline markers can drastically improve batting, bowling, and fielding. Key Takeaways: Health is the First Priority – Without proper health—good breathing, body composition, and a low resting heart rate—performance suffers. Many amateur cricketers overlook this and struggle as a result. Movement Restrictions Limit Performance – If a player can’t rotate, squat, or extend fully, their technique will always be compromised. Fixing movement first allows for greater technical execution under pressure. Athleticism is More Than Just Strength – Cricketers need strength, power, agility, speed, and endurance to excel. Without these, executing high-level skills consistently is impossible. Pain Impacts Technique – Movement screens help identify pain or mobility issues. Playing through pain affects technique, and addressing it should always be the first step. Baseline Assessments Are Key – Evaluating health, movement, and athleticism provides an objective starting point for improvement. Skipping these steps leads to inconsistent and limited progress. Quotes: "Every cricketer jumps straight to technique, but there are other crucial factors that influence performance." "If you can't breathe properly, you can't rotate. And if you can't rotate, how are you going to play the pull shot?" "Movement restrictions act as a handbrake to performance. You need to move efficiently before you can perform at high speed." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 13, 2025 · 9 min
How Cricket Bat Weight and Shape Impact Your Technique
Welcome to the Cricket Matters podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of cricket bats—specifically, how bat weight and shape impact your technique. If you've ever wondered whether your bat is helping or hurting your game, this episode will give you the insights you need. You'll Learn: The Role of Bat Weight in Your Technique – A bat that's too heavy can force you to rely too much on your bottom hand, while a bat that's too light might make you swing too fast, leading to mistimed shots. Finding the right balance is key to optimal performance. How Bat Shape Affects Your Play – The profile of your bat (low, mid, or high) should match the conditions you play in. Different shapes influence how the bat picks up and swings through, impacting control and power. The Science Behind Power and Timing – The equation for power isn’t just strength times speed—it’s also influenced by time and lag in your bat swing. Understanding this can help you choose a bat that maximizes your shot-making ability. How to Find the Right Bat for You – There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Testing different weights and profiles through trial and error is crucial to discovering what works best for your playing style. Key Takeaways: Balance is Everything – A bat needs to feel right in your hands. The way it picks up and moves through your swing is more important than just its raw weight. Heavier Bats Aren’t Always Better – If you can’t generate enough speed with a heavy bat, it might actually reduce your power. Strength alone isn’t enough—you need speed and control. Your Playing Conditions Matter – If you play on slow, low-bouncing pitches, a low-profile bat works better. On faster, bouncier pitches, a higher-profile bat helps with backfoot play. Grip Strength Influences Control – If your bat is too heavy and your grip strength isn’t up to par, your bottom hand will take over, leading to technical issues. The Best Test? Top-Hand Only Drills – A simple way to check if your bat suits you is to hit shots using only your top hand. If you struggle, your bat might be too heavy or not the right shape for you. Quotes: “Most bats are too heavy for players, and that forces bad technique—especially an overactive bottom hand.” “Trial and error is the only way to find your perfect bat. What works for one player won’t necessarily work for another.” “If you can’t control the bat with just your top hand, you’re either not strong enough, or the bat isn’t right for you.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 11, 2025 · 11 min
Should the England Women's Cricket Team be Fitter?
In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether skill and discipline or fitness levels are to blame for England's recent defeat in Australia. We explore the nuances of athletic performance, discussing how discipline, fitness, and skill intersect to create elite athletes. You'll Learn: How fitness influences skill development, agility, and decision-making under pressure. We discuss real-world examples of elite athletes and how their fitness levels contribute to their longevity and success. How cultural factors and training systems play a role in the athletic performance gap between nations. We explore why some teams produce more athletic and disciplined players than others. Insight into the rapid development of women's sports, the challenges of depth in competition, and how fitness expectations are shifting. We discuss how social media scrutiny and professionalism impact the current generation of female athletes. Key Takeaways: Discipline is the foundation of high performance. Elite athletes are meticulous about their training, nutrition, and recovery, and this discipline translates to better performance on the field. Fitness is a key factor in skill execution. In high-performance environments, being physically prepared is non-negotiable. The best players combine skill with relentless work ethic. While talent is important, hard work ultimately separates the greats from the good. Women's sports are growing but face unique challenges. With fewer athletes in the talent pool, top players often rise quickly without the same competitive pressure as in men's sports. This creates gaps in fitness and training standards that need to be addressed. Body composition and posture impact athletic ability. Proper training and awareness are essential to maintaining peak physical form. Quotes: "Discipline isn’t just about showing up—it’s about doing the little things right, day in and day out." "Skill will get you far, but hard work and discipline will define how long you stay at the top." "The best athletes don’t just train their bodies; they train their minds to handle pressure and make split-second decisions." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 6, 2025 · 14 min
How We Quickly Assess Athleticism in Female Cricketers?
In this episode, we share our experience working with the German women's cricket team, where we assessed athleticism and identified key areas for improvement. From last-minute passport scares to game-changing fitness insights, we take you behind the scenes of our journey to Germany and how we revamped our assessment methods for female cricketers. You’ll Learn: Our streamlined approach to evaluating movement, power, and endurance without taking up too much valuable playing time. Why movement isn’t usually an issue for female athletes, but strength and power generation often require focused development. How combining objective testing with coach observations leads to better player development and selection decisions. Why personalized fitness plans are crucial for teams like Germany’s, where regional coaching is a challenge. Key Takeaways: Fitness drives performance. Athleticism directly impacts cricket skills like batting, bowling, and fielding, making fitness training essential for high-level play. Female athletes excel in movement but need strength work. Unlike men, most female cricketers have good mobility but benefit from targeted strength and power training. Efficient testing is crucial. Long, exhaustive assessments don’t work in trial settings; quick, effective evaluations provide the best insights. Data enhances coaching decisions. Combining test results with coach observations allows for more objective and constructive feedback. Self-training matters. With geographic limitations in team training, players must take ownership of their fitness to stay competitive. Quotes: "Athleticism isn’t just about fitness—it directly impacts technique, and technique impacts performance." "We don’t need to spend hours testing; we need quick insights that help coaches make the best decisions." "Regional coaching is tough, so athletes must train smart on their own to stay ahead." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Feb 4, 2025 · 7 min
We're Back with Season 3!
We’re back! After a two-month break, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to refine our training methods, and take on an exciting new role. In this episode, we’ll share what we’ve been up to, including a major update on our revamped training system and our new partnership with the German National Women’s Cricket Team. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at the exciting content we have planned for the year ahead. Quotes: “We reviewed the year, worked with some amazing partners, and completely revamped our training system." “Cricket fitness is evolving, and we’re making sure our approach is ahead of the curve.” “How you move and how you train impacts your technique, and technique impacts performance.” “Get ready for more content, more insights, and a whole new approach to cricket training in 2025.” Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Dec 10, 2024 · 11 min
Stiff Lats, S**t Shots: How Tight Lats Impact Your Batting
In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the fascinating connection between tight lats and poor batting performance. With insights ranging from anatomy to practical exercises, they explore how addressing this common issue can transform your game. Whether you're a weekend player or a serious cricketer, this episode is a must-listen! You'll Learn: The role of the latissimus dorsi muscle in your back and how it influences not just your posture but your bat speed and control. How relaxation and tension at the right moments are critical for quick, powerful batting strokes. How stiff lats can lead to rounded shoulders, poor posture, and a slower, clunky bat path. Easy tests and exercises to identify and alleviate tight lats, helping you stay agile and injury-free. Key Takeaways: As one of the largest muscles in the body, tight lats can restrict your arm movement, decrease bat speed, and disrupt timing. Being "fast and loose" allows for fluid movements and precise strikes, similar to techniques used by elite athletes like Manny Pacquiao. Stiff lats lead to a restricted back path, forcing batsmen to hit the ball awkwardly, often leading to dismissals. Tight lats not only create poor posture but also disconnect the power generated from your legs, affecting overall performance. Simple tools like a "LAT test" and targeted stretching can address muscle stiffness, improving your batting technique and reducing injury risk. Quotes: "The lats are some of the biggest muscles, if not the biggest muscle in the body, essentially." "If you're stiff, you're slow. If you're loose, you're fast." "Tight lats stop you from getting your arms back, which increases tension and affects your bat speed." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Dec 5, 2024 · 10 min
How Your Neck Could Be Holding Back Your Batting
In this episode of, Josh and James explore a surprising factor in improving your batting performance: your neck. They delve into why physical traits like neck mobility and alignment are crucial for batting, complementing their prior discussion on the importance of physical readiness before focusing on technique. You'll Learn: How restricted neck rotation or alignment impacts key aspects of batting, from maintaining balance to tracking the ball's line and length. Learn why batting is more about "head to the ball" than foot positioning. Why keeping your head level is essential for clear vision and power in shots. A skewed head position disrupts both your perception and your ability to generate consistent power. How screening for cervical rotation, flexion, and extension helps identify physical restrictions that may affect your side-on stance and overall batting technique. How a proper side-on stance enhances your bat swing path, allows better hand extension, and avoids the pitfalls of being overly front-on during play. Key Takeaways: A still and level head is the foundation of good batting. Blurred vision from head movement or misalignment compromises your ability to track the ball and play shots effectively. Physical limitations in neck rotation and extension lead to poor posture and positioning, reducing power and accuracy in batting. A proper side-on position creates space for the hands to move back further, increasing the bat’s power and efficiency during a swing. Coaches should screen players for neck mobility issues, which often underlie technical flaws in batting stance and shot execution. Many players unconsciously adjust their stance due to neck discomfort, leading to technical compromises like being overly square-on at the crease. Quotes: “A side-on position gives you that extra 2–3 inches in your back swing, which can make all the difference.” “If you’re already skewed, you’ll struggle to track the ball, and your power will be compromised.” “We need to know as coaches—is it a physical restriction causing the issue or just comfort?" Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com
Dec 3, 2024 · 10 min
Move Well First: Why Physical Traits Matter Before Technique
In this episode of the Cricket Matters Podcast, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into why movement quality should take precedence over technique in cricket. They explore the impact of physical traits on performance, injury prevention, and coaching strategies, with real-life examples to illustrate their points. You'll Learn: How movement quality directly affects performance and serves as a predictor for injury risk. Learn why professional sports teams prioritize movement assessments before focusing on technique. Insights into the subjective yet vital concept of "moving well," with examples from elite cricketers like Joss Butler and Jimmy Anderson. Understand why movement elegance often correlates with exceptional performance. How movement and physical trait assessments shape coaching strategies. Find out why addressing physical limitations can resolve technical struggles more effectively than tweaking techniques. Key Takeaways: Elite athletes succeed not just because of technique but because their movement patterns support their physical demands. A well-moving athlete is less prone to injury and more likely to excel. Athletes often struggle with technique due to unaddressed physical limitations, such as restricted mobility or lack of strength. Tailoring physical training can unlock better technical execution. Previous injuries are the top predictors of future injuries. Improving movement quality can reduce the likelihood of injuries and ensure longevity in sports. For athletes like women cricketers, strength limitations can hinder performance. Simple adjustments, such as using lighter bats, can make a significant difference. Movement screenings and physical assessments offer a data-backed baseline for coaching decisions. This approach ensures that training programs address specific needs effectively. Quotes: "Movement quality dictates performance and is a predictor of injury risk." "You need to move well first because moving well dictates how you perform." "Simple changes, like lighter bats, can transform an athlete's performance." Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com