In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive into one of the most crucial—and often overlooked—aspects of the game: the mental side of batting. We share the proven six-step mental routine that can help cricketers of all levels improve focus, confidence, and performance at the crease.

You’ll Learn:

• Why mindset separates good players from great ones
  We explore how elite athletes—from cricketers to basketball legends—use mental clarity to gain a competitive edge and perform under pressure.
• How to control nerves and emotions before batting
  Understand the physiological and psychological responses to pressure and how to manage them with intentional actions.
• A breakdown of the two-phase batting mindset routine
  Learn the specifics of the Recover and Refocus phases, including actionable steps like Reset, Reflect, Relax, and Plan, Set, Cue.
• The importance of building personal pre-ball rituals
  Discover how professional athletes develop repeatable routines to stay calm and consistent between deliveries.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental clarity can make or break your innings.
  Losing focus for even a single ball can end your time at the crease, making mindset just as vital as technique.
• The "Recover" phase helps you move on from the previous ball.
  Reset, Reflect, and Relax are designed to process the last delivery and emotionally reset for the next.
• The "Refocus" phase prepares you for what’s next.
  Planning your intent, setting your stance, and using a personal cue helps eliminate distractions and build consistency.
• Personal rituals act as performance anchors.
  Repeating the same physical and mental actions before each ball helps eliminate nervous energy and fosters confidence.
• This mental routine is rooted in research, not guesswork.
  The six steps are supported by psychology and sport science, with parallels in disciplines like baseball, tennis, and basketball.

Quotes:

"The thing that separates the best players from the good players is what goes on between the ears."

"If you can’t learn to switch off, you’ll fatigue—and not just physically, but mentally."

"Top professionals have the same routine ball after ball—it’s what allows them to perform under pressure."

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

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we get personal. We share firsthand experiences of how physical pain can quietly creep into your technique and sabotage your game without you even noticing. From bruised wrists to locked-up hips, we dive into why ignoring pain is never the answer.

You’ll Learn:

• The subtle ways pain changes your technique: Even a minor wrist injury can shift your grip, leading to poor bat control and unintended shots. Pain doesn't just hurt—it rewires your mechanics.
• Why playing through pain is a long-term risk: Masking discomfort may get you through one match, but it can lead to compensation patterns that permanently alter your technique.
• The importance of proper assessment and treatment: Seeing a physio or sports therapist early can prevent small issues from becoming chronic. DIY fixes aren't always the answer.
• How grip strength can reveal underlying issues: James shares how a simple kettlebell test helped him measure his grip capacity—and discover he wasn’t as recovered as he thought.

Key Takeaways:

• Pain changes how your body moves—often without you knowing it. Your technique suffers silently, and over time, it can become your new normal.
• A minor injury in your hand can derail your batting technique. Something as simple as grip strength being off can lead to mistimed shots and reduced performance.
• Don’t rely on internet fixes—see a professional. Medical advice tailored to your body is always more effective than general YouTube routines.
• Athletes often ignore pain until it disrupts performance. Being proactive is crucial; regular assessments and mobility work should be part of your routine.
• Pain is usually a symptom, not the cause. Dig deeper into movement patterns, posture, and daily habits to find and address the root issue.

Quotes:

“Pain affects everything in your day-to-day life—but especially your performance on game day.”

“Grip strength doesn't lie—if you can't hold a kettlebell, something's wrong.”

“If you're moving like you're wearing concrete boots, it's time to take care of your body.”

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

In this episode, we dive into one of the most commonly repeated — yet misunderstood — pieces of batting advice: “Watch the ball.” We explore what that really means and how cricketers can improve their ability to see and track the ball more effectively through techniques borrowed from baseball and other sports.

You’ll Learn:

• Why just telling batters to “watch the ball” isn't enough, and learn what elite players actually do when they're watching it. You'll hear why many dismissals happen because players lose sight of the ball at a crucial moment.
• How shifting between a soft focus on the bowler’s body and a hard focus on the ball’s release point helps players track the ball better. These techniques, rooted in baseball, can transform how cricketers perceive and react.
• How keeping your head still improves both depth and speed judgment.
• How to improve your ball-tracking ability beyond match play — including apps, drills, and slow-motion practice. It’s not just about reflexes; it’s about awareness and training your visual muscles.

Key Takeaways:

• Soft and hard focus work together
  Soft focus helps you gather general information about the bowler's body and movement, while hard focus allows you to zero in on the release point. Switching between the two is a skill that can be practiced and developed.
• Not all bowlers are the same
  Facing bowlers with slingy or sidearm actions makes ball-tracking much harder. This is where a flexible visual strategy becomes essential.
• Stillness improves visual clarity
  A still head allows you to better judge line, length, and speed — it’s not just about technique, but perception too. A moving head can distort how fast the ball appears to be coming at you.
• Vision training is crucial
  Like any other physical skill, your eyes and focus can be trained. From net practice with slow-motion to using baseball-inspired vision apps, there are many ways to develop this edge.

Quotes:

“Soft focus is the wide gaze on the bowler; hard focus is locking in on the release point.”

“Not all bowlers present the ball cleanly. Some you lose it before you even pick it up.”

“Your eyes are muscles — they can and should be trained.”

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