• How to Get Better at Batting: 5 Key Areas to Focus On
    2025/02/20

    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

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    12 分
  • Introducing the Complete Cricketer Performance System
    2025/02/18

    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

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    11 分
  • How Cricket Bat Weight and Shape Impact Your Technique
    2025/02/13

    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

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    9 分
  • Should the England Women's Cricket Team be Fitter?
    2025/02/11

    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

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    11 分
  • How We Quickly Assess Athleticism in Female Cricketers?
    2025/02/06

    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

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    15 分
  • We're Back with Season 3!
    2025/02/04

    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

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    7 分
  • Stiff Lats, S**t Shots: How Tight Lats Impact Your Batting
    2024/12/10

    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

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    11 分
  • How Your Neck Could Be Holding Back Your Batting
    2024/12/05

    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

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    11 分