Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management

We’ve got some exciting news to share with you in this episode of the Cricket Matters podcast. After weeks of planning and behind-the-scenes work, we can finally reveal the secret we’ve been keeping. This is a big step for us, and we can’t wait to tell you what it means for cricketers now and in the future. Find James on: Instagram: @jamesbreese Twitter: @_jamesbreese To learn more about Cricket M...

In this episode of the Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into how the best cricketers train during the off season. We break down the fundamentals—assessment, strength, endurance, and pain management—to help you come back stronger when the season starts. You’ll Learn: Why assessment comes before training: We explain why knowing your baseline through performance analysis is essential before chasing s...

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive into the classic mistakes that club cricketers keep making year after year. From mindset to fitness to on-field decisions, we’ve seen the same patterns repeat themselves—and we want to break them down so you don’t fall into the same traps. This is a mix of tough truths and lighthearted laughs, all with the aim of helping you improve your game. You’ll Lea...

We all know the frustration of finishing one cricket season only to start the next in the same place—or sometimes worse. In this episode, we break down why most cricketers fail to improve year after year and what separates the ones who do. We’ll share how to use the off-season to your advantage, both physically and mentally, so you can come back stronger than ever. You’ll Learn: Why relying on “ho...

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we reflect on the season just gone - what went well, what could’ve been better, and, most importantly, what we learned. We share honest reflections, practical advice, and actionable strategies that you can take into your own cricketing journey. You’ll Learn: How to evaluate your season with clarity – Learn why reflection is the first step to genuine improvement...

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive into the fatal flaw most club cricketers have in their batting technique and why it’s holding them back from becoming more powerful and athletic at the crease. We unpack what this flaw is, why it happens, and how you can start fixing it today. You’ll Learn: The hidden flaw in most batting stances – Why standing with your knees over your toes might feel p...

In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of batting: playing spin. Fresh off a nail-biting Test match, we explore what makes spin bowling so tough and introduce our powerful “4D Approach” to counter it. If you’ve ever felt stuck playing spin, this episode is for you. You’ll Learn: Why Spin Dominates in Over-40s and Club Cricket. As pace drops with a...

We’ve all watched club batters crumble against spin bowling and wondered—why does it happen so often? In this episode, we unpack the real reason behind the struggle—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about technique. James Breese joins us to break down the mindset, game plan, and psychology required to play spin smarter at the club level. You’ll Learn: Why technique alone won’t save you from spin. Mo...

In this episode, we break down the misunderstood concept of trigger movements in batting—and why most club players are focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode, we share real training insights, honest mistakes, and what actually separates pros from amateurs. You’ll Learn: Why Most Club Cricketers Don’t Need Trigger Movements. If your technique isn’t sound, trigger movements won’t save you—they...

In this episode, we dive into a conversation that’s long overdue—mental health and confidence issues in women’s cricket. We reflect on the hidden struggles female athletes face, beyond just technique or skill. From fear of failure to the need for reassurance, this one’s about the mindset shifts that matter most. You’ll Learn: The unseen mental challenges female cricketers face. We break down how f...

In this episode of Cricket Matters , we dive into a topic that’s close to every batter’s heart: what actually counts as a good batting average in club cricket? We crunch the numbers, challenge the myths, and share a reality check that every aspiring player needs to hear. You’ll Learn: Why averages alone don’t tell the full story. We explore how focusing only on your batting average can be misleadi...

In this episode of The Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into a topic that’s often ignored once the season begins—in-season strength training. We get it—game days, practice, and recovery all take time, but we’re here to show you why skipping the gym could be the biggest mistake you make this season. You’ll Learn: Why In-Season Strength Training Matters: Skipping the gym during the season can lead t...

We’ve seen more and more cricketers dealing with crippling back spasms lately, so we knew it was time to dive deep into the real reasons behind them. In this episode, we’re unpacking the mechanics of back spasms, why they’re not always about your back, and what you can do to fix them fast. From personal stories to professional insights, we’ve got the game plan you need. You’ll Learn: How dysfuncti...

In this episode, we dig into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for in-season performance: protein. We share our own routines and discuss how proper protein intake can make or break your recovery, energy levels, and injury risk throughout the cricket season. You’ll Learn: How protein supports muscle retention, recovery, and overall performance—especially when gym time decreas...

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 ba...

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...

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...

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Luis Mesquita—physiotherapist, S&C coach, and co-founder of The Peak training facility—whose deep dive into eccentric strength and deceleration performance truly stopped us in our tracks. In this episode, we explore the science behind "putting on the brakes" and why it might just be the performance edge cricketers are missing. You’ll Learn: Ho...

In this episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked but game-changing elements of batting—your sprint times between the wickets. We’re building on last week’s sprinting episode and getting laser-focused on the exact times you need to hit to become an elite-level runner between the wickets. You’ll Learn: The ideal timings for singles, twos, and threes—critical be...

In this episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, we dive into a deceptively simple yet powerful topic—how to run faster between the wickets. We’re breaking down what really impacts your speed and sharing evidence-backed techniques you can apply immediately to score more runs. Y ou'll Learn: How a small shift in technique—carrying the bat in one hand—can help transfer energy more efficiently an...

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 techniqu...

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, strengt...

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 Te...

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...

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...