Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management

In this episode, host Josh Kennedy and James Breese explore the role of meditation in enhancing a cricketer’s performance. They discuss how mindfulness and meditation techniques can improve focus, calmness, and mental clarity both on and off the field. You'll Learn: How meditation can help cricketers become more present, focused, and calm during crucial game moments, improving overall perform...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese discuss the innovative Cricket Matters coaching method. This holistic system helps cricketers unlock their full potential by addressing not just technical skills, but physical conditioning and mental resilience. They dive into how this approach can transform players at all levels, from amateurs to aspiring professionals. You’ll Learn: How this method...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese discuss the importance of structured off-season training for cricketers. They break down the three essential phases of off-season conditioning: recovery, strength, and aerobic development, offering insights into why each phase is crucial for long-term athletic performance. You'll Learn: How to divide off-season training into recovery, strength/po...

In this episode, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breese are joined by former England cricketer and Glamorgan captain, Steve James. With a career spanning 17 seasons and expertise in both cricket and rugby, Steve shares his experiences, insights, and personal journey from professional cricket to coaching. You’ll Learn: Steve emphasizes how maintaining fitness impacts both physical and mental stamina,...

In this episode, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breeze sit down with former South African cricketer, Andre Nel. Known for his aggressive bowling and fierce on-field persona, Andre shares insights about his career, his unique alter ego "Gunther," and what it takes to be a fast bowler at the highest level. You'll Learn: The critical role of mental toughness, sharing how his alter ego &q...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese welcome batting performance specialist Gio Colussi. With 26 years of experience and a renowned batting process, Gio shares his expertise on building systems for consistent batting success and unlocking the elusive run flow state. You'll Learn: Gio’s system that helps players manage thoughts, emotions, and distractions, ensuring they remain calm a...

In this episode, Josh and James delve into the essential strategies for improving stamina and endurance for cricket players. They break down the energy systems used in cricket and discuss the best ways to train for optimal performance both on and off the field. You'll Learn: The difference between aerobic and anaerobic systems, and how both are vital for cricketers to perform at their best du...

In today's episode, Josh and James dive deep into the evolving world of online cricket coaching. They explore how hybrid coaching solutions combine the benefits of in-person training with the convenience and accountability of online tools, revolutionizing cricket coaching for modern athletes. You’ll Learn: The shift from traditional one-on-one cricket coaching to online and hybrid models, whi...

In this episode, Josh and James explore the costs involved in hiring a cricket coach. They dive into factors that affect pricing, regional differences, and the emerging trend of hybrid and online coaching. If you're curious about how much you should budget for cricket coaching and what services are included, this episode has you covered. You'll Learn: Coaching costs vary depending on fac...

In this episode, Josh and James Breese discuss how to hire the right cricket coach. They break down common mistakes and offer practical advice for finding a coach that aligns with your cricketing goals. If you want to elevate your game, this episode is packed with insights you can use. You'll Learn: Why having clear, specific cricketing goals helps you choose the right coach. Whether you&apos...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the advantages of working with a cricket coach. They explore what makes a great coach and why both amateurs and professionals alike benefit from mentorship in cricket. You’ll Learn: The essential characteristics of a successful cricket coach, from being a mentor and diplomat to breaking down complex techniques into simple, applicable actions...

Josh Kennedy and James Breese discuss the topic of strength and conditioning for cricket. They discuss its significance, how it compares to other sports, and how cricketers can enhance their athletic performance. Get ready for expert insights on how training beyond the weight room can improve your game. You'll Learn: How strength and conditioning is a multifaceted approach that goes beyond th...

In this episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive deep into the importance of health assessments for cricketers. They emphasize that health is the foundation of athletic performance, regardless of age or skill level. You'll Learn: Why a cricketer's health is crucial for achieving peak performance and standing out in the sport, particularly in today&...

Josh and James dive deep into the Cricket Matters Athletic Performance System, a comprehensive approach to improving athletic performance specifically for cricketers. They discuss the origins of the system and its critical components, emphasizing the importance of a structured, health-first approach to training. You'll Learn: The origins and key elements of the performance system, including t...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the essentials of nutrition for cricketers, especially for beginners. They emphasize the importance of integrating proper nutrition into training to enhance performance, recovery, and overall well-being on and off the field. You'll Learn: Why nutrition is often overlooked by amateur cricketers and how it plays a crucial role in their pe...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese delve into the intricacies of cricket fitness, breaking down the essential components that make up an effective training regime for cricketers. Drawing from years of experience in the fitness industry, they explore how a balanced approach to athleticism can significantly improve on-field performance. You’ll Learn: Discover why mobility, stability, bal...

In this episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breese explore the concept of the ideal height and weight for cricketers. They discuss how body composition impacts performance and delve into data trends from various sports to offer insights into what might be considered optimal for cricket players. You'll Learn: Learn about the average height of elite fast bowlers...

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into a detailed case study on how to effectively recover from a thigh injury. Using James's recent quad injury as a real-life example, they explore the key strategies and principles that have helped him bounce back faster. You'll Learn: Learn from James's experience with a quad injury and the comprehensive recovery approach he used...

In this episode, we dive into the critical role nutrition plays in your performance on match day. We’ll show you how to balance and enjoy your food while still focusing on achieving peak performance. This podcast emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and eating a well-rounded meal that includes protein, carbohydrates, and fats. You'll Learn Understanding the role of nutrition in crick...

In this episode, we discuss the vital role of caloric intake in boosting cricketers' performance.  The importance of understanding and calculating maintenance calories, using tools like the Mifflin St. George calculator. We cover how to balance macronutrients to maintain energy and focus during matches, and we also touch on the negative impact of alcohol on recovery and sleep. You'll Lea...

With so many players affected, we thought it was timely to discuss the fastest ways to heal those pesky hamstrings. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, these insights will help you get back on the field faster and stronger. James shares his extensive experience with hamstring injuries, both as a player and coach. We'll dive into the main causes, from dehydration to muscle...

Welcome back to the Cricket Matters podcast, Season 2! We've been on a brief hiatus, but we're thrilled to return with a refreshed format. In this episode, we dive into the topic of hydration for cricketers. Hydration is not just about quenching your thirst; it's about optimizing your performance and staying at the top of your game, both physically and mentally. We'll share pra...

Dive into this thought-provoking episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, where we question common beliefs about back pain with Dr. Perry Nickelston of Stop Chasing Pain. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of traditional pain management, Perry delivers a fresh perspective on back pain, especially concerning cricketers. The Anatomy of Back Pain: Is what we've accepted about back pain in cricke...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Cricket Matters podcast as we delve deep into the challenges and best practices of training during the cricket season. Whether you're an aspiring cricketer or a seasoned player, this episode is loaded with insights you won't want to miss. 1.     Rule #1: No Injuries Injuries can be a game-changer, often for the worse. We discuss the paramount importan...

Join us for an enthralling episode of the Cricket Matters podcast, where we sit down with cricket legend and renowned coach, Matt Maynard, MBE. Throughout this conversation, we explore Matt's impressive career both as a skilled batsman and a transformative coach. Delving into the intricacies of batting techniques, Matt shares his expertise on footwork, balance, and the mental resilience requi...