Cricket Matters - Expert Cricket Coaching, Mindset & Performance Tips

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

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, balance, and coordination are the cornerstones of athletic performance, and how neglecting these can lead to injuries and underperformance.
• Learn about the layered approach to fitness, starting from foundational strength and aerobic capacity, and building up to the more advanced aspects like power, speed, and agility.
• The importance of mental toughness in cricket, and how it underpins the physical aspects of training to create a more resilient and effective athlete.
• The pitfalls of focusing too much on strength and power without first mastering the basics, and how this can hinder progress and increase the risk of injury.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a solid foundation in mobility, stability, balance, and coordination is essential for any cricketer looking to improve their performance and reduce injury risk.
• A systematic approach to fitness, beginning with core stability and progressing to more dynamic skills, ensures a well-rounded and effective training program.
• Balancing mental resilience with physical training is crucial for long-term success in cricket, helping athletes to perform consistently under pressure.
• Core strength is vital for executing powerful and accurate cricket movements; it connects the body’s various muscle groups, enabling efficient and effective play.
• A well-rounded training plan that includes mental, physical, technical, and tactical preparation is key to maximizing performance on the cricket field.

Quotes:

"We have to start with the basics: mobility, stability, balance, and coordination. Without these, you’re building on a house of sand." - James Breese

"Mental resilience is the overarching theme that holds all the components of fitness together for a cricketer."

"Coaches often focus too much on the technical side, but without the physical and mental foundations, those skills will never reach their full potential."
Read more on our blog here!

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, 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 incorporates fitness, mental toughness, and technique to help cricketers maximize their performance both on and off the field.
• Why physical fitness is the foundation of better decision-making and technical performance, as well as how poor movement quality can limit technical progress.
• The importance of mental strategies, such as handling nerves and staying focused, to ensure consistent performance under pressure.
• Simple yet effective techniques cricketers can implement immediately, such as improving their setup and run-up to optimize batting and bowling.

Key Takeaways:

• Cricket Matters doesn’t just focus on technical skills; it integrates physical, mental, and tactical training to create a complete player.
• Improving physical fitness and movement quality lays the groundwork for better mental and technical performance on the field.
• Developing a strong mental toolkit helps players cope with nerves, setbacks, and game pressure, leading to more consistent results.
• Players should focus on mastering basic techniques, like head position and foot placement, before diving into advanced tactics.
• This method emphasizes a long-term strategy, focusing on continuous improvement over 12-week or one-year plans rather than quick fixes.

Quotes:
"You can get bogged down with the technique that holds you back from playing the game."
"If we address the physical conditioning first, they’re going to start to think better, and they’ll play better."
"Mental resilience is crucial—without it, technical progress is limited."
Read more on our blog here!

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 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

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