Cricket Mind Podcast

Nathan Wood & Briony Brock
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CRICKET

The Cricket Mind Podcast explores the mindset, psychology, and decision-making behind high performance in cricket. Hosted by Nathan Wood and Briony Brock from Cricket Mind Online, each episode breaks down the mental skills that help players focus, perform, and succeed under pressure. With insights from sport psychology, coaching experience, and real conversations with cricketers and high-performance experts, Nathan and Briony share practical tools to improve confidence, concentration, emotional control, performance routines, and match awareness. You’ll learn how to train your mind with the same intention as your technique — and apply strategies that create consistency, resilience, and clear decision-making. Whether you’re a player aiming to make more impact, a coach developing young cricketers, or a parent supporting your child’s journey, this podcast gives you simple, actionable methods to enhance performance and enjoy the game more. Play the way you see it. Learn more at www.cricketmind.online

Episodes

  1. Why One Bad Innings Can Ruin Your Whole Week

    10 HR AGO

    Why One Bad Innings Can Ruin Your Whole Week

    Why does one bad innings ruin your whole week? In this episode of the Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock answer listener questions from players, parents and coaches — exploring why mistakes feel so heavy, and how to handle them better. From the pressure of public stats to the emotional fallout of getting out, this episode tackles some of the most common — and challenging — moments in cricket. The conversation covers: The pressure of public stats and feeling judgedWhat coaches should (and shouldn’t) say after mistakesSupporting young players through frustration and disappointmentManaging conflicting advice from multiple coachesHelping children transition from softball to hardball cricket A practical, honest discussion to help you think differently about performance, development, and the environments we create around the game. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Opening hook 00:20 – Introduction 01:03 – Q1: Feeling judged by public stats (Play Cricket) 09:10 – Q2: How coaches should respond to mistakes 14:23 – Q3: Managing emotions after getting out 20:55 – Q4: Conflicting advice from multiple coaches 30:09 – Q5: Fear of hardball cricket in young players 38:00 – Reflections on fear & transition to hardball 38:44 – Episode wrap-up begins 39:00 – Next episode preview (Rohan Luthra) 🔗 Follow & Connect🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online 📱 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online ⭐ Enjoying the podcast?If you found this episode helpful, make sure you’re following the show on your preferred platform so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’re able to leave a quick rating and review, it really helps more people find the podcast.

    40 min
  2. Why Good Fielders Still Drop Simple Catches

    15 MAR

    Why Good Fielders Still Drop Simple Catches

    Why do good fielders still drop simple catches? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood is joined by Paul Tweddle, Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach at Somerset CCC, to explore why fielding mistakes happen — even at the top level — and what players can do about them. From the psychology of dropped catches to the habits and training methods used in professional cricket, this episode breaks down what separates reliable fielders from inconsistent ones. Episode Chapters00:00 A dropped catch and the psychology of fielding 01:49 Introducing Paul Tweddle 05:19 Why fielding mistakes affect confidence 08:49 Fundamentals vs mindset in fielding 12:46 What elite fielders do differently 17:56 Communication and energy in the field 23:57 Fielding culture in professional teams 31:31 How professional teams train fielding 40:46 Can anyone become a good fielder? 53:50 Fielding and selection in the modern game 58:47 The future of fielding Online Workshop – Making Pre-Season CountIf you’re a young cricketer preparing for the upcoming season, we’re running an online workshop designed to help players prepare properly for the year ahead. Making Pre-Season Count is a one-hour session covering: • How to structure your pre-season training • How to prepare mentally for the season ahead • How to build confidence before your first match 🎟 Places cost £25 Book your place here: www.cricketmind.online/events Send Us Your QuestionsNext week Briony Brock returns to the podcast and we’ll be answering listener questions. If there’s something you’d like us to discuss on the show, you can send your questions via: Website: www.cricketmind.online Email: nathan@cricketmind.online Instagram: @cricket.mind.online Facebook: @cricket.mind.online Subscribe to The Cricket Mind PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a rating or review on your podcast platform. It helps more players, coaches and parents discover the show.

    1h 7m
  3. How to Keep Girls in Cricket: What Actually Works

    8 MAR

    How to Keep Girls in Cricket: What Actually Works

    How do we keep more girls playing cricket — and what actually works?In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by former England international cricketer and coach Laura MacLeod. Laura represented England for over a decade and was part of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad. Since retiring she has held senior leadership roles in the women’s game, including Head of Women’s Cricket at Warwickshire. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore: Why girls often drop out of sport in their teenage yearsThe challenges of transitioning from softball to hardball cricketHow clubs can genuinely prioritise girls’ cricketThe realities of coaching in the professional women’s gameWhat Laura’s research revealed about female coaching pathways This episode is essential listening for players, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the future of women’s cricket. Timestamps00:00 – Why girls drop out of sport 01:17 – Introducing Laura MacLeod 02:23 – Laura’s England debut in 1997 06:48 – From pace bowler to opening batter 14:13 – Growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket 20:45 – Balancing cricket careers with education and life after sport 26:55 – Helping girls transition from softball to hardball 31:04 – Keeping cricket fun in performance environments 34:06 – Softball vs hardball pathways in club cricket 39:05 – Challenges women face in cricket that aren’t often discussed 47:32 – What great clubs do differently for girls’ cricket 55:05 – Laura’s research on female coaches in professional sport 01:07:14 – Advice for women aspiring to coach 01:10:34 – Identity and life beyond elite cricket 01:16:30 – The future of women’s cricket 01:21:34 – Online workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season Count Workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season CountNathan, Briony and Ben Silver are hosting a live online workshop for ambitious cricketers aged 13–18 preparing for the upcoming season. In this session players will learn: • How to structure nets with purpose • How practice transfers into match performance • How to approach pre-season with clarity rather than guesswork • Practical actions to improve their training immediately The session also includes a live Q&A where players can ask their own questions. 👉 Book your place here: www.cricketmind.online/events

    1h 23m
  4. Personality vs Character in Cricket | With John Neal

    1 MAR

    Personality vs Character in Cricket | With John Neal

    In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, we’re joined by performance psychologist and former Head of Coach Development at the ECB, John Neal. We explore the difference between personality and character — and why that distinction matters so much in cricket. From young players navigating selection, to parents shaping development, to captains and coaches leading under pressure — this is a conversation about values, behaviour and sustainable performance. We also unpack John’s powerful phrase: “ego kills eco” — and what that means for teams, organisations and the long-term health of the game. If you care about developing better cricketers and better leaders, this one’s for you. ⏱ Timestamps00:03 – Pulp Fiction 01:06 – Introducing John Neal 01:45 – Formal Guest Welcome 03:20 – Personality vs Character Defined 07:52 – Understanding Your Own Character 13:29 – For Young Players: How Do You Know? 19:51 – Do We Overvalue Personality? 24:14 – Parents & Character Development 28:19 – When a Child Gets Dropped 33:19 – Character in Coaches Under Pressure 38:22 – “Ego Kills Eco” Explained 46:35 – Do Organisations Really Have Values? 56:46 – Quick Fire: Character Defined 58:35 – The Uncomfortable Truth About Modern Sport 59:50 – Closing Reflections 1:00:14 – Independent Professional Sports Coach Association 1:02:14 – Episode Close & Next Week Preview 📩 Get In TouchIf this episode sparked a thought or question, we’d love to hear from you: 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📘 Facebook: cricket.mind.online 📸 Instagram: cricket.mind.online And if you’re enjoying the podcast, please do take 30 seconds to rate and review the show — it really helps us spread the word.

    1h 4m
  5. Why Good Net Players Struggle in Matches

    22 FEB

    Why Good Net Players Struggle in Matches

    Why do some cricketers look brilliant in the nets — but struggle to perform in matches? In this solo episode, Nathan Wood explores one of the most common frustrations in the game: the gap between training performance and match performance. You’ll learn: Why nets and matches demand different skillsWhy “more nets” isn’t always the solutionHow to train decision-making under pressureThe difference between fragile and resilient confidenceHow environment shapes sporting resilience Whether you’re a teenage cricketer, a parent navigating confidence dips, or a coach wanting training to transfer into real performance — this episode is for you. Send In Your QuestionsIf you’d like your question answered on the podcast: 🌐 www.cricketmind.online 📧 nathan@cricketmind.online 📘 Facebook: @cricket.mind.online 📸 Instagram: @cricket.mind.online We read every message — and these episodes are shaped by what you’re actually experiencing.

    15 min
  6. How Batting Philosophy Shapes Performance | Alastair Maiden

    15 FEB

    How Batting Philosophy Shapes Performance | Alastair Maiden

    How do good batters actually think, train and perform under pressure? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by World Cup-winning coach Alastair Maiden to explore how batting philosophy shapes performance in cricket. Ali has coached across county cricket, England Women’s international cricket (including the 2017 World Cup win), and franchise cricket with Birmingham Phoenix. This is a deep, practical conversation on how batters really develop — technically, mentally and culturally.In This Episode Individual difference in battingNaturalness, rhythm and flowManaging expectation and pressureCoaching men vs womenTalent ID beyond averagesCompetitiveness vs statisticsDeveloping batters through game-based trainingWhy young players should start with the bat on the floor Plus listener questions on: Steve Smith’s pre-ball routineWhether it’s possible to “make it” without financial backing Timestamps00:00 – Why Batting Is So Complex 02:00 – Alastair Maiden’s Coaching Journey 08:00 – Playing Career & Turning to Coaching 14:30 – Individual Difference in Batting 23:00 – Coaching Men vs Women 29:30 – The Mental Demands of Batting 41:00 – Positive Intent & “Green Light” Running 52:00 – Training with Context 54:30 – Talent ID & What Stands Out 57:30 – Competitors vs Achievers 1:01:00 – Advice for Young Batters 1:03:00 – “Bat on the Floor” Coaching Philosophy 1:07:00 – Listener Question: Making It Without Money 1:09:45 – Listener Question: Steve Smith’s Routine 1:12:00 – Closing Thoughts Got a question or topic idea?We love hearing from listeners. Email: nathan@cricketmind.online Website: https://www.cricketmind.online Connect with Cricket Mind OnlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/

    1h 12m
  7. Fast Bowling Is Brutal: Pace, Injury Risk & Performance in Cricket | Ian Pont

    8 FEB

    Fast Bowling Is Brutal: Pace, Injury Risk & Performance in Cricket | Ian Pont

    Why is fast bowling so brutal — and why do so many fast bowlers break down? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by Ian Pont, founder of the National Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA), to explore the physical, technical and mental demands of fast bowling in cricket. Drawing on decades of experience as a former professional fast bowler, international coach and biomechanical specialist, Ian explains why pace alone isn’t enough — and how poor preparation, overload and technique issues often lead to injury. In this episode:Why fast bowling breaks so many bodiesThe difference between bowling fast and bowling wellHow technique and workload contribute to injury riskWhy fast bowlers need specialist coaching environmentsThe mental demands unique to fast bowlersWhen chasing pace helps — and when it hurtsHow parents and coaches can better support young players ⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Listener questions: mindset support & training volume05:16 Introducing Ian Pont07:00 The cricket ball throwing record11:00 How Ian’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy17:30 Style vs structure in fast bowling22:00 The brutal physical demands of fast bowling29:00 Why fast bowlers need specialist preparation33:00 Why the National Fast Bowling Academy exists43:30 The mental demands of fast bowling54:30 Visualisation, confidence & pressure moments1:06:30 Chasing pace vs longevity1:13:00 Advice for young fast bowlers1:19:30 Learning more about the NFBA 🔗 Useful LinksNational Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA) https://www.nfbacricket.com Cricket Mind Online https://www.cricketmind.online 📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📱 Connect with Cricket Mind Online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/

    1h 23m
  8. Can’t Let Go of a Mistake? Here’s What to Do

    1 FEB

    Can’t Let Go of a Mistake? Here’s What to Do

    Why do some players struggle to let go of a mistake? In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore why mistakes can linger in your mind — and what actually helps you reset and move on. Drawing on real examples from junior cricket through to the professional game, this episode looks at: • Why resilience is about recovery, not pretending you’re fine • The difference between strength and emotional adaptability • How unprocessed emotions show up later as anger, fear, or loss of confidence • Why crying and anger are signals, not weaknesses • How boys and girls are often taught resilience differently • What coaches and parents can do to support resilience without blocking it • How long resilience takes to develop — and what progress actually looks like This is a practical, honest conversation for players, parents, and coaches who want to help cricketers recover better from mistakes, pressure, and disappointment — both on and off the field. Send in your questions or topic ideas for future episodes: 🌐 Website: https://www.cricketmind.online 📧 Email: nathan@cricketmind.online 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/

    54 min
  9. What the Ashes Teaches Us About Mindset and Technique in Cricket

    18 JAN

    What the Ashes Teaches Us About Mindset and Technique in Cricket

    What does the Ashes teach us about mindset, technique and performing under pressure in cricket? In this first episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore why cricket is such a uniquely mental game — and why an over-focus on technique can sometimes hold players back. Using insights from the Ashes, they unpack how mindset shapes performance at every level, from junior cricket to the international stage, and what players, parents and coaches can learn about preparation, adaptability and handling pressure. In this episode:Why cricket places unique psychological demands on playersWhen technique helps — and when it holds players backThe pressures facing young cricketers in modern systemsConfidence, resilience and independent thinkingSelf-talk, visualisation and common mental trapsLessons from the Ashes: adaptability, leadership and preparation Who this is forPlayers, parents and coaches who want to understand performance in cricket beyond technique alone — and help cricketers think, prepare and perform more effectively.

    47 min
  10. Podcast Trailer | The Cricket Mind Podcast

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Podcast Trailer | The Cricket Mind Podcast

    Welcome to The Cricket Mind Podcast. This short trailer introduces a podcast focused on the mental, tactical, and human side of cricket — through honest, long-form conversations rather than soundbites or slogans. Hosted by Nathan Wood (ex Lancashire cricketer, former Head of Coach Development for England Cricket, and ECB Level 4 coach), alongside Briony Brock (mindset coach and current player), the podcast explores the challenges cricketers at all levels face. From managing nerves and pressure, to responding to mistakes and performing with freedom, the conversations are practical, grounded, and rooted in real experience. There’s no jargon, no judgement, and no hype. Just clear thinking, useful tools, and thoughtful discussion designed to help players, coaches, and parents better understand the mental side of the game. Subscribe now — with full episodes coming soon.

    1 min

Trailer

About

The Cricket Mind Podcast explores the mindset, psychology, and decision-making behind high performance in cricket. Hosted by Nathan Wood and Briony Brock from Cricket Mind Online, each episode breaks down the mental skills that help players focus, perform, and succeed under pressure. With insights from sport psychology, coaching experience, and real conversations with cricketers and high-performance experts, Nathan and Briony share practical tools to improve confidence, concentration, emotional control, performance routines, and match awareness. You’ll learn how to train your mind with the same intention as your technique — and apply strategies that create consistency, resilience, and clear decision-making. Whether you’re a player aiming to make more impact, a coach developing young cricketers, or a parent supporting your child’s journey, this podcast gives you simple, actionable methods to enhance performance and enjoy the game more. Play the way you see it. Learn more at www.cricketmind.online

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Wood & Briony Brock
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cricket Mind Online
  • Show Website
    Cricket Mind Podcast

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