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. Personality vs Character in Cricket | With John Neal

    9 HR AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. Batting Philosophy with Alastair Maiden

    15 FEB

    Batting Philosophy with Alastair Maiden

    Episode 4 – Batting Philosophy with Alastair MaidenBatting is the most scrutinised skill in cricket. In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by World Cup-winning coach Alastair Maiden to explore the art, science and psychology of batting. Ali has coached across county cricket, England Women’s international cricket (including the 2017 World Cup win), and franchise cricket with Birmingham Phoenix. This conversation goes deep into 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
  4. Fast Bowling Is Brutal: Ian Pont on Pace, Pain & Performance

    8 FEB

    Fast Bowling Is Brutal: Ian Pont on Pace, Pain & Performance

    Fast bowling is one of the most brutal roles in sport. The physical demands are extreme. The injury risk is real. And the mental pressure can be relentless — especially for young bowlers trying to find their way. 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 what it really takes to survive — and thrive — as a fast bowler. 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 why mindset, belief, and intelligent preparation are just as important as speed. Together, they discuss: Why fast bowling breaks so many bodiesThe difference between bowling fast and bowling wellHow poor technique and overload lead to injuryWhy fast bowlers need specialist coaching environmentsThe mental demands unique to fast bowlersHow parents and coaches can better support young playersWhen chasing pace helps — and when it hurts This is an essential listen for fast bowlers, parents, coaches, and anyone interested in long-term player development. ⏱️ 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
  5. Resilience: What it Really Means in Cricket

    1 FEB

    Resilience: What it Really Means in Cricket

    Resilience is one of the most talked-about qualities in cricket — but also one of the most misunderstood. In Episode 2 of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock explore what resilience really means in cricket, and why it’s often confused with toughness, stoicism, or simply “cracking 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
  6. Episode 1: Mindset, Technique & Lessons from the Ashes

    18 JAN

    Episode 1: Mindset, Technique & Lessons from the Ashes

    In this first episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock introduce the podcast and explore why cricket is such a uniquely mental game. They discuss why an obsession with technique can sometimes hold players back, how mindset influences performance at every level, and what the recent Ashes series revealed about preparation, adaptability, and pressure. Topics covered include: • Why cricket places unique psychological demands on players • Technique obsession vs performance mindset • The pressures facing young cricketers in modern systems • Confidence, resilience, and independent thinking • Self-talk, visualisation, and common mental mistakes • Lessons from the Ashes — adaptability, leadership, and preparation This podcast is for cricketers, parents, and coaches who want to understand performance beyond technique alone.

    47 min
  7. 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
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cricket Mind Online
  • Show Website
    Cricket Mind Podcast

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