Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management

Cricket Matters
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Cricket performance doesn’t stall because players need more nets or more motivation. It stalls when the system breaks down.Hosted by Performance System Architect James Breese and Josh Kennedy, the Cricket Matters Podcast delivers the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for long-term cricket development — connecting performance, injury management, and decision-making into one governed system.We explore why injuries repeat, why training effort fails to translate into technical output, and how unmanaged load, fatigue, and recovery derail progress across a season. Drawing on clinical biomechanics, physical capacity development, and neural economy, each episode breaks down what actually holds up under match-day pressure.This is not a tips-and-drills show. It’s a framework for cricketers, parents, and coaches who want clarity, not noise — and a performance system that lasts.Better Every Ball starts with a better system.

  1. 09/30/2025

    We’ve Been Keeping a Secret from You…

    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 Matters and download your FREE copy of The High-Performance Handbook, please visit www.cricketmatters.com

    11 min

  2. 09/23/2025

    How the Best Cricketers Train During the Off-Season

    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 strength or technique improvements.How to manage pain and prevent injury: Learn why pain isn’t weakness leaving the body, but a sign that your body is compensating—and how to address it early.The role of strength and power in cricket: Understand why baseline strength is the foundation, and how explosive power must be layered on top.Designing an off-season training focus: Discover the balance between aerobic endurance, compound lifts, and interval work to prepare you for peak performance.Key Takeaways: Assessment first, always: If you don’t measure where you’re starting from, you’re only guessing, and that leads to wasted effort.Pain is priority one: Training through pain causes compensations that hurt both technique and long-term health.Strength before power: Building a strong foundation ensures you can actually apply and maintain power throughout the season.Endurance has its place: The off season is the best time to build aerobic fitness, since it’s often neglected in-season.Two simple questions matter most: Ask yourself: Am I in pain? Am I overweight? Fixing those answers drastically improves performance.Quotes: “What gets done must first get measured—if we don’t assess, we’re just guessing.” “Pain is not weakness leaving the body, it’s stupidity.” “You can’t build power on rocky foundations—strength has to come first.” 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

    14 min

  3. 09/11/2025

    Top Mistakes Club Cricketers Repeated This Year

    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 Learn: Mindset and preparation mistakes: Why comparing yourself to teammates holds you back and how reflection after games can change your results.Fitness and physical prep errors: How late nights, poor warm-ups, and bad nutrition habits silently sabotage performance.Common bowling and batting pitfalls: The dangers of overcomplicating tactics, ignoring conditions, and losing emotional control in the middle.Training habits that limit growth: Why aimless nets, skipped fitness work, and relying on new gear don’t deliver the improvement you expect.Key Takeaways: Comparing yourself to teammates breeds frustration; compete with yourself instead.One dismissal shouldn’t snowball into a slump—reflection and recovery are critical.Consistent warm-ups, hydration, and proper nutrition are underrated game-changers.Simplicity in bowling and batting—adapting to conditions and staying calm—wins more games than flashy skills.Purposeful training with intent and ownership matters far more than buying new kit.Quotes: “Stop focusing on what others are doing—focus on yourself and how you can improve.” “Keep it simple, stupid—consistency beats overcomplication at club level.” “Sometimes we forget—cricket is supposed to be fun.” 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

    14 min

  4. 09/09/2025

    Why Most Cricketers Don’t Improve Year to Year

    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 “hope” instead of a plan keeps players stuck in the same cycle. We’ll explain how experience alone isn’t enough to make progress.The role of off-season training in building physical resilience and reducing injuries. Learn why October, not March, is where improvement begins.How reflection and assessment provide the foundation for growth. Without knowing your starting point, you’re just guessing.The importance of structure, accountability, and support networks. Even the best players need systems and people around them to succeed.Key Takeaways: Most cricketers don’t improve year to year because they rely on talent or luck instead of planning. Progress requires deliberate action.The off-season is where the biggest gains are made—physically, technically, and mentally. Waiting until March is already too late.Taking a mental and physical break after the season is essential, but it doesn’t mean doing nothing. Stay active in different ways to recharge.Reflection and assessment are non-negotiable for growth. Self-awareness helps create effective training plans.Hard work consistently beats raw talent. Players who prepare with discipline and structure always reap the rewards.Quotes: “The best players make a plan. They don’t hope for the best—they plan for the worst and hope for the best.” “If you don’t assess, you’re just guessing.” “Hard work pays off—it’s not just about talent, it’s about preparation.” 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

    8 min

  5. 09/04/2025

    What Did You Learn This Season? (And How to Apply It)

    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 and how to assess both successes and shortcomings without bias.The four quadrants of cricket performance – Discover how physical, technical, tactical, and mental factors all contribute to performance, and why you need to review each one.Turning technical changes into performance – Hear James’ experience of adapting his batting technique and the lessons he learned about balancing technical focus with tactical execution.Planning your off-season the right way – Understand why fitness, technique, and tactical growth should all play a role in your off-season training plan.Key Takeaways: Reflection drives improvement – Don’t just say you’ll “do better next year”; take the time to analyze what actually worked and what didn’t.Stats reveal patterns – Runs, wickets, and modes of dismissal provide valuable insights into strengths and weaknesses you may otherwise overlook.Technical growth takes patience – Implementing big changes can reduce short-term output, but the long-term benefits are worth it when done thoughtfully.Physical readiness underpins performance – Weight management, fitness, and injury prevention are essential foundations for next season’s success.Pros think differently – Club cricketers can elevate their game by adopting the tactical and mental approaches used by professionals.Quotes: “Reflection is the first key to improvement.” “Failure leaves clues, success leaves clues.” “The best players start working on technical stuff before everybody else.” 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

    15 min

  6. 08/26/2025

    The Fatal Flaw in Most Club Cricketers Batting Technique (And How to Spot It)

    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 powerful but actually puts you in a weak, unathletic position.The difference between a hinge and a squat – How confusing the two movement patterns is costing cricketers their balance, power, and shot range.Why glute activation is critical – Discover how failing to use your glutes limits your ability to generate force, move up and down the wicket, and hit big shots.Simple drills to retrain your hinge pattern – Practical exercises you can start immediately to unlock a stronger, more athletic batting stance.Key Takeaways: Knees over toes is not an athletic stance. It restricts movement, weakens balance, and causes batters to fall over when trying to play shots.Most cricketers don’t hinge properly. Instead, they squat without realizing it, which limits their ability to generate rotational and hip-driven power.Glutes are the engine of batting power. Without activating them, you lose explosiveness, core strength, and the ability to transfer energy into your shots.The hinge is like a slingshot. Mastering it allows you to load up with tension and release power into your swing, rather than just relying on quads and calves.Correcting the hinge improves everything. From better balance to more powerful shot-making, retraining this pattern is essential for long-term cricket performance.Quotes: “Knees over toes when batting is the fatal flaw—it makes you unbalanced and unathletic.” “Most players think they’re hinging, but they’re really just squatting.” “Your hamstrings are the strings of the bow—you need to load them to release real power.” 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

    9 min

  7. 08/05/2025

    How to Play Spin Bowling: Discover the 4D Approach to Dominate Spin

    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 age, spin takes over—making it essential to have a game plan when facing spinners.The 4D System to Dominate Spin. Learn how to move not just forward and back (2D), but also laterally across the crease to manipulate the bowler’s line and the field.Advanced Tactics to Disrupt Good Bowlers. Discover how stepping across the stumps, sweeping with confidence, and manipulating field placements can frustrate even top-tier spinners.Key Takeaways: Most Club Cricketers Lack a Spin Plan. Blocking or wildly swinging isn’t enough—without a clear tactical plan, you’re likely to get out to spin more often.The 2D Approach is Just the Beginning. Going forward or back is standard, but the real disruption happens when you move laterally and use the full crease.Field Manipulation is Key. By confidently sweeping or stepping across, you force the field to shift—opening up gaps to exploit.The 4D Approach Requires Confidence. This isn’t for beginners. You need sound technique, conviction in your sweep, and the guts to bat as if your stumps aren’t there.Technique Comes Before Tactics. You can’t apply advanced strategies without first being technically sound. Good setup, footwork, and balance come first.Quotes: “You have to have the confidence to bat as if your stumps aren’t there.” “If you don’t know what the pitch is doing, you’re always going to struggle.” “Most club cricketers just sit there and block the crap out of it.” 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

    11 min

  8. 07/24/2025

    Why Club Cricketers Struggle Against Spin (It’s Not What You Think!)

    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. Most players focus too much on form, not enough on having a solid, situation-based plan for each type of bowler.How the quality of the bowler shapes your strategy. Lower-tier bowlers require simple execution and patience, while higher-level spinners demand tactical variation and adaptability.How pitch conditions affect your shot selection. Learn when to sweep, when to use your feet, and how the bounce and turn of a pitch can determine your entire approach.The critical role of patience and psychology. Mental discipline isn’t optional. Your ability to stay calm, stick to your plan, and wait for the right ball is what separates good batters from great ones.Key Takeaways: Don’t overcomplicate things against weak spinners. Stick to punishing bad deliveries instead of trying reverse sweeps and fancy footwork—they’re usually unnecessary and risky.Game plans beat guesswork every time. Good batters don’t just react—they plan. Your success depends on understanding the quality of the bowler and pitch, and making proactive decisions.Patience isn’t passive—it’s tactical. Blocking without a plan leads to frustration. Have a clear intent behind every defensive or attacking move to stay in control.Create pressure through rotation. Smart footwork and strike rotation push bowlers off their length, increasing your scoring opportunities.Psychological edge matters. Understanding the mental battle helps you stay focused under pressure and resist the urge to swing blindly when runs dry up.Quotes: “The lesser the quality of the bowler, the less you need to go into your toolbox.” “You can’t just go actively attacking a spinner you’ve never seen before—assess first.” “Use your feet or sweep, but do something—staying in the same zone is what the spinner wants.” 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

    14 min
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About

Cricket performance doesn’t stall because players need more nets or more motivation. It stalls when the system breaks down.Hosted by Performance System Architect James Breese and Josh Kennedy, the Cricket Matters Podcast delivers the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for long-term cricket development — connecting performance, injury management, and decision-making into one governed system.We explore why injuries repeat, why training effort fails to translate into technical output, and how unmanaged load, fatigue, and recovery derail progress across a season. Drawing on clinical biomechanics, physical capacity development, and neural economy, each episode breaks down what actually holds up under match-day pressure.This is not a tips-and-drills show. It’s a framework for cricketers, parents, and coaches who want clarity, not noise — and a performance system that lasts.Better Every Ball starts with a better system.

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