Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management
Cricket Matters: Performance Engineering & Injury Management
Cricket Matters
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.
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.cricke...
Sep 30, 2025
10 min
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 wea...
Sep 23, 2025
14 min
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 ...
Sep 11, 2025
14 min
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 i...
Sep 9, 2025
8 min
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 perf...
Sep 4, 2025
15 min
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...
Aug 26, 2025
8 min
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...
Aug 5, 2025
11 min
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 ty...
Jul 24, 2025
14 min
How to Find Your Perfect Trigger Movement (And Why Most Batters Never Do)
In this episode, we break down the misunderstood concept of trigger movements in batting—and why most club players are focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode, we share real training insights, honest mistakes, and what actually separates pros from amateurs. You’ll Learn: Why Most Club Cricketers Don’t Need Trigger Movements. If your technique isn’t sound, trigger movements won’t save you—they’ll break you. This episode explains why slower bowling doesn’t require triggering and how most a...
Jul 22, 2025
13 min
The Mental Struggles Nobody Talks About in Women’s Cricket
In this episode, we dive into a conversation that’s long overdue—mental health and confidence issues in women’s cricket. We reflect on the hidden struggles female athletes face, beyond just technique or skill. From fear of failure to the need for reassurance, this one’s about the mindset shifts that matter most. You’ll Learn: The unseen mental challenges female cricketers face. We break down how fear of judgment, lack of experience, and internal self-doubt often hold back performance more tha...
Jul 8, 2025
9 min
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