In this episode, we dive deep into the five key areas that can transform your batting performance. Whether you’re a seasoned cricketer or just picking up a bat (like Josh, not knowing if he’s left or right-handed), we share valuable insights to take your game to the next level.

You'll Learn:

• How factors like fitness, breathing capacity, and overall well-being directly impact your technique and performance on the pitch.
• How restricted neck and shoulder mobility can hinder your stance, alignment, and ultimately your batting technique.
• Why strength, power, and cardio endurance are crucial to maintaining technique even when fatigue sets in.
• How mental resilience, decision-making, and focus are influenced by physical preparedness.

Key Takeaways:

• Health is the foundation of batting technique. Without it, even the best technique can fall apart under pressure.
• Proper movement mechanics prevent bad habits from forming and improve shot alignment and execution.
• Building athleticism isn’t just about power—it’s about translating strength into effective batting technique.
• A strong mindset can only thrive when physical fitness and efficient movement are in place.
• When technique breaks down, it’s often due to fatigue, highlighting the importance of holistic preparation.

Quotes:

“Technique is the outcome, not the starting point.”

“Movement restrictions lead to technical limitations.”

“Mindset breaks down when the body does.”

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, we introduce the Complete Cricketer Performance System, a game-changing framework designed to help cricketers maximize their potential. Instead of focusing solely on technique, we break down five key pillars that influence performance, starting with the fundamentals that most players overlook.

You'll Learn:

• Why Technique Isn’t Everything – Many cricketers believe technique is the primary factor in performance, but other overlooked elements play a crucial role. We discuss why improving health, movement, and athleticism should come first.
• The Five Pillars of Performance – We introduce the five essential areas that impact cricketing ability, beginning with health and movement as foundational elements. Without these, technical improvements are limited.
• The Role of Movement in Cricket – Poor mobility acts as a "handbrake" on performance, restricting a player's ability to rotate, squat, or generate power efficiently. We highlight key mobility tests every cricketer should assess.
• Why Athleticism Matters – Strength, power, agility, and speed are vital for performance. We explain the athleticism pyramid and how hitting certain baseline markers can drastically improve batting, bowling, and fielding.

Key Takeaways:

• Health is the First Priority – Without proper health—good breathing, body composition, and a low resting heart rate—performance suffers. Many amateur cricketers overlook this and struggle as a result.
• Movement Restrictions Limit Performance – If a player can’t rotate, squat, or extend fully, their technique will always be compromised. Fixing movement first allows for greater technical execution under pressure.
• Athleticism is More Than Just Strength – Cricketers need strength, power, agility, speed, and endurance to excel. Without these, executing high-level skills consistently is impossible.
• Pain Impacts Technique – Movement screens help identify pain or mobility issues. Playing through pain affects technique, and addressing it should always be the first step.
• Baseline Assessments Are Key – Evaluating health, movement, and athleticism provides an objective starting point for improvement. Skipping these steps leads to inconsistent and limited progress.

Quotes:

"Every cricketer jumps straight to technique, but there are other crucial factors that influence performance."

"If you can't breathe properly, you can't rotate. And if you can't rotate, how are you going to play the pull shot?"

"Movement restrictions act as a handbrake to performance. You need to move efficiently before you can perform at high speed."

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

Welcome to the Cricket Matters podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of cricket bats—specifically, how bat weight and shape impact your technique. If you've ever wondered whether your bat is helping or hurting your game, this episode will give you the insights you need.

You'll Learn:

• The Role of Bat Weight in Your Technique – A bat that's too heavy can force you to rely too much on your bottom hand, while a bat that's too light might make you swing too fast, leading to mistimed shots. Finding the right balance is key to optimal performance.
• How Bat Shape Affects Your Play – The profile of your bat (low, mid, or high) should match the conditions you play in. Different shapes influence how the bat picks up and swings through, impacting control and power.
• The Science Behind Power and Timing – The equation for power isn’t just strength times speed—it’s also influenced by time and lag in your bat swing. Understanding this can help you choose a bat that maximizes your shot-making ability.
• How to Find the Right Bat for You – There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Testing different weights and profiles through trial and error is crucial to discovering what works best for your playing style.

Key Takeaways:

• Balance is Everything – A bat needs to feel right in your hands. The way it picks up and moves through your swing is more important than just its raw weight.
• Heavier Bats Aren’t Always Better – If you can’t generate enough speed with a heavy bat, it might actually reduce your power. Strength alone isn’t enough—you need speed and control.
• Your Playing Conditions Matter – If you play on slow, low-bouncing pitches, a low-profile bat works better. On faster, bouncier pitches, a higher-profile bat helps with backfoot play.
• Grip Strength Influences Control – If your bat is too heavy and your grip strength isn’t up to par, your bottom hand will take over, leading to technical issues.
• The Best Test? Top-Hand Only Drills – A simple way to check if your bat suits you is to hit shots using only your top hand. If you struggle, your bat might be too heavy or not the right shape for you.

Quotes:

“Most bats are too heavy for players, and that forces bad technique—especially an overactive bottom hand.”

“Trial and error is the only way to find your perfect bat. What works for one player won’t necessarily work for another.”

“If you can’t control the bat with just your top hand, you’re either not strong enough, or the bat isn’t right for you.”

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