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 than technical skill ever could.
• How confidence impacts on-field decision-making. From running between wickets to bowling under pressure, a lack of self-belief can limit the execution of good decisions.
• The role of coaches and community in mindset development. James shares how intentional support and reassurance can empower female players to grow into leadership roles and take initiative.
• Why female athletes may outperform in coachability. Compared to men, women are often more receptive to feedback and eager to understand the ‘why’ behind training methods, making them more adaptive and growth-focused.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence trumps technique in grassroots women’s cricket. Without self-belief, even technically sound players may hesitate or underperform due to fear of failure or judgment.
• Female athletes often seek reassurance. Coaches must recognize the psychological weight many players carry, from life stress to inexperience, and foster a safe space for mistakes.
• Performance improves with fearless play. When female teams adopt a mindset that accepts mistakes, they often outperform opponents through bold strategies like aggressive running.
• Women tend to be more coachable. Their openness to feedback and willingness to engage makes them ideal students of the game, especially when given clear rationale.
• Small actions build long-term leadership. Teaching practical responsibilities—setting up the field, organizing gear—can instill agency and boost confidence off the pitch.

Quotes:

“It’s okay to make a mistake. That’s part of the plan.”

“The hidden struggle in the women’s game is confidence and self-belief.”

“Female athletes often display traits of high-performance mindsets more than men.”

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 of The Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into a topic that’s often ignored once the season begins—in-season strength training. We get it—game days, practice, and recovery all take time, but we’re here to show you why skipping the gym could be the biggest mistake you make this season.

You’ll Learn:

• Why In-Season Strength Training Matters: Skipping the gym during the season can lead to performance drops, injuries, and unwanted weight gain. We explain how continuing to train—even at reduced intensity—keeps you game-ready.
• How to Train Without Overtraining: In-season workouts should be lower in volume but still explosive and intentional. We talk through how to adjust your routine without burning out.
• Avoiding the Off-Season Reset: Losing strength mid-season means wasting the off-season rebuilding what you already had. Learn how to maintain muscle mass so you can use the off-season to get ahead, not catch up.
• Simple Training Strategies That Work: You don’t need hours in the gym—30-minute full-body sessions with smart movements like kettlebell swings and Turkish getups are enough. We break it down for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is king—even during the season. Athletes who train consistently throughout the season stay stronger, healthier, and more explosive.
• Reduced volume doesn’t mean reduced results. Strategic, focused workouts with lighter loads still maintain strength and prevent decline.
• Weight gain affects performance more than you think. Carrying even a few extra kilos can slow you down, increase injury risk, and hurt match-day results.
• Game fuel can be a trap. Treats like sweets and post-game beers are fine in moderation—but they must be balanced with continued training.
• The season is just getting started. Don’t back off now—this is when your strength work matters most to carry you through the months ahead.

Quotes:

“In-season is the time to maintain the strength you’ve gained.”

“The more unathletic you become, the more it impacts your performance.”

“Thirty minutes, full-body, in and out—that’s all it takes.”

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