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

We’ve seen more and more cricketers dealing with crippling back spasms lately, so we knew it was time to dive deep into the real reasons behind them. In this episode, we’re unpacking the mechanics of back spasms, why they’re not always about your back, and what you can do to fix them fast. From personal stories to professional insights, we’ve got the game plan you need.

You’ll Learn:

• How dysfunction in the lateral subsystem—especially the opposite side glutes and adductors—can trigger spasms. The pain might show up in your back, but the root problem is often elsewhere.
• How repetitive movements in cricket, especially fast bowling, put strain on specific muscle chains. You’ll understand why even simple actions like putting on socks can cause a spasm.
• Practical first steps to reduce threat levels and begin moving again. From floor-based resets to crawling, you’ll learn what helps your nervous system calm down.
• The step-by-step rehab protocol James used to recover in one week. It’s about more than massage—activation of neglected muscles is just as crucial.

Key Takeaways:

• Pain isn’t always where the problem is: Back spasms can be symptoms of deeper dysfunction in the lateral subsystem. The real culprit is often weak or inactive glutes and adductors on the opposite side of the spasm.
• Back spasms are protective mechanisms: The body locks down to protect itself when it senses instability. Resetting this response starts with reducing the “threat level” by getting closer to the floor and initiating small movements.
• Massage and dry needling work—but they’re not enough alone: Manual therapy provides immediate relief, but without activating weak muscles, the spasm cycle can return. Long-term relief requires integration.
• Movement is medicine, but the right movement: Crawling, bird-dogs, clamshells, and glute bridges are powerful tools when applied correctly. It’s not just about doing exercises—it’s about restoring balance in the system.
• Performance suffers when your lateral subsystem is off: Persistent issues like hip, groin, knee, or ankle pain—and even poor rotation—can all trace back to the same dysfunctional chain.

Quotes:

“You have to release and then activate—do one without the other and the problem will return.”

“When you go into spasm, reduce the threat level. Get your head closer to the floor and start moving.”

“If you’re not willing to spend a few days fixing it now, be ready to suffer with it for months.”

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 dig into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for in-season performance: protein. We share our own routines and discuss how proper protein intake can make or break your recovery, energy levels, and injury risk throughout the cricket season.

You’ll Learn:

• How protein supports muscle retention, recovery, and overall performance—especially when gym time decreases and game time increases.
• The science-backed formula for determining your daily protein intake based on your body weight and activity level.
• Most players think they’re getting enough protein—but we explain why they’re usually far off and how to fix it.
• How to spot quality protein sources, including options for meat-eaters and vegetarians, plus why “cheap” protein powders could be sabotaging your performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritizing protein curbs hunger and reduces the temptation to grab sugary snacks or energy drinks during long cricket matches.
• During the season, training volume often drops—protein becomes your insurance policy to maintain strength and mass.
• A simple formula of 2g of protein per kg of bodyweight is the sweet spot for most cricketers aiming for performance and recovery.
• Not all protein is created equal. Opt for whole food sources and reputable protein supplements to get the most bang for your buck.
• If calorie tracking isn’t your thing, aim for five palm-sized servings of protein daily to stay on track.

Quotes:

“Cricketers put on weight in-season because they’re not eating to stay full—they’re eating to feel better.”

“If you’re in a deficit or injured, your protein needs go up, not down.”

“High-quality protein isn’t cheap, but it pays off in how you feel and perform.”

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 Cricket Matters, we dive into one of the most crucial—and often overlooked—aspects of the game: the mental side of batting. We share the proven six-step mental routine that can help cricketers of all levels improve focus, confidence, and performance at the crease.

You’ll Learn:

• Why mindset separates good players from great ones
  We explore how elite athletes—from cricketers to basketball legends—use mental clarity to gain a competitive edge and perform under pressure.
• How to control nerves and emotions before batting
  Understand the physiological and psychological responses to pressure and how to manage them with intentional actions.
• A breakdown of the two-phase batting mindset routine
  Learn the specifics of the Recover and Refocus phases, including actionable steps like Reset, Reflect, Relax, and Plan, Set, Cue.
• The importance of building personal pre-ball rituals
  Discover how professional athletes develop repeatable routines to stay calm and consistent between deliveries.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental clarity can make or break your innings.
  Losing focus for even a single ball can end your time at the crease, making mindset just as vital as technique.
• The "Recover" phase helps you move on from the previous ball.
  Reset, Reflect, and Relax are designed to process the last delivery and emotionally reset for the next.
• The "Refocus" phase prepares you for what’s next.
  Planning your intent, setting your stance, and using a personal cue helps eliminate distractions and build consistency.
• Personal rituals act as performance anchors.
  Repeating the same physical and mental actions before each ball helps eliminate nervous energy and fosters confidence.
• This mental routine is rooted in research, not guesswork.
  The six steps are supported by psychology and sport science, with parallels in disciplines like baseball, tennis, and basketball.

Quotes:

"The thing that separates the best players from the good players is what goes on between the ears."

"If you can’t learn to switch off, you’ll fatigue—and not just physically, but mentally."

"Top professionals have the same routine ball after ball—it’s what allows them to perform under pressure."

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 Cricket Matters, we get personal. We share firsthand experiences of how physical pain can quietly creep into your technique and sabotage your game without you even noticing. From bruised wrists to locked-up hips, we dive into why ignoring pain is never the answer.

You’ll Learn:

• The subtle ways pain changes your technique: Even a minor wrist injury can shift your grip, leading to poor bat control and unintended shots. Pain doesn't just hurt—it rewires your mechanics.
• Why playing through pain is a long-term risk: Masking discomfort may get you through one match, but it can lead to compensation patterns that permanently alter your technique.
• The importance of proper assessment and treatment: Seeing a physio or sports therapist early can prevent small issues from becoming chronic. DIY fixes aren't always the answer.
• How grip strength can reveal underlying issues: James shares how a simple kettlebell test helped him measure his grip capacity—and discover he wasn’t as recovered as he thought.

Key Takeaways:

• Pain changes how your body moves—often without you knowing it. Your technique suffers silently, and over time, it can become your new normal.
• A minor injury in your hand can derail your batting technique. Something as simple as grip strength being off can lead to mistimed shots and reduced performance.
• Don’t rely on internet fixes—see a professional. Medical advice tailored to your body is always more effective than general YouTube routines.
• Athletes often ignore pain until it disrupts performance. Being proactive is crucial; regular assessments and mobility work should be part of your routine.
• Pain is usually a symptom, not the cause. Dig deeper into movement patterns, posture, and daily habits to find and address the root issue.

Quotes:

“Pain affects everything in your day-to-day life—but especially your performance on game day.”

“Grip strength doesn't lie—if you can't hold a kettlebell, something's wrong.”

“If you're moving like you're wearing concrete boots, it's time to take care of your body.”

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 dive into one of the most commonly repeated — yet misunderstood — pieces of batting advice: “Watch the ball.” We explore what that really means and how cricketers can improve their ability to see and track the ball more effectively through techniques borrowed from baseball and other sports.

You’ll Learn:

• Why just telling batters to “watch the ball” isn't enough, and learn what elite players actually do when they're watching it. You'll hear why many dismissals happen because players lose sight of the ball at a crucial moment.
• How shifting between a soft focus on the bowler’s body and a hard focus on the ball’s release point helps players track the ball better. These techniques, rooted in baseball, can transform how cricketers perceive and react.
• How keeping your head still improves both depth and speed judgment.
• How to improve your ball-tracking ability beyond match play — including apps, drills, and slow-motion practice. It’s not just about reflexes; it’s about awareness and training your visual muscles.

Key Takeaways:

• Soft and hard focus work together
  Soft focus helps you gather general information about the bowler's body and movement, while hard focus allows you to zero in on the release point. Switching between the two is a skill that can be practiced and developed.
• Not all bowlers are the same
  Facing bowlers with slingy or sidearm actions makes ball-tracking much harder. This is where a flexible visual strategy becomes essential.
• Stillness improves visual clarity
  A still head allows you to better judge line, length, and speed — it’s not just about technique, but perception too. A moving head can distort how fast the ball appears to be coming at you.
• Vision training is crucial
  Like any other physical skill, your eyes and focus can be trained. From net practice with slow-motion to using baseball-inspired vision apps, there are many ways to develop this edge.

Quotes:

“Soft focus is the wide gaze on the bowler; hard focus is locking in on the release point.”

“Not all bowlers present the ball cleanly. Some you lose it before you even pick it up.”

“Your eyes are muscles — they can and should be trained.”

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