In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive deep into the world of explosive strength and power for cricket. They discuss why explosiveness is critical for cricketers at every level and explore practical exercises and strategies to build dynamic power effectively.

You’ll Learn:

• How explosiveness impacts batting, bowling, and fielding, and why dynamic movement is essential in modern cricket. The hosts highlight how foundational strength builds the base for explosive power.
• The mistakes cricketers make when trying to build power, including skipping foundational strength or focusing too much on tactics without a clear strategy.
• Plyometric exercises, kettlebell swings, med ball throws, and sprinting as powerful tools for developing dynamic movement and speed.
• How to structure explosive strength training depending on the cricket season and why even in-season work is critical for maintaining performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Without adequate strength, training for explosiveness can lead to poor results and potential injuries. Building a base is non-negotiable.
• Exercises like hops, jumps, and kettlebell swings are effective starting points for developing explosive power, especially when done with proper progression.
• While Olympic lifts can be useful, most cricketers lack the mobility and expertise required. Alternatives like kettlebell jerks and pendulum swings are safer and just as effective.
• Pre-season training can be more intensive, with explosive workouts 3–4 times a week. In-season work should focus on maintenance with 1–2 sessions weekly.
• Techniques like deceleration lunges and single-leg strength work help improve movement quality and prepare the body for explosive actions.

Quotes:

"Cricket is a game of explosiveness—hitting harder, running faster, and moving dynamically on the field."

"We don’t need cricketers back-squatting; functional movements like front squats and kettlebell swings work better and are safer." – James Breese

"Plyometric training is a must for explosive power, but your body has to be ready for it first." – James Breese

Read more on our blog here!

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, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the essentials of strength training for cricketers. They break down the misconceptions, strategies, and vital movements necessary for optimal athletic performance on the field.

You’ll Learn:

• Why it’s crucial to master proper movement patterns before adding weight, to avoid injuries and maximize strength gains.
• The distinctions between training to "look good" versus training to perform, and why cricketers should prioritize functional athletic movements.
• The seven core movement patterns that cricketers should focus on, including push, pull, hinge, squat, and rotation.
• Insights into achievable strength benchmarks, such as plank holds and deadlift standards, to assess and guide your training progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Loading weight onto improper movement patterns increases injury risk; focus on movement quality before adding intensity.
• Athletic strength training should prioritize movement patterns over isolated muscle work to build resilience and enhance performance.
• Ensure every training session includes locomotion, push, pull, hinge, squat, rotation, and anti-rotation for balanced, functional strength.
• Once foundational strength is built, athletes can shift to more complex movements and power training, enhancing overall athleticism.
• Developing strength is a learned skill, not just about lifting heavy—focus on technique to maximize both safety and effectiveness.

Quotes:

“Never load weight onto dysfunction—train movement first to build strength that lasts.”

“Locomotion, push, pull, hinge, squat, rotate, anti-rotate: these are the movements that make or break an athlete.”

“Strength is a skill, and like any skill, it can be taught and refined.”

Read more on our blog here!

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, Josh and James delve into the concept of the "flow state" and how cricketers can harness it to elevate their performance. Drawing from both sports and psychology, the discussion focuses on the mental and physical aspects of getting "in the zone."

You'll Learn:

• About the flow state as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and how cricketers experience it during peak performances.
• The eight attributes that define being in the flow, such as concentration, transformation of time, and the balance between challenge and skill.
• How having a structured routine helps athletes consistently pull themselves into the flow state, fostering focus and clarity.
• How meditation and mental discipline help cricketers minimize distractions and focus entirely on the task at hand.

Key Takeaways:

• It's a state where athletes lose themselves in the task and perform at their peak, but reaching it consistently requires focus and preparation.
• Developing a routine provides familiarity and reduces fear, allowing athletes to step onto the field with confidence.
• Eliminating distractions through meditation and mindfulness is crucial to maintaining total focus during a game.
• The flow state is most achievable when the level of challenge matches the player’s skill set, allowing for effortless performance.
• Reflecting on successful performances and identifying what went right can help athletes replicate the conditions for future success.

Quotes:

"The flow state is a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter."

"You don't want to be playing something so easy or so hard; it's about finding the right balance for your abilities."

"Quiet the mind, and you'll have a better chance of achieving the flow state."

Read more on our blog here!

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