In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the fascinating connection between tight lats and poor batting performance. With insights ranging from anatomy to practical exercises, they explore how addressing this common issue can transform your game. Whether you're a weekend player or a serious cricketer, this episode is a must-listen!

You'll Learn:

• The role of the latissimus dorsi muscle in your back and how it influences not just your posture but your bat speed and control.
• How relaxation and tension at the right moments are critical for quick, powerful batting strokes.
• How stiff lats can lead to rounded shoulders, poor posture, and a slower, clunky bat path.
• Easy tests and exercises to identify and alleviate tight lats, helping you stay agile and injury-free.

Key Takeaways:

• As one of the largest muscles in the body, tight lats can restrict your arm movement, decrease bat speed, and disrupt timing.
• Being "fast and loose" allows for fluid movements and precise strikes, similar to techniques used by elite athletes like Manny Pacquiao.
• Stiff lats lead to a restricted back path, forcing batsmen to hit the ball awkwardly, often leading to dismissals.
• Tight lats not only create poor posture but also disconnect the power generated from your legs, affecting overall performance.
• Simple tools like a "LAT test" and targeted stretching can address muscle stiffness, improving your batting technique and reducing injury risk.

Quotes:

"The lats are some of the biggest muscles, if not the biggest muscle in the body, essentially."

"If you're stiff, you're slow. If you're loose, you're fast."

"Tight lats stop you from getting your arms back, which increases tension and affects your bat 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

In this episode of, Josh and James explore a surprising factor in improving your batting performance: your neck. They delve into why physical traits like neck mobility and alignment are crucial for batting, complementing their prior discussion on the importance of physical readiness before focusing on technique.

You'll Learn:

• How restricted neck rotation or alignment impacts key aspects of batting, from maintaining balance to tracking the ball's line and length. Learn why batting is more about "head to the ball" than foot positioning.
• Why keeping your head level is essential for clear vision and power in shots. A skewed head position disrupts both your perception and your ability to generate consistent power.
• How screening for cervical rotation, flexion, and extension helps identify physical restrictions that may affect your side-on stance and overall batting technique.
• How a proper side-on stance enhances your bat swing path, allows better hand extension, and avoids the pitfalls of being overly front-on during play.

Key Takeaways:

• A still and level head is the foundation of good batting. Blurred vision from head movement or misalignment compromises your ability to track the ball and play shots effectively.
• Physical limitations in neck rotation and extension lead to poor posture and positioning, reducing power and accuracy in batting.
• A proper side-on position creates space for the hands to move back further, increasing the bat’s power and efficiency during a swing.
• Coaches should screen players for neck mobility issues, which often underlie technical flaws in batting stance and shot execution.
• Many players unconsciously adjust their stance due to neck discomfort, leading to technical compromises like being overly square-on at the crease.

Quotes:

“A side-on position gives you that extra 2–3 inches in your back swing, which can make all the difference.”

“If you’re already skewed, you’ll struggle to track the ball, and your power will be compromised.”

“We need to know as coaches—is it a physical restriction causing the issue or just comfort?"

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 Kennedy and James Breese dive into why movement quality should take precedence over technique in cricket. They explore the impact of physical traits on performance, injury prevention, and coaching strategies, with real-life examples to illustrate their points.

You'll Learn:

• How movement quality directly affects performance and serves as a predictor for injury risk. Learn why professional sports teams prioritize movement assessments before focusing on technique.
• Insights into the subjective yet vital concept of "moving well," with examples from elite cricketers like Joss Butler and Jimmy Anderson. Understand why movement elegance often correlates with exceptional performance.
• How movement and physical trait assessments shape coaching strategies. Find out why addressing physical limitations can resolve technical struggles more effectively than tweaking techniques.

Key Takeaways:

• Elite athletes succeed not just because of technique but because their movement patterns support their physical demands. A well-moving athlete is less prone to injury and more likely to excel.
• Athletes often struggle with technique due to unaddressed physical limitations, such as restricted mobility or lack of strength. Tailoring physical training can unlock better technical execution.
• Previous injuries are the top predictors of future injuries. Improving movement quality can reduce the likelihood of injuries and ensure longevity in sports.
• For athletes like women cricketers, strength limitations can hinder performance. Simple adjustments, such as using lighter bats, can make a significant difference.
• Movement screenings and physical assessments offer a data-backed baseline for coaching decisions. This approach ensures that training programs address specific needs effectively.

Quotes:

"Movement quality dictates performance and is a predictor of injury risk."

"You need to move well first because moving well dictates how you perform."

"Simple changes, like lighter bats, can transform an athlete's performance."

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