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

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese explore the critical role of core strength in enhancing cricket performance. They dive into how a strong core powers your game, reduces injury risk, and connects your upper and lower body for better movement and control.

You’ll Learn:

• How core strength amplifies your power, enabling harder hits, faster bowling, and improved accuracy. It’s not just about aesthetics; a strong core is the foundation of dynamic athletic performance.
• Why the core is the "powerhouse engine" of the body, protecting you from injuries by stabilizing movement and enhancing balance. Learn how a weak core can increase injury risks, particularly in rotational sports like cricket.
  
  
• About practical tests like the two-minute plank to measure core endurance. These assessments highlight the importance of foundational strength for maintaining posture and performance throughout long matches.
• Why mastering the basics, like muscular endurance, is essential before moving to advanced training. Emphasizing foundational exercises ensures long-term strength and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• A strong core allows cricketers to generate more force and power, improving batting, bowling, and throwing efficiency. It’s essential for maximizing performance in high-intensity situations.
• The core links the upper and lower body, enabling seamless transfer of weight and power during cricket-specific movements. This connection is vital for both performance and injury prevention.
• The two-minute plank is a benchmark for static core strength. Without it, players risk poor posture and reduced stamina during long matches.
• Visible abs don’t equate to functional strength. Effective core training focuses on stability, endurance, and power—not just appearance.
• Tests like the trunk stability push-up evaluate the ability to stabilize the trunk during movement, providing insights into overall athletic readiness.

Quotes:

"A weak core means you’re not going to be as powerful or generate as much force."

"If you can’t hold a two-minute plank, your core endurance isn’t strong enough for cricket."

"Core strength isn’t about six-pack abs; it’s about function and performance."

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 essential role of lower body strength in cricket. They discuss the limitations of traditional barbell squats for cricketers and present a tailored approach to developing leg strength, agility, and power for optimal performance on the field.

You'll Learn:

• Traditional barbell squats can compromise mobility and lead to injuries. Learn why they’re better suited for collision sports and how they may hinder cricket-specific movements.
• Why shoulder mobility and T-spine extension are critical for effective squats and how poor form can lead to reduced performance.
• The stages of squat progression starting with bodyweight and goblet squats, designed to improve form, strength, and endurance without risking injury.
• The connection between strong legs, power transfer, and improved batting, bowling, and fielding abilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Barbell back squats may not align with the demands of cricket, as they often cause lower back issues and limit agility. Mobility and proper form are more critical than heavy loads.
• Goblet squats with 25% of body weight for 25 reps are an excellent starting point for cricketers to build foundational strength and technique.
• Adding incremental load through progressive squat stages improves endurance and integrates core and leg strength for functional performance.
• Poor squat form can lead to a compromised batting or bowling stance, reducing power and precision. Focus on mobility first to avoid these pitfalls.
• Proper lower body strength enhances power transfer from the ground to the bat or ball, crucial for hitting sixes or achieving faster bowling speeds.

Quotes:

"If you don’t have a strong set of legs and core, how is that going to translate to actual power and movement?"

"You need fast, mobile, agile shoulders, whether you’re batting, bowling, or fielding."

"If you lack lower body strength and power, it’s not going to correlate to the game of cricket."

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 welcome back Kent coach Toby Radford to explore his article in Wisden Magazine. Toby shares fascinating insights into why left-handed batsmen are outperforming their right-handed counterparts in county cricket and how the data could reshape training and strategies in the game.

You'll Learn:

• The stats revealing left-handers' superior performance, with bowlers requiring significantly more deliveries to dismiss them compared to right-handers.
• How right-handed bowlers' angles and the increasing use of wobble seam affect the effectiveness of deliveries against left- and right-handed batsmen.
• How innovative coaching techniques are helping right-handers adapt to challenging conditions, including changes in stance and alignment.
• How team line-ups, recruitment, and match strategies can benefit from incorporating more left-handed batsmen into the mix.

Key Takeaways:

• Left-handed batsmen take nearly twice as many deliveries to dismiss compared to right-handers across most counties, with seven of the top ten batsmen in county cricket being left-handed.
• Many bowlers lack the ability to effectively challenge left-handers, with right-arm bowlers often defaulting to less effective angles and techniques.
• Coaches should encourage bowlers to practice against both right- and left-handed batsmen, honing specific skills like creating angles and maintaining wrist control.
• Right-handed batsmen can mitigate challenges by altering their guard, stance, and strategy to better counter the angles and movements of right-handed bowlers.
• Incorporating left-handers into the batting order can disrupt opposition strategies, especially in white-ball cricket where field adjustments and bowling lines are more critical.

Quotes:

"Thirteen of the eighteen counties take significantly longer to dismiss left-handers compared to right-handers—this isn’t just a trend, it’s a pattern."

"Left-handers are thriving in county cricket because bowlers aren't as practiced at delivering effective angles and swings to challenge them."

"Recruiting left-handers isn’t just a tactic—it’s becoming a necessity for competitive teams."

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 another episode! Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the often-overlooked importance of warm-ups and cool-downs in cricket, especially when it comes to injury prevention. They explore key strategies and actionable tips backed by research to help cricketers stay fit and perform at their best.

You'll Learn:

• How a strategic 15-20 minute warm-up can reduce injuries by 36.6% and why dynamic, targeted movements are crucial for cricketers.
• How each joint's mobility and stability impacts the body as a whole, and why addressing the hips, T-spine, and shoulders is key for cricketers.
• How exercises like planks, dead bugs, and glute bridges prepare your body for optimal performance by engaging your core and supporting muscle synergy.
• Why static stretching after games or workouts is essential, including tips on holding stretches for a minimum of two minutes to achieve tissue change and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Research shows a strategic warm-up can reduce injuries by over 36%, highlighting its importance in a cricket training regimen.
• Warm-ups should be dynamic and movement-based, while cool-downs should be static, focusing on longer-held stretches for recovery.
• Prioritize warming up the hips, shoulders, and T-spine to prevent common cricket-related injuries.
• Core activation improves coordination between muscles, reducing strain on other areas like the back and hamstrings. Static stretching for two or more minutes post-activity helps prevent stiffness and promotes long-term flexibility and recovery.

Quotes:

"Warm-ups and cool-downs are often overlooked to people’s peril. A little extra time can save you a lot of trouble later."

"Think of warm-ups and cool-downs like bookends—they should match and support each other."

"Dynamic stretching gets you moving, while static stretching helps you recover and stay flexible."

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 discuss proven off-season weight loss strategies for cricketers. James shares his personal journey of shedding weight while maintaining performance, along with actionable tips that cricketers of all levels can implement.

You’ll Learn:

• Why "you can’t out-train a bad diet" and how understanding your maintenance calories sets the foundation for sustainable weight loss. Discover how small changes in your calorie deficit can yield big results over time.
• The impact of daily steps, weight-vest walks, and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) on fat loss, and how these simple habits can accelerate progress.
• How intermittent fasting can be a flexible strategy for managing calories without feeling deprived, along with tips on tailoring it to suit your lifestyle and needs.
• How using a weight vest can trick your metabolism into maintaining a calorie deficit more effectively, based on the Gravitostat theory, without needing to drastically reduce food intake.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing your maintenance calories through trial and error is the key to creating a sustainable deficit. Use online calculators as a starting point, but fine-tune based on your unique needs.
• Focus on a high-protein diet and adjust your weekly calorie average to balance occasional indulgences while staying on track.
• Even with occasional slip-ups, maintaining an overall weekly deficit ensures progress. Adjust the next day’s intake to balance any overages.
• Daily walks, especially with added weight, contribute significantly to fat loss and help maintain a consistent calorie deficit without over-restricting food.
• The off-season is the best time to focus on weight loss for cricketers, enabling optimal performance levels before the pre-season.

Quotes:

"You can’t out-train a bad diet. Nutrition is the foundation of weight loss."

"It’s not about perfection. One bad day doesn’t ruin your week—adjust and keep going."

"The best time to lose weight for cricketers is in the off-season, not pre-season or in-season."

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