In this episode of Cricket Matters, we dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of batting: playing spin. Fresh off a nail-biting Test match, we explore what makes spin bowling so tough and introduce our powerful “4D Approach” to counter it. If you’ve ever felt stuck playing spin, this episode is for you.

You’ll Learn:

• Why Spin Dominates in Over-40s and Club Cricket. As pace drops with age, spin takes over—making it essential to have a game plan when facing spinners.
• The 4D System to Dominate Spin. Learn how to move not just forward and back (2D), but also laterally across the crease to manipulate the bowler’s line and the field.
• Advanced Tactics to Disrupt Good Bowlers. Discover how stepping across the stumps, sweeping with confidence, and manipulating field placements can frustrate even top-tier spinners.

Key Takeaways:

• Most Club Cricketers Lack a Spin Plan. Blocking or wildly swinging isn’t enough—without a clear tactical plan, you’re likely to get out to spin more often.
• The 2D Approach is Just the Beginning. Going forward or back is standard, but the real disruption happens when you move laterally and use the full crease.
• Field Manipulation is Key. By confidently sweeping or stepping across, you force the field to shift—opening up gaps to exploit.
• The 4D Approach Requires Confidence. This isn’t for beginners. You need sound technique, conviction in your sweep, and the guts to bat as if your stumps aren’t there.
• Technique Comes Before Tactics. You can’t apply advanced strategies without first being technically sound. Good setup, footwork, and balance come first.

Quotes:

“You have to have the confidence to bat as if your stumps aren’t there.”

“If you don’t know what the pitch is doing, you’re always going to struggle.”

“Most club cricketers just sit there and block the crap out of it.”

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 all watched club batters crumble against spin bowling and wondered—why does it happen so often? In this episode, we unpack the real reason behind the struggle—and spoiler alert—it’s not just about technique. James Breese joins us to break down the mindset, game plan, and psychology required to play spin smarter at the club level.

You’ll Learn:

• Why technique alone won’t save you from spin. Most players focus too much on form, not enough on having a solid, situation-based plan for each type of bowler.
• How the quality of the bowler shapes your strategy. Lower-tier bowlers require simple execution and patience, while higher-level spinners demand tactical variation and adaptability.
• How pitch conditions affect your shot selection. Learn when to sweep, when to use your feet, and how the bounce and turn of a pitch can determine your entire approach.
• The critical role of patience and psychology. Mental discipline isn’t optional. Your ability to stay calm, stick to your plan, and wait for the right ball is what separates good batters from great ones.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t overcomplicate things against weak spinners. Stick to punishing bad deliveries instead of trying reverse sweeps and fancy footwork—they’re usually unnecessary and risky.
• Game plans beat guesswork every time. Good batters don’t just react—they plan. Your success depends on understanding the quality of the bowler and pitch, and making proactive decisions.
• Patience isn’t passive—it’s tactical. Blocking without a plan leads to frustration. Have a clear intent behind every defensive or attacking move to stay in control.
• Create pressure through rotation. Smart footwork and strike rotation push bowlers off their length, increasing your scoring opportunities.
• Psychological edge matters. Understanding the mental battle helps you stay focused under pressure and resist the urge to swing blindly when runs dry up.

Quotes:

“The lesser the quality of the bowler, the less you need to go into your toolbox.”

“You can’t just go actively attacking a spinner you’ve never seen before—assess first.”

“Use your feet or sweep, but do something—staying in the same zone is what the spinner wants.”

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 break down the misunderstood concept of trigger movements in batting—and why most club players are focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode, we share real training insights, honest mistakes, and what actually separates pros from amateurs.

You’ll Learn:

• Why Most Club Cricketers Don’t Need Trigger Movements. If your technique isn’t sound, trigger movements won’t save you—they’ll break you. This episode explains why slower bowling doesn’t require triggering and how most amateur batters jump the gun.
• The Difference Between Forward Press and Back-and-Across. Discover why the forward press is often misunderstood and how it can help with both spin and fast bowling. Learn how finding the right trigger for you is key—not mimicking the pros.
• When and Why to Introduce Trigger Movements. Technique first, trigger second. We discuss how poor timing in teaching trigger movements can cause more harm than good, especially for young players.
• How to Use Bowling Machines to Test Readiness. Hear what happened when James faced an 80+ mph Truman ball indoors—and how it exposed flaws even in good technique. Learn how dynamic adjustments helped him hit cleanly.

Key Takeaways:

• Trigger Movements Are Overrated Without Good Technique. Players obsess over triggers without mastering alignment, balance, and clean contact. Fix your head, hands, and footwork first.
• Technique Under Pressure Reveals the Truth. When the pace ramps up, poor technique becomes painfully obvious. Triggering won’t fix collapsing structure—it just exposes it faster.
• Find What’s Natural to You—Not What Looks Good. There’s no one-size-fits-all trigger. Whether it’s a forward press, back-and-across, or hand movement, the right one should feel instinctive under pressure.
• Layer Habits the Right Way. Habit stacking—fix one thing, then move to the next. Trigger movements should be added only after foundational technique is solid.
• Off-Season is for Experimenting, Not In-Season. Don’t overhaul your technique mid-season. Use the off-season for deeper work and try changes when you’re not chasing performance.

Quotes:

“Trigger movements are useless unless you have a solid foundation of technique.”

“They’re so obsessed with movement they forget what good contact even feels like.”

“Habit stacking. Fix one habit, then earn the right to add another.”

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 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 Cricket Matters, we dive into a topic that’s close to every batter’s heart: what actually counts as a good batting average in club cricket? We crunch the numbers, challenge the myths, and share a reality check that every aspiring player needs to hear.

You’ll Learn:

• Why averages alone don’t tell the full story. We explore how focusing only on your batting average can be misleading and why it’s crucial to consider 50+ scores and conversion rates for a true performance assessment.
• What elite player stats reveal about consistency. James breaks down test, ODI, and T20 data from cricket legends like Tendulkar, Kohli, and Joe Root to show how often even the greats “fail”—and what that means for club players.
• How to benchmark yourself as a club cricketer. You’ll get a data-driven framework for what a “good” batting performance looks like depending on your role in the lineup, from opener to tail-ender.
• The mindset shift needed for performance improvement. We unpack why many club cricketers overrate themselves based on one good knock and how to take ownership of your form with honesty and data.

Key Takeaways:

• 50+ scores are more important than average alone. A high average can be inflated by not-outs or low-pressure runs. What really matters is how often you’re converting starts into match-defining scores.
• Even the greatest cricketers get out a lot. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting scored 50+ runs in only about 35% of innings. That means failing 65% of the time is still elite performance.
• Joe Root and Virat Kohli are statistical outliers. Their incredible consistency, with nearly 50% of innings over 50 runs, puts them on a level unmatched even among the top 10 run-scorers of all time.
• Club performance must be evaluated across 10 innings. One-off big scores don’t prove form. Patterns over 10 innings give a clearer picture of who’s performing—and who just got lucky.
• Your division should reflect your performance level. If you’re averaging 80 but playing low-division cricket, you’re not being challenged. Conversely, low scores at high levels may mean it’s time to regroup.

Quotes:

“In cricket, the stats don’t lie—and they don’t lie over time.”

“Everyone remembers their 74, but forgets their 12 and 3.”

“Batting average without conversion stats is only half the story.”

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