In this episode, we dive into a crucial but often overlooked topic—why you should fix pain before changing your technique. Pain isn't just a nuisance; it's your body’s way of signaling a deeper issue. We discuss how ignoring pain and pushing through can lead to long-term movement issues, ingrained bad habits, and even worse performance on the field.

You’ll Learn:

• Pain isn’t random; it’s the final alert after your body has tried to compensate for an issue. Ignoring it can lead to movement alterations that negatively impact your cricketing technique.
• Adjusting technique while in pain only reinforces poor habits. Addressing the pain first ensures that your body moves correctly without subconscious compensation.
• Continuing to train through pain can hardwire bad movement patterns into your game. Even after pain subsides, these habits often persist and must be unlearned.

Key Takeaways:

• Pain alters movement and technique – Your body instinctively compensates for pain, which can lead to faulty biomechanics and bad habits in batting, bowling, and fielding.
• Training through pain is like driving on a flat tire – You might get by for a while, but eventually, the damage will catch up to you and worsen your performance.
• Fix pain before making technical adjustments – Addressing the root cause of pain ensures that technique changes are based on proper movement rather than compensation.
• Bad habits formed due to pain can linger – Even when pain is gone, your body may still default to improper movements, requiring retraining to restore optimal technique.
• Be honest about pain – Hiding injuries from coaches or teammates to stay in the game can lead to long-term damage and prevent proper recovery.

Quotes:

“Pain is your body’s final response—it’s been compensating for a long time before it gets to that point.”

“If you keep playing through pain, you’re not just risking injury—you’re changing your technique in ways that might be hard to undo.”

“You don’t want to get stuck in bad habits—get out of pain first, then work on refining your technique.”

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 the four essential tests we use to screen cricketers for technical deficiencies. These simple yet powerful assessments reveal hidden weaknesses and help athletes improve their balance, movement, and power.

You'll Learn:

• The balance, movement, and power assessments that identify performance limitations and injury risks.
• How vision, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems impact stability and overall athletic performance.
• How a strong lunge pattern reduces injury risks and enhances movement efficiency.
• The importance of lower body and rotational power in maximizing batting, bowling, and fielding potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Balance is foundational – If you can't balance on one leg with eyes closed, it reveals deeper issues that affect every aspect of your cricket performance.
• A strong lunge pattern prevents injuries – Owning a proper lunge position can significantly lower injury risks and improve movement efficiency.
• Power starts from the ground up – Effective power generation begins in the lower body and transfers through the core to enhance cricket skills.
• Asymmetries can limit performance – Identifying and addressing left-right imbalances helps optimize movement and power output.
• Simple tests give powerful insights – These four quick assessments can immediately highlight areas for improvement in any cricketer.

Quotes:

"If you can't balance on one leg, how can you balance speed, a cover drive, or a bowling action?"

"Power isn’t just about strength—it’s about how efficiently you transfer energy from the ground up."

"If you’re struggling with technique despite training, the issue might be physical, not technical."

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

On this episode, we dive into what it means to be a durable performer. We discuss why reliability and consistency often outweigh raw talent in sports and explore the traits that make athletes like Bruno Fernandes and James Tarkowski indispensable. Whether you're a budding cricketer or just looking to improve your longevity in the game, this episode is for you.

You'll Learn:

• What makes an athlete consistently available and reliable, and why durability is often more valuable than raw talent.
• How balance and rotational ability impact injury prevention and overall performance.
• Why teams need a mix of both and how durable performers form the backbone of any successful squad.
• Simple mindset and training adjustments that can help cricketers become more resilient and available for selection.

Key Takeaways:

• Superstars may be the game-changers, but durable performers are the ones who keep teams competitive over time.
• Injury-prone players often lack balance and rotation, which are crucial for long-term athletic success.
• The best teams don’t just rely on star power—they have a strong core of reliable, consistent athletes who show up every game.
• Understanding your own physical limitations and strengths can help prevent injuries and extend your career.
• If you want to last in any sport, focus on consistency, movement quality, and resilience rather than just raw talent.

Quotes:

"A team full of durable performers is sometimes better than a team full of superstars."

"Bruno Fernandes doesn’t miss a game unless he’s sent off—that’s the kind of reliability teams need."

"Your ability to perform week in, week out, matters just as much as your peak performances."

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