In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese discuss the importance of structured off-season training for cricketers. They break down the three essential phases of off-season conditioning: recovery, strength, and aerobic development, offering insights into why each phase is crucial for long-term athletic performance.

You'll Learn:

• How to divide off-season training into recovery, strength/power building, and aerobic development, and why it’s essential for cricketers. He covers the significance of each phase, including specific timelines.
• How engaging in other sports like football or rugby can aid overall fitness, balance, and coordination. This diverse approach helps prevent over-specialization and keeps cricketers physically and mentally fresh.
• A strategic approach to fat loss during the off-season, as opposed to attempting it in-season when physical demands are higher. He shares insights on how to manage weight and fitness through smart planning.
• Why cricketers require a strong aerobic base for sustained performance during long matches, paired with anaerobic conditioning for speed and power. The episode dives into how to balance both in training for optimal results.

Key Takeaways:

• After a long season, cricketers must prioritize injury prevention, mobility, and full body recovery before diving into more intensive training. This phase sets the foundation for a successful off-season.
• The second phase focuses on regaining strength and explosive power, critical for hitting, bowling, and running. Weight training plays a significant role in this process.
• An integrated approach combining aerobic and anaerobic work ensures that cricketers have the endurance and power needed for the upcoming season. The focus isn’t just on short bursts but on sustained stamina.
• Cricketers, especially younger athletes, benefit from participating in multiple sports to improve their overall athletic ability and prevent burnout.
• James emphasizes maintaining a consistent, year-round training regimen with varying intensities to avoid losing momentum and to prepare for the next season effectively.

Quotes:

"Recovery, repair, and reset — that’s what phase one is all about."

"You never know when you're going to score those big runs, so you've got to prepare as if you always will."

"The off-season is the time to focus on fat loss. You don’t want to be dealing with that come January."

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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, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breese are joined by former England cricketer and Glamorgan captain, Steve James. With a career spanning 17 seasons and expertise in both cricket and rugby, Steve shares his experiences, insights, and personal journey from professional cricket to coaching.

You’ll Learn:

• Steve emphasizes how maintaining fitness impacts both physical and mental stamina, reflecting on his disciplined approach to running between wickets and long innings.
• The mental challenges of batting, how to handle failure, and the significance of turning the “volume” up or down when concentrating at the crease.
• Steve's philosophy on coaching, emphasizing helping individuals rather than dictating, and how conversations guide players toward self-improvement.
• Steve explains the evolution of batting techniques and how modern cricketers can learn from fundamentals while incorporating new styles.

Key Takeaways:

• For Steve, fitness was not just physical but a mental tool that allowed him to push through long innings and challenging opponents. His routine of extra training and running helped prepare him for big scores.
• Whether in Test or T20 formats, Steve believes mastering head and hands fundamentals is key to hitting the ball more consistently, no matter the format or technique.
• Steve’s philosophy of taking one ball at a time helped him overcome the pressure of expectations. Staying focused on the moment was crucial in building long innings.
• One of the standout lessons from Steve is to let players figure out their own path while offering guidance. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and ownership of their game.
• From learning to switch between focus and relaxation to dealing with personal struggles, Steve’s journey shows how cricket requires mental strength both on and off the field.

Quotes:

"You can only play one ball at a time—focus on that, and the big scores will come."

"Coaching isn’t about dictating, it’s about helping each individual find their own way."

"Batting is a game of failure—you need to learn how to handle it and come back stronger."

Find Steve James on:

• The Times

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, hosts Josh Kennedy and James Breeze sit down with former South African cricketer, Andre Nel. Known for his aggressive bowling and fierce on-field persona, Andre shares insights about his career, his unique alter ego "Gunther," and what it takes to be a fast bowler at the highest level.

You'll Learn:

• The critical role of mental toughness, sharing how his alter ego "Gunther" helped him maintain his competitive edge on the field.
• Andre's unique training methods, including the balance between endurance, strength, and the underrated importance of cycling for recovery and stamina.
• Andre explores the aggressive nature of South African athletes, particularly in cricket, and how this mentality is nurtured from a young age in the country's competitive sports culture.
• Andre's coaching strategies for young bowlers, focusing on key technical elements like head position and hip-shoulder separation to ensure consistency and power.

Key Takeaways:

• Andre emphasizes the importance of having a solid mental routine before each match, from listening to Linkin Park to ensuring every aspect of his pre-game process was in place to stay focused.
• For Andre, cycling played a major role in building endurance and reducing the impact on his joints, allowing him to recover faster and stay strong during long spells of bowling.
• Andre stresses that fast bowling isn't just about physical strength but also mastering the mental game, staying focused, and maintaining consistency through repetition and checkpoints.
• Beyond technique, Andre highlights the importance of passion and resilience in fast bowling. It's not just about skill but the will to push through pain and keep coming back.
• Andre encourages young cricketers to find their own routines and processes that work for them, whether it's a specific pre-game ritual or understanding what makes them effective on the field.

Quotes:

"When I crossed the white line, I became Gunther. It wasn’t just a joke; it was a way for me to intimidate the other team."

"Fast bowling is about attitude and heart. Technique can be coached, but the hunger to come back day after day, that comes from within."

"I always set myself the challenge: my last over of the day had to be the quickest and best one, even when my legs were tired."

Find Andre on:

• NFBA: www.nfbacricket.com/coaching-crew

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