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."

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, 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

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese welcome batting performance specialist Gio Colussi. With 26 years of experience and a renowned batting process, Gio shares his expertise on building systems for consistent batting success and unlocking the elusive run flow state.

You'll Learn:

• Gio’s system that helps players manage thoughts, emotions, and distractions, ensuring they remain calm at the crease and maintain focus on their technique.
• How mental resilience, alongside physical training, is key to mastering batting performance and how players can train their mindset for success.
• The key principles followed by top batsmen, from grip to unweighting the bat, to ensure consistent and powerful stroke play.
• How to access your run flow state, where everything comes naturally, and how Gio’s approach allows players to tap into this more frequently for higher scores.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental distractions, not just technique, are the root cause of dismissals. Controlling emotions and focusing on thought processes at the crease are crucial for high scores.
• One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is to maintain focus on the ball before every delivery. This small but vital step can significantly improve performance.
• By identifying key measurable fundamentals in batting, players can analyze their game, train accordingly, and make necessary adjustments for improvement.
• Success lies in following a consistent process rather than focusing solely on results. Players who trust their system are more likely to find success at the crease.
• Even the best players get out frequently. Reframing failures as learning opportunities is essential for long-term batting success.

Quotes:

“It’s thoughts, emotions, and distractions that cause dismissals, not your technique.”

“Batting is about systemized processes, not ad-hoc actions—this is the key to consistent success.”

“You’re going to fail more than you succeed in cricket, so don’t draw confidence from your scores; focus on your process.”

“The greatest players do the boring stuff longer and better than everyone else.”

Find Gio on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Website

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 and James delve into the essential strategies for improving stamina and endurance for cricket players. They break down the energy systems used in cricket and discuss the best ways to train for optimal performance both on and off the field.

You'll Learn:

• The difference between aerobic and anaerobic systems, and how both are vital for cricketers to perform at their best during long matches.
• Why building an aerobic base during the off-season is crucial for cricketers and how it helps with recovery and sustaining performance throughout an entire game.
• The importance of fast recovery between short bursts of high-intensity activity, such as running between wickets, and how aerobic training supports this.
• Practical advice on how hiking, walking, and low-intensity zone two training can significantly improve a cricketer’s stamina over time.

Key Takeaways:

• To sustain performance throughout a long cricket match, cricketers must first build a strong aerobic base, which supports recovery and endurance.
• Cricket involves both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Training both helps players to perform short, intense actions while maintaining stamina over extended periods.
• A key aspect of cricket training is improving the ability to recover quickly between short bursts of activity, like running singles or twos, which can make or break performance.
• Off-season training should prioritize longer aerobic exercises such as walking or hiking, which help build a foundation for higher intensity work when the season begins.
• Improving movement economy and VO2 max can make cricketers more efficient in using their energy during play, allowing them to perform better and for longer.

Quotes:

"If you don't maximally develop your aerobic energy system first, you will never truly maximize your anaerobic threshold."

"You need to be everything as a cricketer, fast, explosive, and have the endurance of a marathon runner."

"The game of cricket is about recovering faster for the next ball, again and again."

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 today's episode, Josh and James dive deep into the evolving world of online cricket coaching. They explore how hybrid coaching solutions combine the benefits of in-person training with the convenience and accountability of online tools, revolutionizing cricket coaching for modern athletes.

You’ll Learn:

• The shift from traditional one-on-one cricket coaching to online and hybrid models, which provide continuous feedback and faster results.
• How online coaching tools help players stay accountable and on track with training, even between in-person sessions.
• How combining in-person sessions with online guidance can accelerate progress, especially in developing cricket-specific techniques and habits.
• The hurdles of technology and how some cricketers may struggle to adapt to the digital side of hybrid coaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Combining in-person and online coaching offers faster progress by allowing athletes to stay accountable and continuously work on their skills.
• Regular communication between coach and player, even outside of sessions, builds stronger relationships and ensures consistent improvement.
• Progress in cricket isn’t just about what happens during training sessions; it’s the additional work between sessions that makes the difference.
• While there’s a learning curve with using tech for coaching, it allows for detailed feedback and better overall athlete progress.
• Tailored plans, including strength, conditioning, and technical drills, enable athletes to work toward their goals efficiently.

Quotes:

"It’s not the work in the gym or on the field that gets results; it’s the other 180 hours in the week."

"Hybrid coaching moves the needle faster—it’s all about communication, accountability, and doing the right work."

"Some people prefer working in person, but the hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds for faster results."

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 and James explore the costs involved in hiring a cricket coach. They dive into factors that affect pricing, regional differences, and the emerging trend of hybrid and online coaching. If you're curious about how much you should budget for cricket coaching and what services are included, this episode has you covered.

You'll Learn:

• Coaching costs vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of coaching (in-person or online). In the UK, for instance, one-on-one coaching ranges from £30 to £150 per session, while online programs can cost between £25 to £350 per month.
• The concept of hybrid coaching, where clients combine face-to-face sessions with online accountability and support. This method helps athletes work on their game outside of the traditional one-on-one setting.
• The cost of cricket coaching can drastically differ by country, with Australia averaging $200–$300 per session and South Africa being much cheaper due to currency differences. Regional factors significantly impact coaching rates.
• Aside from coaching fees, athletes might incur additional costs for venue rentals, transport, or purchasing equipment. Planning for these expenses is essential to accurately budgeting for long-term coaching.

Key Takeaways:

• The cost of a cricket coach varies greatly based on location and the coach's credentials, with higher-end international coaches charging more for one-on-one sessions.
• A combination of in-person and online coaching allows for greater flexibility and consistent progress between sessions, moving away from the limitations of traditional one-on-one coaching.
• It's important to factor in additional expenses like venue hire, transportation, and equipment when budgeting for coaching, as these can add up over time.
• Rather than focusing solely on one-off sessions, investing in a 12-week plan or even longer provides better results and accountability, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Although online cricket coaching is still relatively new, it offers a cost-effective alternative to in-person sessions and can be highly beneficial, especially when combined with physical training.

Quotes:

“You don’t just work with me for an hour and then not hear from me for a week – we hold you accountable between sessions.”

“People need to start thinking beyond one-to-one sessions and focus on a 12-week plan for long-term improvement."

“Cricket coaching isn't just about what happens in the session. It's about what you do in between to improve your game.”

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 and James Breese discuss how to hire the right cricket coach. They break down common mistakes and offer practical advice for finding a coach that aligns with your cricketing goals. If you want to elevate your game, this episode is packed with insights you can use.

You'll Learn:

• Why having clear, specific cricketing goals helps you choose the right coach. Whether you're a bowler or a batsman, finding a coach who specializes in your area is key to success.
• Why choosing a coach based on cost alone can be misleading. Sometimes investing in a more experienced coach saves time and frustration in the long run.
• How the personality and style of a coach can make or break the coaching experience. It’s important to find a coach whose style complements your learning approach.
• The importance of reviews and testimonials when selecting a coach. Hearing about real results from other players can help validate your choice.

Key Takeaways:

• Having defined cricketing goals helps you find a coach that aligns with your specific needs, whether you're focusing on batting, bowling, or a particular skill set.
• Don't base your decision solely on cost; sometimes a slightly more expensive coach with experience can get you faster and better results.
• The best coach is not always the most popular or affordable; it's the one whose style and expertise resonate with your personal learning style.
• Good coaches not only know their sport but can also communicate effectively, whether through tough love or a more gentle, supportive approach.
• Always check testimonials and social proof. The best coaches consistently produce results like wickets taken or runs scored by their students.

Quotes:

“Sometimes the best coaching tips happen outside of coaching.” – James Breese

“The best athletes have coaches—no one gets to the top on their own.” – Josh Kennedy

“You can struggle on your own, or you can go with somebody along the way—it’s more fun with a coach.” – James Breese

Read more in 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