How to Develop Explosive Strength and Power for Cricket

Cricket Matters - Expert Cricket Coaching, Mindset & Performance Tips

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive deep into the world of explosive strength and power for cricket. They discuss why explosiveness is critical for cricketers at every level and explore practical exercises and strategies to build dynamic power effectively.

You’ll Learn:

• How explosiveness impacts batting, bowling, and fielding, and why dynamic movement is essential in modern cricket. The hosts highlight how foundational strength builds the base for explosive power.
• The mistakes cricketers make when trying to build power, including skipping foundational strength or focusing too much on tactics without a clear strategy.
• Plyometric exercises, kettlebell swings, med ball throws, and sprinting as powerful tools for developing dynamic movement and speed.
• How to structure explosive strength training depending on the cricket season and why even in-season work is critical for maintaining performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Without adequate strength, training for explosiveness can lead to poor results and potential injuries. Building a base is non-negotiable.
• Exercises like hops, jumps, and kettlebell swings are effective starting points for developing explosive power, especially when done with proper progression.
• While Olympic lifts can be useful, most cricketers lack the mobility and expertise required. Alternatives like kettlebell jerks and pendulum swings are safer and just as effective.
• Pre-season training can be more intensive, with explosive workouts 3–4 times a week. In-season work should focus on maintenance with 1–2 sessions weekly.
• Techniques like deceleration lunges and single-leg strength work help improve movement quality and prepare the body for explosive actions.

Quotes:
"Cricket is a game of explosiveness—hitting harder, running faster, and moving dynamically on the field."
"We don’t need cricketers back-squatting; functional movements like front squats and kettlebell swings work better and are safer." – James Breese
"Plyometric training is a must for explosive power, but your body has to be ready for it first." – James Breese
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

Chapter

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Building a Foundation of Strength (00:01:50)

3. Effective Exercises for Explosiveness (00:04:00)

4. Training Strategies and Pitfalls (00:07:30)

5. Alternatives to Olympic Lifts (00:11:00)