Strength Training for Cricketers: The Ultimate Guide

Cricket Matters | Expert Cricket Coaching, Mindset & Performance Tips

In this episode, Josh Kennedy and James Breese dive into the essentials of strength training for cricketers. They break down the misconceptions, strategies, and vital movements necessary for optimal athletic performance on the field.
You’ll Learn:

• Why it’s crucial to master proper movement patterns before adding weight, to avoid injuries and maximize strength gains.
• The distinctions between training to "look good" versus training to perform, and why cricketers should prioritize functional athletic movements.
• The seven core movement patterns that cricketers should focus on, including push, pull, hinge, squat, and rotation.
• Insights into achievable strength benchmarks, such as plank holds and deadlift standards, to assess and guide your training progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Loading weight onto improper movement patterns increases injury risk; focus on movement quality before adding intensity.
• Athletic strength training should prioritize movement patterns over isolated muscle work to build resilience and enhance performance.
• Ensure every training session includes locomotion, push, pull, hinge, squat, rotation, and anti-rotation for balanced, functional strength.
• Once foundational strength is built, athletes can shift to more complex movements and power training, enhancing overall athleticism.
• Developing strength is a learned skill, not just about lifting heavy—focus on technique to maximize both safety and effectiveness.

Quotes:
“Never load weight onto dysfunction—train movement first to build strength that lasts.”
“Locomotion, push, pull, hinge, squat, rotate, anti-rotate: these are the movements that make or break an athlete.”
“Strength is a skill, and like any skill, it can be taught and refined.”
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. Misconceptions in Strength Training (00:01:00)

3. Seven Fundamental Movements (00:05:00)

4. Strength Standards and Benchmarks (00:12:00)