We had the pleasure of sitting down with Luis Mesquita—physiotherapist, S&C coach, and co-founder of The Peak training facility—whose deep dive into eccentric strength and deceleration performance truly stopped us in our tracks. In this episode, we explore the science behind "putting on the brakes" and why it might just be the performance edge cricketers are missing.

You’ll Learn:

• How deceleration and eccentric strength affect everything from sprinting to bowling, and why the best athletes have the best “brakes.”
• Training methods to develop force quickly without overwhelming athletes—critical for fast bowlers and injury prevention.
• How excess fat and poor fueling sabotage athletic performance, even among elite athletes.
• Why eccentric work in the gym complements—but never replaces—sports-specific training on the pitch.

Key Takeaways:

• Eccentric strength is foundational for elite movement: Athletes who can absorb force quickly—like triple jumpers—perform better and stay healthier, especially in high-impact sports like cricket.
• Jump tests reveal hidden weaknesses: Many cricketers underperform in basic tests like the broad jump, indicating poor force production and transfer—issues that limit bowling speed and power.
• Different athletes need different strength strategies: Not everyone benefits from max strength gains. Elastic, reactive athletes often thrive with speed and plyometric work over heavy lifts.
• Body composition is a performance multiplier: Lean athletes not only move better—they recover faster. Poor body comp often signals deeper issues in professionalism and mindset.
• High-quality reps beat high-volume grinds: Intensity trumps volume when developing speed and reactive strength. Fewer, sharper reps with maximal focus deliver better results than “junk volume.”

Quotes:

“You don’t absorb force—you produce force to break.”

“Better athletes make better cricketers.”

“Technique and physical capacity can’t live without each other.”

Find Luís on:

• Instagram: @luismmesquita

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 of the Cricket Matters podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked but game-changing elements of batting—your sprint times between the wickets. We’re building on last week’s sprinting episode and getting laser-focused on the exact times you need to hit to become an elite-level runner between the wickets.

You’ll Learn:

• The ideal timings for singles, twos, and threes—critical benchmarks for every aspiring cricketer.
• Why training in both kit and no-kit setups gives a more accurate picture of your game-readiness and sprint performance.
• How professional athletes use exact sprint data to inform their decisions and improve their performance.
• The importance of proper turning techniques and sprinting mechanics for maximizing speed and minimizing lost time.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Numbers
  Elite cricketers know how fast they can run a single (around 3.1–3.5s), a two (7.1–7.3s), and a three (10.6–10.7s). Knowing your exact times gives you a tactical edge on the pitch.
• Train in and out of Kit
  Practicing both with and without cricket gear ensures better sprint mechanics and real-game preparedness. Your form changes when wearing full kit, so both environments are vital.
• Turning Can Make or Break a Run
  Efficient turns, especially off your strong side, can significantly cut down your total time. Bad turns equal lost runs.
• Sprint Mechanics Are Foundational
  Good sprinting form—strong arms, posture, and leg drive—transfers directly into faster in-game performance. Poor mechanics slow you down, especially under pressure.
• Women’s Sprint Data Is Catching Up
  While research is sparse, the team provides estimated benchmarks for female cricketers to work towards based on comparative sports science data.

Quotes:

“The best cricketers know how fast they can run a single, a two, and a three.”

“If you don't know your times, you're just guessing—and guessing won't win you matches.”

“Train like a sprinter, even in your pads. Mechanics matter.”

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 of the Cricket Matters podcast, we dive into a deceptively simple yet powerful topic—how to run faster between the wickets. We’re breaking down what really impacts your speed and sharing evidence-backed techniques you can apply immediately to score more runs.

You'll Learn:

• How a small shift in technique—carrying the bat in one hand—can help transfer energy more efficiently and cut down your sprint times.
• How proper sprinting form, used by Olympic runners, can be adapted for better running between the wickets.
• What the research says about different running techniques, and how turning to your strong side with a one-handed grip significantly improves speed.
• How grip strength and physical conditioning—especially in the women's game—can influence your ability to apply these techniques effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Carrying the bat in one hand improves directional energy: This technique reduces the inefficient cross-body arm motion and helps you accelerate in a straight line more effectively.
• Turning on your strong side is faster: Data shows that turning toward your strong side while holding the bat in your dominant hand saves time on each sprint—potentially the difference between safe and run out.
• Bad habits in club-level cricket are slowing players down: Many club players carry the bat in two hands and don't prioritize running between the wickets, missing out on easy scoring opportunities.
• Strength training enhances performance: Players who lack the grip strength to carry the bat in one hand may need to focus on strength development before applying this method.
• Better technique improves both speed and tactical awareness: Running with an open body position (by turning correctly) allows for better visibility of the ball and reduces tactical errors like blind turns.

Quotes:

“The best runners between the wickets carry the bat in one hand—it's not just faster, it's smarter.”

“Awareness is the first step—if you’re not strong enough to run one-handed, that’s a technical flaw you need to fix.”

“Technique isn’t just about form; it’s about seeing the game better and making sharper decisions.”

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