Fielding is often described as cricket’s “third skill”, but at the highest level it can be the difference between winning and losing.

In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood is joined by Paul Tweddle, Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach at Somerset County Cricket Club.

Paul has worked across professional and international cricket, including fielding roles with England Lions, England Men’s tours, and most recently as fielding consultant with Scotland at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Together, Nathan and Paul explore what separates elite fielding teams from average ones — from the psychology of dropped catches to the technical fundamentals and training methods used in professional cricket.

They discuss why fielding mistakes can have such a psychological impact on players, the habits that elite fielders develop, and how the culture around fielding has evolved in the modern game.

The conversation also explores how professional teams structure fielding practice, what club cricketers can learn from elite environments, and whether anyone can develop the habits required to become a strong fielder.

00:00 A dropped catch and the psychology of fielding

01:49 Introducing Paul Tweddle

05:19 Why fielding mistakes affect confidence

08:49 Fundamentals vs mindset in fielding

12:46 What elite fielders do differently

17:56 Communication and energy in the field

23:57 Fielding culture in professional teams

31:31 How professional teams train fielding

40:46 Can anyone become a good fielder?

53:50 Fielding and selection in the modern game

58:47 The future of fielding

If you’re a young cricketer preparing for the upcoming season, we’re running an online workshop designed to help players prepare properly for the year ahead.

Making Pre-Season Count is a one-hour session covering:

• How to structure your pre-season training

• How to prepare mentally for the season ahead

• How to build confidence before your first match

🎟 Places cost £25

Book your place here:

www.cricketmind.online/events

Next week Briony Brock returns to the podcast and we’ll be answering listener questions.

If there’s something you’d like us to discuss on the show, you can send your questions via:

Website: www.cricketmind.online

Email: nathan@cricketmind.online

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Facebook: @cricket.mind.online

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