James Breese
Founder & Performance System Architect, Cricket Matters.
James Breese is responsible for the assessment-first performance system used at Cricket Matters. His work sits above individual disciplines — coaching, physical preparation, and injury management — focused on why effort stops translating into performance and why players keep breaking down despite doing ‘the right things.’ His work focuses on identifying the mechanical drivers of technical flaws and injury risk — bridging the gap between clinical rehabilitation and elite cricket performance.
Perspective & Responsibility.
This perspective is shaped by making decisions that must hold up on the field.
With over 20 years working inside high-performance environments, James is accountable for decisions that affect performance, availability, and long-term development — including work at international level.
He continues to play the game himself, representing Cardiff CC and Wales Over 40s, including competing at Masters World Cup level. That perspective matters — because performance systems only count when they hold up under real match conditions.
The thinking behind Cricket Matters comes from seeing the same patterns repeat: conflicting advice, disconnected plans, and progress that fails under pressure.
How This Fits the Cricket Matters System.
James isn’t separate from the system. He’s a living, breathing part of it.
James’s work informs every assessment, article, and conversation at Cricket Matters.
Content is not created to promote methods, trends, or quick fixes. It exists to clarify decision-making: why players plateau, why injuries repeat, and why effort alone often isn’t enough.
This is the thinking behind the system — shared openly.
Professional Background & Credentials.
James Breese is a sports performance specialist with over 20 years’ experience working across strength & conditioning, movement, rehabilitation, and coaching. He is the founder of Cricket Matters and Strength Matters, and the architect of an assessment-first performance system designed to support long-term availability and performance in cricket.
Formal Education
- BA (Hons) French and German, Cardiff University
- MSc Computer Science, Cardiff University
- Planned retraining in Physiotherapy — Cardiff University (intended entry 2026)
Expertise
- Integrated Technique Refinement: Biomechanical refinement of batting and bowling techniques to improve efficiency, consistency, and durability under match conditions.
- Bowling & Batting Biomechanics: Assessment-led analysis to identify mechanical drivers of technical flaws, energy leaks, and injury risk.
- Clinical Injury Rehabilitation: Evidence-based return-to-play planning for lumbar stress fractures, side strains, shoulder overload, and lower-limb pathologies in cricketers.
- Rotational Power & Performance: Strength and conditioning systems focused on rotational torque, kinetic linking, and long-term athletic resilience.
- Motor Skill Acquisition: Applying neuroscience-informed coaching principles to ensure technical changes hold up under pressure, not just in training.
- Biomechanical Load Management: Designing workload and exposure systems to maximise player availability and reduce repeated breakdown.
Current & Notable Roles
- Head of Strength and Conditioning for the German National Cricket Team (2024 – Present)
Clinical & Performance Qualifications
- Level 4 Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist (LCSP Assoc Member No. 9390)
- Level 5 Sports & Clinical Therapist — in progress
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- Advanced Movement & Mobility Screening
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA Level 1)
- FMS Level 1 & Level 2
- Functional Capacity Screen (FCS)
- Y-Balance Test (YBT)
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified
- ECB Cricket Coach
- Krav Maga Global Instructor
- Human Biology & Health Sciences (Open University module study)
Strength & Conditioning Credentials
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) — re-certification in progress
Publications, Media & Speaking.
James has contributed to books, podcasts, conferences, and media platforms focused on performance, movement, and long-term athletic development. These appearances reflect practical work in the field — focused on frameworks and decision-making rather than methods or trends.
Books
- Maximum Aerobic Power — Author (5,000+ copies sold)
Media & Publications
- Founder & Chief Editor — Strength Matters Magazine
- BBC Cymru Fyw — Profile Feature
Podcasts & Speaking
- Perform Better Europe (2016–2024)
- Optima Conference (2024–2025)
- FILEX Australia (2017–2018)
- FMS Podcast
- Peak Performance Podcast
Where This Work Is Applied.
This work is applied through the Cricket Matters assessment system — guiding real decisions around training, coaching, rehabilitation, and long-term player development. For players, parents, and coaches, this page exists to make accountability visible. James still plays the game — because performance systems only matter if they hold up under pressure.
Content by this author follows Cricket Matters editorial standards.
Choose Your Starting Point
Start in the Right Place.
Every cricketer starts with assessment — to identify what’s limiting progress before training or coaching begins.
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If pain or injury is involved, begin with an injury assessment.
If not, performance assessment is the correct entry point.
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