In this episode of the Cricket Matters Podcast, we dive into why walking remains one of the most underrated yet effective pre-season strategies for cricketers. We just got back from a charity walk through the Welsh valleys, and it reminded us exactly how crucial endurance and volume training are—especially for club-level players.

You'll Learn:

• How consistent walking builds endurance, strengthens your joints and bones, and prepares your body for the demands of cricket season. It’s a simple but powerful way to boost recovery and maintain match fitness.
• How gradually increasing your walking volume helps develop baseline endurance, reducing injury risk when the matches start. Volume matters more than intensity for sustained pre-season progress.
• How to kickstart your walking routine with practical advice—whether you’re short on time, balancing family life, or just getting off the sofa. Hint: it starts with just 30 minutes a day.

Key Takeaways:

• Walking Builds Durability. Pre-season cricket requires more than nets and drills—it demands leg volume and general endurance. Walking is a low-impact way to build this durability.
• Most Cricketers Are Underprepared. Many club-level players skip fitness prep and jump straight into matches, leading to stiffness, soreness, and preventable injuries. Walking helps bridge that gap.
• Walking is Scalable for Everyone. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or a weekend hike with the family, walking is easy to scale based on your fitness level and schedule. Small steps lead to big gains.
• Don't Skip the Basics. Everyone wants to sprint or bowl at full pace—but if you haven’t walked regularly, you're not ready. Start with walking, and let your body adapt from the ground up.

Quotes:

“As simple as it sounds, go walk more. Start walking more.”

“Endurance is a big part of cricket. You’ve got to last the whole day.”

“People start running, and I ask—when was the last time you even walked for 30 minutes?”

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