In this episode, we break down the misunderstood concept of trigger movements in batting—and why most club players are focusing on the wrong thing. In this episode, we share real training insights, honest mistakes, and what actually separates pros from amateurs.

You’ll Learn:

• Why Most Club Cricketers Don’t Need Trigger Movements. If your technique isn’t sound, trigger movements won’t save you—they’ll break you. This episode explains why slower bowling doesn’t require triggering and how most amateur batters jump the gun.
• The Difference Between Forward Press and Back-and-Across. Discover why the forward press is often misunderstood and how it can help with both spin and fast bowling. Learn how finding the right trigger for you is key—not mimicking the pros.
• When and Why to Introduce Trigger Movements. Technique first, trigger second. We discuss how poor timing in teaching trigger movements can cause more harm than good, especially for young players.
• How to Use Bowling Machines to Test Readiness. Hear what happened when James faced an 80+ mph Truman ball indoors—and how it exposed flaws even in good technique. Learn how dynamic adjustments helped him hit cleanly.

Key Takeaways:

• Trigger Movements Are Overrated Without Good Technique. Players obsess over triggers without mastering alignment, balance, and clean contact. Fix your head, hands, and footwork first.
• Technique Under Pressure Reveals the Truth. When the pace ramps up, poor technique becomes painfully obvious. Triggering won’t fix collapsing structure—it just exposes it faster.
• Find What’s Natural to You—Not What Looks Good. There’s no one-size-fits-all trigger. Whether it’s a forward press, back-and-across, or hand movement, the right one should feel instinctive under pressure.
• Layer Habits the Right Way. Habit stacking—fix one thing, then move to the next. Trigger movements should be added only after foundational technique is solid.
• Off-Season is for Experimenting, Not In-Season. Don’t overhaul your technique mid-season. Use the off-season for deeper work and try changes when you’re not chasing performance.

Quotes:

“Trigger movements are useless unless you have a solid foundation of technique.”

“They’re so obsessed with movement they forget what good contact even feels like.”

“Habit stacking. Fix one habit, then earn the right to add another.”

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