260: 12 Months, 3 Formats, 1 Body: Cricket's Survival Guide

Science for Sport — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it takes to keep professional cricketers performing at their peak across a grueling season? This week, we dive deep with Jack McCann, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Leicestershire CCC, who shares fascinating insights into the evolution of cricket performance science. From managing international stars like Rehan Ahmed to nurturing academy prospects, Jack reveals the delicate balance of preparing players for everything from T20 explosiveness to multi-day endurance.
But what makes this episode particularly intriguing is Jack's innovative "Fox's Recovery Framework" - a revolutionary approach that's transforming how players manage their recovery. And wait until you hear how modern technology is reshaping the future of cricket training in ways you never imagined...

Key topics include:

The science behind managing multi-format cricket demands
How player monitoring has evolved beyond traditional methods
The crucial relationship between S&C coaches and players
Inside look at pre-season preparation for county cricket
The future of wearable technology in cricket performance

About Jack McCann
A lifelong cricket enthusiast turned performance specialist, Jack McCann has established himself as a leading voice in cricket strength and conditioning. As the Head of S&C at Leicestershire County Cricket Club since 2020, he's helped transform the club's approach to physical preparation and player development. After starting his career in commercial gyms while pursuing his education, Jack found his true calling in cricket performance science. His innovative approach combines traditional training methodologies with cutting-edge technology and data analysis. At Leicestershire, he's been particularly influential in developing young talent while managing the complex demands of established professionals across multiple cricket formats. Jack's commitment to evidence-based practice and player-centered programming has contributed to the club's recent successes and their ability to compete consistently across all formats of the game.

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257: Fear is your friend: A Champion's Paradox

Science for Sport — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this captivating episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Sam Kotadia, the pioneering sports psychologist supporting Wrexham FC's recent success and a transformative force in athletic mental performance for over two decades. Sam challenges conventional wisdom about positive thinking and mental preparation, offering a revolutionary perspective that turns traditional sports psychology on its head.

From his early breakthrough with a tough-as-nails centre back at Colchester United to his current work with Hollywood-owned Wrexham FC and the inspiring Empire Fighting Chance programme in Bristol, Sam shares how his approach to performance psychology has evolved. He reveals why trying to control your mindset might be holding you back, and why embracing discomfort could be the key to unlocking peak performance.

Discover why the lucrative self-help industry might be missing the point, how world-class athletes like Pelé and Ronaldo actually maintain their focus, and why that pre-game anxiety might not be the enemy you think it is. Whether you're an elite athlete, coach, or weekend warrior, this conversation will transform how you think about mental preparation and performance.
Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about sports psychology and mental performance. Sam's refreshing perspective might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.

About Sam Kotadia
Sam Kotadia is a chartered sports psychologist with over two decades of experience transforming athletic performance at all levels. From his groundbreaking early work at Colchester United to his current role as the mind coach behind Wrexham FC's remarkable journey, Sam has consistently challenged traditional approaches to sports psychology. He's the founder of FlowSK and a key figure at Empire Fighting Chance, where he helps at-risk youth discover their potential through non-contact boxing. His revolutionary approach, which turns conventional positive thinking on its head, has earned him recognition across professional football and combat sports. Working alongside managers like Phil Parkinson, Sam has developed a unique philosophy that emphasises authenticity over forced positivity, helping athletes from grassroots to elite level unlock their natural performance state.

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Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Athletedevelopment”

260: 12 Months, 3 Formats, 1 Body: Cricket's Survival Guide

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257: Fear is your friend: A Champion's Paradox

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