We’re back on the Cricket Matters podcast, and this time, we’re going deep into throwing mechanics with none other than NASM Master Trainer Ken Miller. From near-death experiences in Serbia to world-class insights from baseball legends, this episode is packed with wisdom and laughs.

You’ll Learn:

• How baseball throwing mechanics apply to cricket. Ken breaks down how elite baseball pitching techniques—like hip-shoulder separation and ground-up force generation—can revolutionize how cricketers throw. The overlap between sports is far deeper than most think.
• How the lead arm acts like a shield that maintains balance, power, and accuracy. “Bite the burger” becomes your new mental cue for form.
• How many throwing injuries are due to problems in the core and lower body. A targeted warm-up and mobility work can transform both safety and performance.
• How to coach youth and adult athletes differently. Whether it’s a 12-year-old or a 40-year-old weekend warrior, Ken shares practical drills and adaptations to get the best out of every body type and experience level.

Key Takeaways:

• If you’ve got a shoulder problem, you’ve got a body problem
  Ken emphasizes that pain or dysfunction in the shoulder often stems from the hips, core, or even the feet. Effective throwing starts with a full-body check-in.
• Front side mechanics are a game-changer
  Dropping your front arm ruins your throw. Keeping the elbow up and pulling through ("biting the burger") helps maintain rotational integrity and prevents spinal and shoulder injuries.
• Movement quality beats aesthetics
  A six-pack won’t help if your spine can’t rotate or your hips don’t move. Ken urges athletes to focus on quality foundational movement first.
• Elite throwing relies on disassociation
  The ability to separate lower-body motion from the upper body is key. Ken explains that most amateur athletes lack this and that it's critical to train for that “lag” in movement.
• Preparation must be individualized
  Everyone has different postural and mobility issues. Custom warm-ups and drills based on individual needs beat cookie-cutter routines every time.

Quotes:

“If you've got a shoulder problem, you've got a body problem.”

“Don’t train like an elite athlete—move like a human first.”

“Your shoulder is only as good as your spine, hips, and footwork.”

Find Ken on:

• Instagram: @kjfitlab

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