In this episode of Science & Shiney, Matt Mason — former Western Australia fast bowler and experienced bowling coach — joins the podcast to discuss his journey from professional cricket into coaching at the highest level.

The conversation covers his early playing career, his transition into coaching, and the key lessons he’s learned working with fast bowlers across different environments. Matt shares his coaching philosophy, including the importance of individualisation, effective communication, and the use of simple cues to support performance.

The episode also explores the development of fast bowlers in the women’s game, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities as the sport continues to grow globally.

In this short Science & Shiney episode, Kevin Shine, Dr Paul Felton, and Richard Johnson break down one of the most debated areas in fast bowling: front foot contact.

They explore whether bowlers should land on the heel, forefoot, or flat, and what the science tells us about force absorption, performance, and injury risk. Using simple analogies and real coaching experience, the discussion highlights why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer - and why understanding why a bowler moves the way they do matters more than copying an ideal model.

A focused conversation that brings biomechanics and coaching together to help players and coaches think more clearly about front foot contact.

In this episode, the speakers discuss various aspects of cricket, focusing on the England bowling attack's performance, coaching strategies, and the importance of rhythm and communication among bowlers. They share personal anecdotes, analyse the current state of the team, and emphasise the need for trust and troubleshooting on the field. The discussion also highlights the significance of practicing under pressure and the role of experience in developing a successful bowling unit.