Fast Bowling Is Brutal: Pace, Injury Risk & Performance in Cricket | Ian Pont

Why is fast bowling so brutal — and why do so many fast bowlers break down?In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by Ian Pont, founder of the National Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA), to explore the physical, technical and mental demands of fast bowling in cricket.Drawing on decades of experience as a former professional fast bowler, international coach and biomechanical specialist, Ian explains why pace alone isn’t enough — and how poor preparation, overload and technique issues often lead to injury.In this episode:Why fast bowling breaks so many bodiesThe difference between bowling fast and bowling wellHow technique and workload contribute to injury riskWhy fast bowlers need specialist coaching environmentsThe mental demands unique to fast bowlersWhen chasing pace helps — and when it hurtsHow parents and coaches can better support young players⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps00:00 Listener questions: mindset support & training volume05:16 Introducing Ian Pont07:00 The cricket ball throwing record11:00 How Ian’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy17:30 Style vs structure in fast bowling22:00 The brutal physical demands of fast bowling29:00 Why fast bowlers need specialist preparation33:00 Why the National Fast Bowling Academy exists43:30 The mental demands of fast bowling54:30 Visualisation, confidence & pressure moments1:06:30 Chasing pace vs longevity1:13:00 Advice for young fast bowlers1:19:30 Learning more about the NFBA🔗 Useful LinksNational Fast Bowling Academy (NFBA)https://www.nfbacricket.comCricket Mind Onlinehttps://www.cricketmind.online📩 Questions or topic ideas?Email: [email protected]📱 Connect with Cricket Mind OnlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cricket.mind.online/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricket.mind.online/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wood-coaching/