About Me
Baxter Holt
Business Ownerhttps://www.baxterholt.com.au
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Professional Cricketer
Currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Swinburne University.
Throughout a continuing professional sporting career, has developed many skills in which includes; Leadership, Communication, Public speaking, Risk management along with skills such as Discipline, Work ethic and a hunger to continuously improve.
Outside of Cricket, also houses a passion for Philanthropic organisations and charities through ambassadorships, volunteering and appearances.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Swinburne University.
Throughout a continuing professional sporting career, has developed many skills in which includes; Leadership, Communication, Public speaking, Risk management along with skills such as Discipline, Work ethic and a hunger to continuously improve.
Outside of Cricket, also houses a passion for Philanthropic organisations and charities through ambassadorships, volunteering and appearances.
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My Activity
question
Q: Someone asked me today about moments where I’ve shown resilience or faced hardships. Here’s what I shared:
I’m entering my seventh year of professional cricket, living out the dream of my childhood self. It’s been an incredible journey, taking me around the world and allowing me to play in front of thousands, hopefully inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams. However, there are extreme lows in professional sports, just like in any career.
Over six years, I’ve been fit and available for 95 professional games at the state level, plus 28 in the BBL, totalling 123 games. Yet, I’ve only had the honour of playing 27 times—12 first-class games, 6 one-day games for Cricket NSW, and 9 for the Sydney Thunder. That means 96 times I’ve been told I’m not selected. My mind often spirals into thoughts like: I’m not good enough, I don’t belong, I’m an imposter, and I’ve let everyone down.
Many of you may have faced similar feelings, whether related to work, family, or school. So why do I keep returning each day despite a 79% rejection rate and the risk of letting others down?
To me, it’s simple: this is what I’m good at. It brings light into the world and provides a platform to share my journey, hopefully helping others. Those 27 games have been a privilege—whether playing in front of 45,000 at the SCG or representing my state. These are memories I cherish, and I know this is the best way to provide for my future family.
As I begin my seventh season in a state across the country and away from my loved ones, I’m excited for the opportunities WA Cricket has offered me. I’m grateful to continue this journey, hoping it extends far into the future.
I share this because, while my job may seem glamorous, it comes with its challenges and dark times. We are all human, capable of performing skills in sports or any field. It’s vital to share both hardships and successes, creating a safe space where everyone feels they belong and can be heard.
I’m entering my seventh year of professional cricket, living out the dream of my childhood self. It’s been an incredible journey, taking me around the world and allowing me to play in front of thousands, hopefully inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams. However, there are extreme lows in professional sports, just like in any career.
Over six years, I’ve been fit and available for 95 professional games at the state level, plus 28 in the BBL, totalling 123 games. Yet, I’ve only had the honour of playing 27 times—12 first-class games, 6 one-day games for Cricket NSW, and 9 for the Sydney Thunder. That means 96 times I’ve been told I’m not selected. My mind often spirals into thoughts like: I’m not good enough, I don’t belong, I’m an imposter, and I’ve let everyone down.
Many of you may have faced similar feelings, whether related to work, family, or school. So why do I keep returning each day despite a 79% rejection rate and the risk of letting others down?
To me, it’s simple: this is what I’m good at. It brings light into the world and provides a platform to share my journey, hopefully helping others. Those 27 games have been a privilege—whether playing in front of 45,000 at the SCG or representing my state. These are memories I cherish, and I know this is the best way to provide for my future family.
As I begin my seventh season in a state across the country and away from my loved ones, I’m excited for the opportunities WA Cricket has offered me. I’m grateful to continue this journey, hoping it extends far into the future.
I share this because, while my job may seem glamorous, it comes with its challenges and dark times. We are all human, capable of performing skills in sports or any field. It’s vital to share both hardships and successes, creating a safe space where everyone feels they belong and can be heard.
answered
Q: I’d like to get some advice about the wicket keeping crouch position.
I see keepers today with wide stances especially up the stumps and wonder how awkward they look and the pressure they have on their thighs to stay low and come up with the ball.
Growing up keepers generally had their feet shoulder width apart and looked more comfortable with their gloves coming up with the ball. Ian Healy for example.
With such a wide stance also does it affect the bigger edges off the spinners hitting their legs as opposed to travelling through to first slip?
Should we be advising young keepers to keep their feet shoulder width apart or is the wide stance ok?
I see keepers today with wide stances especially up the stumps and wonder how awkward they look and the pressure they have on their thighs to stay low and come up with the ball.
Growing up keepers generally had their feet shoulder width apart and looked more comfortable with their gloves coming up with the ball. Ian Healy for example.
With such a wide stance also does it affect the bigger edges off the spinners hitting their legs as opposed to travelling through to first slip?
Should we be advising young keepers to keep their feet shoulder width apart or is the wide stance ok?
A: Hi Mark,
Great question and one in my opinion, that changes depending on the individual.
For me personally as a keeper my stance is slightly wider than shoulder width as my hips don’t allow me to get into the position I need to be in to maximise power. Having a wider stance also allows a lot more space for my elbows which allows me to have greater give with the ball when catching, Therefore increasing my catch percentage.
When coaching keepers I aim to find a place which is comfortable yet effective. Three points in which I use are:
1. Ensure they are in a powerful position. (This will allow them to move laterally and/or down leg when required)
2. Weight is on the balls of their feet and leaning towards the inside slightly. (Very little weight should be on heels)
3. The strongest muscles in our legs are our quads, calves and glutes and if our weight is slightly forward we use all three to move, however if our weight is on our heels we use our hamstrings and put a lot of pressure on our back.
If you follow this link to the second photo, it is a photo of myself keeping in a game which will best explain the points above.
In terms of the bigger edges, it allows me to be able to cover more ground in less time, due to being in a powerful stance.
I hope this answers your question and if not please don’t hesitate to reach out directly at bjh@baxterholt.com
Regards
Baxter
Great question and one in my opinion, that changes depending on the individual.
For me personally as a keeper my stance is slightly wider than shoulder width as my hips don’t allow me to get into the position I need to be in to maximise power. Having a wider stance also allows a lot more space for my elbows which allows me to have greater give with the ball when catching, Therefore increasing my catch percentage.
When coaching keepers I aim to find a place which is comfortable yet effective. Three points in which I use are:
1. Ensure they are in a powerful position. (This will allow them to move laterally and/or down leg when required)
2. Weight is on the balls of their feet and leaning towards the inside slightly. (Very little weight should be on heels)
3. The strongest muscles in our legs are our quads, calves and glutes and if our weight is slightly forward we use all three to move, however if our weight is on our heels we use our hamstrings and put a lot of pressure on our back.
If you follow this link to the second photo, it is a photo of myself keeping in a game which will best explain the points above.
https://bit.ly/3QGtXoj
In terms of the bigger edges, it allows me to be able to cover more ground in less time, due to being in a powerful stance.
I hope this answers your question and if not please don’t hesitate to reach out directly at bjh@baxterholt.com
Regards
Baxter
question
Q: Unleash the Power of Your Story! Inspire, Connect, and Transform with 'Not Another Presentation'
Aspiring cricketers, sports enthusiasts, and career-driven individuals, listen up!
Are you tired of uninspiring presentations? Want to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact? Look no further than 'Not Another Presentation', My unique approach combines the power of storytelling with positive messaging, providing valuable lessons learned from playing with Cricket NSW and the Sydney Thunder.
In a world filled with Instagram filters and fake personas, it's time to embrace authenticity and listen to understand. My presentations will challenge your audience's perception, helping them see beyond the surface and uncover the real stories behind success.
Aspiring cricketers, sports enthusiasts, and career-driven individuals, listen up!
Are you tired of uninspiring presentations? Want to captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact? Look no further than 'Not Another Presentation', My unique approach combines the power of storytelling with positive messaging, providing valuable lessons learned from playing with Cricket NSW and the Sydney Thunder.
In a world filled with Instagram filters and fake personas, it's time to embrace authenticity and listen to understand. My presentations will challenge your audience's perception, helping them see beyond the surface and uncover the real stories behind success.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1212/baxter-holt/blog/1460/unleash-the-power-of-your-story-with-baxter-holt
blog post
Unleash the Power of Your Story! Inspire, Connect, and Transform with 'Not Another Presentation'Aspiring cricketer ...
