In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, adaptability and preparation are key for any batter. Facing bowlers who regularly bowl above 135 kmph requires technique, timing, and a solid strategy. For Sybrand Engelbrecht, representing the Netherlands cricket team, the challenge was mastering the pull shot against world-class fast bowlers ahead of the T20 World Cup and Nepal series.
Together with coaches Ryan Cook and Tom de Grooth, Sybrand used Ludimos to improve and enhance his pull shot technique. Here's how Ludimos helped him prepare.
When facing deliveries over 130 km/h, particularly short-of-length balls, batters need to make split-second decisions. These fast balls, when delivered by top-tier bowlers, demand precise positioning and control. For Sybrand, pulling these short balls with confidence was essential in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and the Nepal series.
His challenge was clear—get into good position and create enough time to play the pull shot effectively against world-class bowling attacks.
To tackle this challenge, Sybrand and his coaches embarked on a comprehensive training program with Ludimos. The plan was to collect data over several sessions to analyse Sybrand's strengths and weaknesses, helping to build both his technique and confidence. The focus was on:
Using Ludimos, they captured five sessions, recording a total of 415 shots. The fastest ball faced by Sybrand was clocked at 137 km/h, with an average shot control percentage of 79%. The platform provided crucial insights into how Sybrand could get into the right position and generate more time to execute his pull shot.
Ball tracking and batting insights were collected over 5 training sessions in 8 weeks. Ball speed, line and length was used to validate whether Sybrand indeed was facing deliveries reflecting the actual challenge.
His Wagon Wheel, foot work and Shot control was used to assess how well Sybrand was executing his plans. The sections below showcases the Pitchmap, Wagon Wheel, Ball stats and Coaching notes for all 5 sessions.
The first step of the improvement process is to understand the current state of the player. So benchmarking is crucial. The following data is from Sybrand's first session and see attached coaching notes.
As you can see, using the insights from Ludimos AI Tom and Sybrand were able to understand his current skills and made a plan to work towards the improving the execution pull shot.
Using the insights from above, Sybrand and Tom worked hard to make progress on the pull shot adjusting minor details to get maximum results.
Further continuing to asses and validate the effectiveness of the changes by constantly capturing data and comparing with earlier sessions.
Trying to constantly execute the plan and to get to consistent results.
One last lesson to make sure that Sybrand is feeling confident about the progress and that everything is in place deliver when it matters - In the middle!
By reviewing the data and video analysis provided by Ludimos, the coaching team was able to identify specific areas for improvement:
By session five, Sybrand had made significant improvements, with better control, positioning, and confidence in playing the pull shot as shown from the above session info.
The video on the left shows how Sybrand is in control when the ball is around 120KMPH. The video on the right shows the he is uncomfortable when the speed is over 128KMPH.
For coaches aiming to optimise player performance, Ludimos is an invaluable tool. Here's why:
Are you a coach or a player looking to improve performance with data-driven coaching? Ludimos offers the tools you need to take your game to the next level. Sybrand Engelbrecht’s success story shows how the combination of technology and technique can help you master even the toughest challenges in cricket.
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