Jos Buttler and AB de Villiers are two of the most destructive batters who have ever lived but why are they so destructive and how can we train to hit the ball like them? In this article we will break down both of their techniques whilst hitting sixes in the IPL.

Set up

Both set ups are very similar with their eyes levels, hands free from the body and weight mostly through the back foot, ready to transfer back forward. In the set up, lower body strength & power is important to put a lot of force into the floor through that back foot. The more force you push down with, the more force the ground will push back with, into your body.

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Top of backswing

At the top of the back swing, the hips and shoulders have separated. The shoulders are pointing down the wicket and the hips are facing mid-wicket. This creates something called the X-factor. If you took a birds eye view, the two lines would form an “x” and the angle between the two lines is known as the x-factor angle. The larger this angle, the greater degree of hip shoulder separation which research shows increases the opportunity for bat speed. Pelvic control and thoracic mobility are all key areas that we can work on to improve our x-factor angle. You will also see both players cock their wrists, pointing the toe of the bat up to the sky. This is where strong forearms are very important for batters enabling them to cock and uncock with power.

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Downswing

All the energy created by hip-shoulder separation is released for the downswing. The front foot creates a solid block, the back hip rotates, shifting the weight forward and bringing the shoulders along for the ride. Notice the head position of both players still. If they didn’t have such a solid base, then they would be swinging themselves off their feet resulting in the eyes losing their focus on the ball. We can improve this phase of the swing by working on our rotational core power alongside our hip & thoracic mobility.

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Ball contact

At ball contact, with the base set, all that is needed is for the wrists to uncock to provide the final whip of the bat into the ball. Once again, this is where our forearms are important to generate the final bit of power.

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Sky Sports Footage

Jos Buttler

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About Jos Butler

_{Jos Butler is a highly skilled and versatile cricketer from England, known for his explosive batting, exceptional wicketkeeping abilities, and leadership qualities. Born on September 8, 1990, in Taunton, Somerset, Butler has made a significant impact in international cricket and is considered one of the most exciting players of his generation. Butler's journey in cricket began at a young age, and he quickly made a name for himself with his natural talent and aggressive style of play. He made his debut for Somerset County Cricket Club in 2009 and soon earned recognition for his destructive batting in limited-overs formats. His fearless approach, coupled with an array of innovative shots, has made him a nightmare for bowlers around the world. In 2011, Butler earned his first call-up to the England national team in a One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies. Since then, he has become an integral part of England's limited-overs setup, playing a pivotal role in their success. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate, even under pressure, has led to many match-winning performances for England. Butler's batting prowess extends to the Test format as well. In 2014, he made his Test debut against India and showcased his adaptability by scoring a century in his maiden match. He has since established himself as a key member of England's Test team, known for his ability to counter-attack and turn the course of a game with his aggressive stroke play. Beyond his batting skills, Butler is also an exceptional wicketkeeper. His lightning-fast reflexes, impeccable technique, and safe pair of hands behind the stumps make him a valuable asset for any team. His ability to effect lightning-quick stumpings has often left batsmen dumbfounded. Apart from his playing abilities, Butler's leadership qualities have also been recognised. He has captained England in various formats, showcasing his astute cricketing mind and ability to inspire his teammates. His calm and composed demeanor on the field, combined with a competitive spirit, make him a natural leader. Off the field, Butler is known for his sportsmanship and professionalism. He is well-respected among his peers and fans for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to fair play. Jos Butler's contributions to cricket have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. His performances have played a significant role in England's success in white-ball cricket, including their triumph in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. As he continues to excel in all formats of the game, Jos Butler's impact on cricket remains significant. His combination of power-hitting, exceptional wicketkeeping, and leadership skills make him a valuable asset for any team and a joy to watch for cricket enthusiasts around the world.}

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Ab de Villiers

About Ab de Villiers

_{AB de Villiers, also known as "Mr. 360," is a legendary cricketer hailing from South Africa, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and talented batsmen in the history of the sport. Born on February 17, 1984, in Pretoria, de Villiers made a lasting impact on the game with his incredible versatility, unorthodox shots, and extraordinary fielding skills. de Villiers' cricketing journey started at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks with his prodigious talent and ability to adapt to various playing conditions. He made his debut for the South African national team in December 2004 and soon became a crucial part of the Proteas' lineup across all formats of the game. One of de Villiers' most remarkable traits was his adaptability and mastery of different batting positions. Whether opening the innings, anchoring the middle order, or providing explosive finishes, he was equally effective in all roles. His wide range of strokes, combined with a fearless and attacking mindset, often left opposition bowlers perplexed and spectators in awe. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), de Villiers was a force to be reckoned with. He holds numerous records, including the fastest century in ODI cricket, which he achieved in just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015. His ability to play 360-degree shots, such as reverse sweeps and audacious scoops, made him a unique and entertaining player. In Test cricket, de Villiers proved his mettle as a technically sound batsman. He demonstrated remarkable patience and shot selection while also possessing the ability to accelerate the scoring rate when needed. His proficiency against both pace and spin bowling made him a formidable opponent in any conditions. Apart from his batting exploits, de Villiers was also an exceptional fielder. He was often stationed in the outfield, where his athleticism, lightning-quick reflexes, and accurate throws earned him a reputation as one of the finest fielders in the game. He could change the course of a match with his brilliant fielding and crucial run-outs. In addition to his individual brilliance, de Villiers was known for his leadership skills and sportsmanship. He served as the captain of the South African team in all three formats, leading with a calm and composed demeanour and earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. In May 2018, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. While he bid farewell to the international arena, he continued to participate in various T20 leagues around the world, entertaining fans with his exceptional skills and entertaining style of play. AB de Villiers' impact on cricket extends beyond the boundaries of South Africa. His innovative approach to batting and his ability to execute unorthodox shots have inspired a new generation of cricketers to push the boundaries of what is possible on the field. He remains an icon of the sport, and his name will forever be associated with flair, class, and pure cricketing genius.}

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