Take Cricket Coaching Beyond the Speed Gun

Bowling speed is an important performance indicator, but the number on its own does not tell the whole story. A bowler may produce different speeds depending on their run-up, body position, release, rhythm, balance and overall bowling action.

This is where the Pocket Radar Smart Coach can become a valuable coaching tool. By combining radar speed measurement with video, coaches can look back at individual deliveries and compare the speed with what was happening in the player's action.

For example, a coach may notice that a player produces their fastest deliveries when their run-up is more controlled, their front side stays stronger or their release point is more consistent. The radar does not make that diagnosis for the coach — instead, it provides an objective speed measurement that can be reviewed alongside the video.

That gives the coach another piece of information when working out what is helping — or limiting — a player's performance.

See Bowling Speed and Bowling Action Together

One of the most useful features of the Pocket Radar Smart Coach is its ability to work with the Pocket Radar App and place speed information into recorded video.

This creates a much more useful training record than simply writing down a number after a bowling session. The coach can revisit the delivery and examine the player's action while also knowing the measured speed of that delivery.

• Measure the speed of individual deliveries.
• Record video during training.
• Embed speed information into video.
• Review deliveries in slow motion.
• Compare different deliveries and sessions.
• Track player performance over time.
• Share useful video clips with players.

The Pocket Radar App supports speed-embedded video, slow-motion video, historical performance tracking and video sharing, giving coaches more information to work with after the training session.

Find the Small Details That Can Make a Difference

Sometimes the biggest improvement does not come from simply telling a player to "bowl faster."

A coach may instead want to understand why one delivery was faster, more consistent or more effective than another.

Reviewing video alongside measured speed can help coaches investigate those differences. Small changes in a bowler's approach, timing, body position, balance or release can be reviewed against the resulting speed.

Over several training sessions, this can help create a clearer picture of what works for an individual player.

The goal is not simply to chase a higher number on the radar. The goal is to help the player understand their own action and develop a more effective, repeatable and consistent technique.

Useful for Fast Bowlers and Developing Cricketers

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach can be particularly useful when working with fast bowlers and developing young cricketers.

A coach can establish a baseline for a player's bowling speed and then monitor how that measurement changes as technique and physical development improve.

Instead of relying on occasional measurements, coaches can collect performance information during regular training sessions and build a longer-term picture of the player's development.

This can also make training goals more tangible for players. Rather than simply being told that their bowling action needs work, players can see their action on video and relate changes in technique to measurable performance results.

Use Video to Review Batting as Well

Cricket coaching is not only about bowling. Video-based performance review can also be valuable when working with batters.

Recording batting sessions allows coaches and players to review footwork, balance, setup, head position, bat path and timing after the session rather than relying entirely on what was seen in real time.

Where measurable ball or bat speed is relevant to the training setup, having objective speed data alongside video can provide another useful performance reference.

This combination of video and measurable performance information can help coaches identify patterns that may not be obvious during a busy training session.

Measure Progress Over Time

Player development is easier to understand when there is measurable information to compare.

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach can help coaches build a record of performance rather than treating every training session as an isolated event.

A coach can compare results from different sessions and look for changes in performance as the player works on their technique.

This is particularly useful when a player is working towards a specific performance goal. The radar provides an objective measurement, while video provides the visual context needed to understand how the player achieved that result.

Why Use the Pocket Radar Smart Coach for Cricket?

• Instant speed feedback – Measure deliveries during training rather than relying on estimates.
• Video with speed information – Review the player's action while seeing the measured speed associated with the delivery.
• Slow-motion review – Examine important parts of a player's action in greater detail.
• Track development – Compare performance over multiple training sessions.
• Portable training tool – The compact radar can be used in different training environments.
• Useful for coaches and players – Give players measurable feedback they can understand and work towards.
• Shareable video – Send useful clips to players for review outside the training environment.

A More Data-Driven Approach to Cricket Coaching

Modern cricket coaching increasingly combines traditional coaching knowledge with technology and measurable performance information.

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach does not replace the coach's experience or ability to analyse a player. It gives the coach another useful piece of information.

By combining measured speed, video and coaching experience, it becomes possible to look deeper into a player's performance and investigate the small differences that may help them become faster, more consistent and more effective.

For cricket academies, schools, clubs and private coaches, this can turn ordinary practice repetitions into a valuable source of performance information.

Compact Enough to Take to Training

The Smart Coach Radar is designed as a portable training system and connects to the Pocket Radar App using Bluetooth. The system is designed to provide instant feedback while also creating a digital record of player performance.

Pocket Radar states that the Smart Coach provides accuracy of approximately ±1 mph and supports a velocity range of 25 to 130 mph, making it suitable for a wide range of ball-sport training applications.

Improve the Way You Coach

The most useful question after a training session is not always "How fast did the player bowl?"

It can be:

"What was the player doing when they bowled at their best?"

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach gives coaches a practical way to start answering that question. Measure the delivery, record the action, review the video and look for the details that can help the player improve.

For coaches who want to move beyond occasional speed-gun readings and towards more measurable, video-based player development, the Smart Coach is a powerful addition to the cricket training kit.

Buy the Pocket Radar Smart Coach in South Africa

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach is available from Cybertrek in South Africa. Visit the product page for current availability, specifications and purchasing information.

View the Pocket Radar Smart Coach on Cybertrek

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Take Cricket Training Further?

Give your players more than a speed reading. Combine measurable performance data with video and coaching analysis to get a better understanding of what is happening during every training session.

View the Pocket Radar Smart Coach on Cybertrek