Click and get coached by AB de Villiers

Just when we thought we'd seen AB de Villiers do everything on the cricket field, he has done something without even being there. Thanks to de Villiers at least two club cricketers have achieved career-bests.

Zaheer Hendricks, who tipped his hat to de Villiers in a tweet, scored an unbeaten 150 in a fifty-over match while Franco10586, who conveyed gratitude through an Instagram message, notched up his highest score opening the batting. Neither of them have ever met or spoken to de Villiers. All they did was watch de Villiers' how-to videos on a site started by one of his former first-class team-mates, copy and paste what they saw and voila.

Cricketyard is the brainchild of Blake Snijman , who had crossed paths with de Villiers at the Titans. Snijman's idea was to create a resource for players to share their skills which could be accessed by anyone, anywhere, absolutely free as long as they have an internet connection. So far, de Villiers is their only contributor.

"There are many coaches and theories out there, but I found that as a player I always learnt the most by talking to the guys at the top who were doing it the best," Snijman told ESPNcricinfo. "Who better to learn from than the world's best batsman?"

Almost 56,000 people agree, if the site's stats are anything to go by. In its month-long existence, that's how many people have watched the videos, almost half are in the 18-24 age range and more than a third of them come from India.

By clicking play, they are treated to insight into both technical and temperamental aspects of de Villiers' game, from his trigger movement to his cover drive, his nerves to his body language. In future snippets, he will explain how he plays shots other international batsmen think twice about like the ramp, the scoop, the inside-out drives and the one-handed hoicks.

For those who want to try them at home, Snijman has an insider's tip: the secret is in the simplicity. "What's fascinating about his batting is that although his ability and some of his shots are extraordinary, they are all founded on some vital basics. And he is the best at these basics - full stop," Snijman said. "Balance, being still, [a] strong position at ball contact, watching the ball, playing it late and mental and physical preparation."

Although it may look like de Villiers acts purely on instinct, there's intricate preparation that goes into his art. "His batting is like a highly successful business. Everything has its place, order, is thought out properly, has a plan and operates on basics and systems. There is no luck or hit and miss. That's why he is so consistent," Snijman said.

In recent years, de Villiers has found runs in every format, so much so, form is not a word that can be used to describe his status because he is always in it. At the same time, he has dedicated himself to developing a culture of community in the South African changeroom, led by his own reputation as cricket's Mr Nice Guy. In between breaking records, he always time for a smile or a selfie. This project only underlines that social commitment de Villiers seems to have made.

The videos were shot by a small film crew, edited by Snijman's friend and the site created by his brother an IT, software and web development expert, so it's a largely amateur operation. There is no advertising (yet) and no financial gain for anyone involved, including de Villiers. In an age where sportsmen are paid to endorse products, that makes this venture one-of-a-kind.

De Villiers did not need much convincing to take part. He saw it as an opportunity to share his knowledge and his skills and begin to leave a legacy while he is still playing. "AB is very passionate about the site. It came naturally, it was fascinating to watch a guy of his ability share so openly and naturally," Snijman said, "It's a passion of gifted people, to give back and share their knowledge."

The talent Snijman wants to tap into is current talent, cricketers on active duty, because that is when they are at their sharpest. "Nothing else like this exists. Imagine the value of being able to get access to Viv Richards or Brian Lara batting and sharing their insights from when they were in their prime," he said.

But for de Villiers it could be an opening to a career after cricket. "His knowledge of cricket is unmatched, he understands what players go through at all levels so he has a lot of value to add after his career," Snijman said. Many will hope that after is still a long way away.