Choosing Cricket Bats For All Ages

Cricket bats, used in the sport of cricket, havelarger sweet spots and bowed blades, and these
evolved over the years. Once longer with a shortercome in at the higher end of the weight range.
face, they are now paddle-shaped with a flat faceThere are even cricket bats designed for matches
and the back having a v-shaped ridge. The officialswith limited overs. For these situations batsmen may
who regulate cricket monitor the bats used in gameswant to choose a bat with a shorter blade with more
and ban any bats that do not used approvedwood behind the sweet spot and a contoured profile.
materials or have unacceptable modifications.If the cricket bat is for a junior player, choose one
For example, cricket bats made with aluminum orof the lighter weight bats for them to use when their
with lightweight carbon are not allowed in officialfirst learning cricket. Younger players may want to
games. There are also restrictions for bat length andtry several styles of bat to determine which they like
the width of the blade. While there is no weightbest. This should be encouraged so that younger
restriction, most fall within the same range. However,players find the bat that works for them and helps
each batsman knows their strength and capabilitiesdevelop their skills. As a young player progresses, bat
and tries to choose the cricket bat that will helpchanges may be necessary at intervals.
them achieve their top potential. Even with officialNo matter which cricket bat you select, remember to
regulation, it is possible for a cricket batsman to findfollow the manufacturers instructions regarding
the perfect cricket bat for their skills.knocking in the bat. Unless purchased pre-knocked in,
For some players, especially those who play on thecricket bats should be prepped before use by hitting
rise, a cricket bat with a classic profile and one that isthe surface about eight thousand times with a cricket
lightweight could be the best choice. Other playersball or bat mallet. This will compact the fibers inside
like to get forward when they bat, they should usethe bat and will take about three to six hours to do.
cricket bats that have long and low middles. Some ofOnce done, it should help it from snapping when you
these bats also have scoops on the reverse anduse it in a match.
these help increase the bat's performance.Proper equipment care should be stressed to all
There are also cricket bats specially designed for theplayers young and old. When not in play, keep your
top performing batsmen. For all around hitters therebat protected and in a safe place so it is always
are bats that have contoured blades to increase theready when you need it. A cricket bat can be costly
sweet spot and lightweight for excellent balance. Andand so they should be considered an investment and
for the big hitters, there are cricket bat styles withtreated with care and respect.