| Where do you start when choosing a bat for the | | | | Academy size which comes in between the Harrow |
| first time? If you have never had to purchase a bat | | | | and senior short handle cricket bats. Following are the |
| before it is a task which could be a little daunting. For | | | | guideline heights and sizes for the junior bat however |
| starters, there are funny sizes starting with numbers | | | | various other points that should be considered will be |
| and then changing to names and handle lengths. Then | | | | discussed later. |
| there is the type and grade of willow to consider and | | | | It is best to visit a specialist equipment store when |
| finally the shapes of the bats. | | | | choosing a bat as they will let you lift the bats in |
| So first things first, work out which size of bat you | | | | store and you can then be sure that it is |
| need. If you are an adult and are less than six foot | | | | comfortable. Additionally the staff will be on hand to |
| tall then you will probably want a short handle bat, | | | | answer any queries you may have. The player who is |
| which is the standard adult size bat. If you are six | | | | to use the bat should stand and hold the bat as if he |
| foot tall or over then you will probably be more | | | | or she is waiting to play a shot on the crease and lift |
| comfortable with a long handle bat. This as the name | | | | the cricket bat up in the back lift position as if about |
| suggests just has a slightly longer handle so that the | | | | to make a shot. There should be no discomfort or |
| player doesn't need to stoop so much to hold the | | | | strain for the player when lifting the cricket bat in this |
| cricket bat and play shots. If neither suits you some | | | | position. If the bat is too heavy for the player he will |
| manufacturers offer a bat called the Long Blade | | | | be forced to alter his grip as he lifts the bat to play a |
| model. This has a normal sized adult handle but blade | | | | shot and this means that the bat will come down |
| is marginally longer as in the standard model. Overall it | | | | across the line of the ball. A bat for cricket that is |
| is therefore similar to a long handle bat. | | | | too long will prevent correct pick up as the handle will |
| For children the choices are obviously different. The | | | | get in the way. Both of these problems will affect |
| sizes begin at zero and continue up to size 6 and | | | | the player's ability to properly develop their technical |
| then continue on to Harrow. There is also an | | | | skills and play the game to their best ability. |