| Selecting the correct cricket bat for you is essential | | | | Given we've established that its best to go and |
| in order to maximise your performance. The first | | | | physically purchases a cricket bat, once you get to |
| piece of advice to give is to avoid purchasing bats | | | | the store you should try out a number of different |
| over the internet. Whilst they may be cheaper, | | | | bats. There's little more to it than getting a sense |
| because you haven't physically picked the bat up | | | | that one piece of willow is 'right' for you. You should |
| means that the bat may not suit you. | | | | practice playing a few strokes with it and then, in |
| The weight of the bat is important as it can directly | | | | order to ensure you're selecting the bat on the |
| influence the way you play. There are individual | | | | grounds that it is suitable, hold the bat with your top |
| preferences regarding the weight of the bat, though | | | | hand and stretch this arm out in front the body. You |
| people with heavier bats tend to be very bottom | | | | should feel comfortable in this position for at least |
| handed players and this can inhibit their stroke play | | | | ten seconds. This 'test' ensures that you are not |
| through the off-side. Naturally, if you're a | | | | being drawn into choosing a bat simply because a |
| bottom-hand dominant player then you're probably | | | | high-profile player uses it, or because someone you |
| capable of using a heavier bat, though for beginners | | | | know uses it. It's important you select the right bat |
| and the vast majority of cricketers it is better to | | | | for you as an individual to ensure you reach your |
| have a piece of willow that the top hand can | | | | potential as a cricketer. |
| dominate. | | | | |