Fact Sheet 1 Bats1.pub
S H R I V E N H A M YO U T H C . C
Fact Sheet No. 1 BATS
Cricket Bats All cricket bats have different characteristics, Cricket bats came in many different sizes, weights and styles and there are many different manufactures. So which cricket is right for me? This is the question all cricketers ask themselves Manufacturers S H R I V E N HA M Y OU T H C . C
Here are just a few well known brands. Within each brand there are several choices as well. Where to go to view a selection? The best and closest places we have seen are 3D sports in Cheltenham (www.3dsports.co.uk) and Serious cricket in Thatcham and Basingstoke (www.seriouscricket.co.uk)
Sizes
Law 6 The Bat. The bat is no more than 38 inches (96.5cm) in length, and no more than 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide. The hand or glove holding the bat is considered part of the bat. The blade of the bat must be made of wood (and in practice, they are made from Willow wood). Junior bats come in the sizes1,2,3,4, 5, 6 and Harrow. Senior bats are sized on the handle length Ultra short handle, Short handle and Long handle, although it is possible to have a bat custom made with a change in the bat blade length. cricket bats....cricketers and all top coaches agree with suppliers and manufacturers that choosing the correct size bat is vital for the proper technical development of young cricketers. It is important that the bat is not too long and more importantly not too heavy to hinder correct stroke play and good technique. Junior bats are scaled down in size and weight to meet this important requirement.
Approx Age
Height of Batsman
1
4-5
4’ to 4’ 3”
2
6-7
4’3 ” TO 4’ 6”
3
8
4’ 6” TO 4’ 9”
4
8-11
4’ 9” TO 4’ 11”
5
10-12
4’ 11” TO 5’ 2”
6
11-13
5’ 2” TO 5’ 4”
Harrow
12-14
5’ 4” TO 5’ 6”
Full SH
15+
5’ 7” TO 6’
Full LH
15+
6’ PLUS
Bat size
Approx weights of junior bats - this can depend on whether the bat is English or Kashmir Willow. Kashmir Willow bats tend to be at the heavier end of the scales set out below and are approximate (in lbs and oz) across all brands. Bat ‘dead’ weight is not everything as the balance and pick up (back swing) has a bigger influence. Size 1
Size 2
Size 3
Size 4
Size 5
Size 6
Harrow
1’11 - 1’13
1’12 - 2’0
1’13 - 2’1
2’1 - 2’3
2’2 - 2’4
2’3 - 2’5
2’5 - 2’7
Styles You will hear many phrases such as ‘Bowed blade’, Scooped back, High sweet spot, Hollow back, all try to describe some particular feature of a bats design.
Type of Wood Cricket bat willow (salix alba, var. cærulea) is a timber which grows in large plantations in wetland areas throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Each tree is individually planted by hand and during its natural life-span, the willow will be tended by the grower to ensure that the tree will be suitable for bat making. For each willow that is felled, two new trees are planted. In this way the industry, countryside and the actual species are protected. Cricket bat making is a craft based on conservation Willow for cricket bats is graded from 1 to 4 with grade 1 being the best. Bats can also be made from Kashmir willow which is dryer and harder but doesn’t last as long as it is subject to splitting but it is often cheaper.
Grain As a rule of thumb, the softer (narrow grain) willow has excellent performance qualities but shorter lifespan, whereas the harder (broader grain) willow tends to last longer but takes time before you get the best performance from it. A good compromise between the two would be a blade with about 8-12 grains. Many of the Bats we see in the shops are made in Asia. Pakistan and India are big bat making countries
Bat Construction A cricket bat is made from a Willow blade and a handle made from cane. The cane handle is glued into the blade using a ‘V’ shaped joint known as the splice. The Face of the bat is the side of the bat used to hit the ball. The Toe of the bat is the end furthest away from the handle. The thickest part of the bat is known as the ‘Meat’ and is the most effective part to use when hitting the ball. The cane handle usually has some rubber layers which help to stop the vibration caused when the ball hits the bat. The handle is wrapped with string and a rubber grip is fitted over the handle. The blade is pressed to make the wood more springy and tough. Knocking in This is the process used to strengthen and ‘sweeten’ your new bat. Knocking in also lengthens the life of your bat.
1. Apply Raw linseed oil to the face, edges and back of the bat evenly, 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil is the correct amount. Whilst oiling take care not to oil the splice (where the handle fits into the blade), handle or labeled areas, also take great care not to over oil the bat as this will deaden the fibres of the timber and affect performance. 2. Leave the bat horizontal and face up to dry for 24 hours. 3. If you are planning to use the bat in its natural state, without an anti scuff sheet, then repeat steps 1 and 2 twice more. If you are planning to have a protective anti scuff sheet fitted then one initial coat of oil is sufficient. 4. Wipe off any excess oil and knock in your bat with a specialist bat mallet for approximately 4 hours. The edges and toe of the blade require particular attention using glancing blows off the face to harden and round these areas. Particular care and attention should be made not to hit the edges, toe or back of the bat directly
as this will cause damage. The knocking in should be performed with gradual increasing force, but never too hard to cause damage.
Test the blade using a good quality old ball during a light net session or having "throw downs". If seam marks and indentations occur further knocking in is required. Some suppliers offer a knocking in service which is worth considering as knocking in is a time consuming and boring activity. However in knocking it in yourself you become more closely attached to ‘your‘ bat. If you use a Knocking in service it is still advisable to knock it in yourself for 1-2 hours. Grips This is a great way to personalize your bat. Today grips come in many shapes and colours. Just pick what you like and suits your personality best. To put grips on you need a gripping cone, many players have one and will be happy to lend you one (ask your coach), alternatively some suppliers where you buy the grips from will fit them for you but they may charge for this service.
All Cricket bats will sustain wear and tear during use, this is perfectly natural, and with collision speeds over 100 mph, it is easy to see why. Normal wear and tear expected from a cricket bat blade is surface cracking to the face and edges and discolouration of the blade, and in these cases the performance of the bat won't be affected. Damage on the other hand can occur due to misuse, mis-timed strokes, incorrect storage, lack of maintenance, use against sub standard cricket balls and use
Use your bat wisely and treat it carefully it will serve you well when you need it most!
Fact Sheet No. 1 BATS
Cricket Bats All cricket bats have different characteristics, Cricket bats came in many different sizes, weights and styles and there are many different manufactures. So which cricket is right for me? This is the question all cricketers ask themselves Manufacturers S H R I V E N HA M Y OU T H C . C
Here are just a few well known brands. Within each brand there are several choices as well. Where to go to view a selection? The best and closest places we have seen are 3D sports in Cheltenham (www.3dsports.co.uk) and Serious cricket in Thatcham and Basingstoke (www.seriouscricket.co.uk)
Sizes
Law 6 The Bat. The bat is no more than 38 inches (96.5cm) in length, and no more than 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide. The hand or glove holding the bat is considered part of the bat. The blade of the bat must be made of wood (and in practice, they are made from Willow wood). Junior bats come in the sizes1,2,3,4, 5, 6 and Harrow. Senior bats are sized on the handle length Ultra short handle, Short handle and Long handle, although it is possible to have a bat custom made with a change in the bat blade length. cricket bats....cricketers and all top coaches agree with suppliers and manufacturers that choosing the correct size bat is vital for the proper technical development of young cricketers. It is important that the bat is not too long and more importantly not too heavy to hinder correct stroke play and good technique. Junior bats are scaled down in size and weight to meet this important requirement.
Approx Age
Height of Batsman
1
4-5
4’ to 4’ 3”
2
6-7
4’3 ” TO 4’ 6”
3
8
4’ 6” TO 4’ 9”
4
8-11
4’ 9” TO 4’ 11”
5
10-12
4’ 11” TO 5’ 2”
6
11-13
5’ 2” TO 5’ 4”
Harrow
12-14
5’ 4” TO 5’ 6”
Full SH
15+
5’ 7” TO 6’
Full LH
15+
6’ PLUS
Bat size
Approx weights of junior bats - this can depend on whether the bat is English or Kashmir Willow. Kashmir Willow bats tend to be at the heavier end of the scales set out below and are approximate (in lbs and oz) across all brands. Bat ‘dead’ weight is not everything as the balance and pick up (back swing) has a bigger influence. Size 1
Size 2
Size 3
Size 4
Size 5
Size 6
Harrow
1’11 - 1’13
1’12 - 2’0
1’13 - 2’1
2’1 - 2’3
2’2 - 2’4
2’3 - 2’5
2’5 - 2’7
Styles You will hear many phrases such as ‘Bowed blade’, Scooped back, High sweet spot, Hollow back, all try to describe some particular feature of a bats design.
Type of Wood Cricket bat willow (salix alba, var. cærulea) is a timber which grows in large plantations in wetland areas throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Each tree is individually planted by hand and during its natural life-span, the willow will be tended by the grower to ensure that the tree will be suitable for bat making. For each willow that is felled, two new trees are planted. In this way the industry, countryside and the actual species are protected. Cricket bat making is a craft based on conservation Willow for cricket bats is graded from 1 to 4 with grade 1 being the best. Bats can also be made from Kashmir willow which is dryer and harder but doesn’t last as long as it is subject to splitting but it is often cheaper.
Grain As a rule of thumb, the softer (narrow grain) willow has excellent performance qualities but shorter lifespan, whereas the harder (broader grain) willow tends to last longer but takes time before you get the best performance from it. A good compromise between the two would be a blade with about 8-12 grains. Many of the Bats we see in the shops are made in Asia. Pakistan and India are big bat making countries
Bat Construction A cricket bat is made from a Willow blade and a handle made from cane. The cane handle is glued into the blade using a ‘V’ shaped joint known as the splice. The Face of the bat is the side of the bat used to hit the ball. The Toe of the bat is the end furthest away from the handle. The thickest part of the bat is known as the ‘Meat’ and is the most effective part to use when hitting the ball. The cane handle usually has some rubber layers which help to stop the vibration caused when the ball hits the bat. The handle is wrapped with string and a rubber grip is fitted over the handle. The blade is pressed to make the wood more springy and tough. Knocking in This is the process used to strengthen and ‘sweeten’ your new bat. Knocking in also lengthens the life of your bat.
1. Apply Raw linseed oil to the face, edges and back of the bat evenly, 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil is the correct amount. Whilst oiling take care not to oil the splice (where the handle fits into the blade), handle or labeled areas, also take great care not to over oil the bat as this will deaden the fibres of the timber and affect performance. 2. Leave the bat horizontal and face up to dry for 24 hours. 3. If you are planning to use the bat in its natural state, without an anti scuff sheet, then repeat steps 1 and 2 twice more. If you are planning to have a protective anti scuff sheet fitted then one initial coat of oil is sufficient. 4. Wipe off any excess oil and knock in your bat with a specialist bat mallet for approximately 4 hours. The edges and toe of the blade require particular attention using glancing blows off the face to harden and round these areas. Particular care and attention should be made not to hit the edges, toe or back of the bat directly
as this will cause damage. The knocking in should be performed with gradual increasing force, but never too hard to cause damage.
Test the blade using a good quality old ball during a light net session or having "throw downs". If seam marks and indentations occur further knocking in is required. Some suppliers offer a knocking in service which is worth considering as knocking in is a time consuming and boring activity. However in knocking it in yourself you become more closely attached to ‘your‘ bat. If you use a Knocking in service it is still advisable to knock it in yourself for 1-2 hours. Grips This is a great way to personalize your bat. Today grips come in many shapes and colours. Just pick what you like and suits your personality best. To put grips on you need a gripping cone, many players have one and will be happy to lend you one (ask your coach), alternatively some suppliers where you buy the grips from will fit them for you but they may charge for this service.
All Cricket bats will sustain wear and tear during use, this is perfectly natural, and with collision speeds over 100 mph, it is easy to see why. Normal wear and tear expected from a cricket bat blade is surface cracking to the face and edges and discolouration of the blade, and in these cases the performance of the bat won't be affected. Damage on the other hand can occur due to misuse, mis-timed strokes, incorrect storage, lack of maintenance, use against sub standard cricket balls and use
Use your bat wisely and treat it carefully it will serve you well when you need it most!
