Bat Sizing

CORRECT SIZING OF CRICKET BATS

Height of player Bat Size

Up to 4ft 3in - Size 1
4ft 3in - 4ft 6in - Size 2
4ft 6in - 4ft 9in - Size 3
4ft 9in - 4ft 11in - Size 4
4ft 11in - 5ft 2in - Size 5
5ft 2in - 5ft 4in - Size 6
5ft 4in - 5ft 6in - Size Harrow
5ft 6in - 5ft 9in - Size Academy
5ft 9in and over - Full Size


The correct size of bat is important if a player is to make full use of his potential. This applies just as much to junior players as to seniors. All too often junior players use bats that are a size too large for them, especially when stepping from a Harrow to a Full Size. Unfortunately, parents are often the worst culprits, treating bats like clothes, in wanting their young players to have a bigger bat than is necessary in order to "grow into it". This really is not a good idea.

If a bat is too heavy it forces the player to alter his grip trying to lift the bat when playing a shot, bringing the bat down across the line of ball. Bats that are too long prevent the bat being picked up correctly as the top of the handle gets in the way. Choosing the correct bat is vital for proper technical development. A young player, playing a reasonable level of cricket is much better off with a slightly smaller, lighter bat, which will help him improve his stroke play, than a heavy, oversized bat which will cause his play to deteriorate and maybe lessen his interest in the game.

The main aim for a comfortable bat is to enable the player to play strokes without undue effort or hindrance. To help you judge what size you should be looking for, the chosen bat should be placed on the outside of the right foot (if right handed), left foot (if left handed), and allow the bat to be placed on the inside of the thigh. The top of the bat handle should sit no further than the top of the groin, otherwise it will get caught up in the pads. Also, it will be too heavy to handle. To judge the weight, ask the player to hold the bat straight out in front of him at shoulder height with his playing hand. If the bat moves or trembles at all, then again it is too heavy.