Craftsmen strive to merge durability and hitting power when making cricket bats. This compromise is not an easy one. After a bat is bought, there are certain maintenance tips that will maximize the life of the bat.
Willow wood is used to make them. If the wood is soft pressed, it will offer more power for hitting but more chance of cracking. Hard pressed willow wood is durable, but it loses power.
New cricket players who are just beginning should start with a light weight bat. As experience and knowledge of the game increases, the player can begin to switch to a heavier bat. Athlete body size and stance will dictate the bat size needed.
Purchasing the bat is only the first step. The bat then has to be prepared before it can be used in a game. A light sanding and a couple coats of linseed oil on the face and toe are necessary. The oil keeps water from finding its way into the wood, which would cause swelling of the wood.
One process that is necessary to prevent damage and cracking to a new bat is called knocking. The athlete needs to take this process seriously because it takes several hours to do it correctly. Using an old, soft ball to bounce against the face, or by using a bat mallet to pound the face - knocking compresses the willow fibers. This knits the fibers together to prevent ball damage during the game. Make sure to round the face edges before playing. It should never be stored near a heat source, but it should be stored in a dark, dry place.
Cricket bats begin with the craftsman, but then the rest of the work belongs to the athlete. Before using it in a game, the bat needs to be sanded, oiled, and gone through the knocking process. It will need constant maintenance to last a long time.
Willow wood is used to make them. If the wood is soft pressed, it will offer more power for hitting but more chance of cracking. Hard pressed willow wood is durable, but it loses power.
New cricket players who are just beginning should start with a light weight bat. As experience and knowledge of the game increases, the player can begin to switch to a heavier bat. Athlete body size and stance will dictate the bat size needed.
Purchasing the bat is only the first step. The bat then has to be prepared before it can be used in a game. A light sanding and a couple coats of linseed oil on the face and toe are necessary. The oil keeps water from finding its way into the wood, which would cause swelling of the wood.
One process that is necessary to prevent damage and cracking to a new bat is called knocking. The athlete needs to take this process seriously because it takes several hours to do it correctly. Using an old, soft ball to bounce against the face, or by using a bat mallet to pound the face - knocking compresses the willow fibers. This knits the fibers together to prevent ball damage during the game. Make sure to round the face edges before playing. It should never be stored near a heat source, but it should be stored in a dark, dry place.
Cricket bats begin with the craftsman, but then the rest of the work belongs to the athlete. Before using it in a game, the bat needs to be sanded, oiled, and gone through the knocking process. It will need constant maintenance to last a long time.
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If you need more advice oncricket bats visit you local cricket shop and speak to a salesman, the should be able to fill you in on the rest.