Getting kids into any sport is important in a world where screens and computers are making us all more sedentary. Cricket is an excellent sport for children as it helps them learn about teamwork and develop their physical capabilities. But, it’s also a sport where even if you’re not a great bowler, you can still make a difference to the team by being a great batter, fielder, or wicketkeeper.
It is crucial, though, when a child starts their cricket career, that all their equipment is appropriately sized. That means appropriately sizing a cricket bat and cricket pads.
For example, think about a 14-year-old teenager. A cricket bat for a 14-year-old will vary depending on their size; they may or may not have had their growth spurt yet, so it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all solution. However, it is possible to buy a cricket bat according to height. Getting the right size cricket bat is essential for playing effectively, so if you get it right, your child will owe you a big thank you!
How To Choose A Kids’ Cricket Bat
Choosing a kids’ cricket bat can be a bit of a minefield. We all know how opinionated children can be on getting a particular brand or colour. Despite these superficial preferences, it’s crucial to get a bat that fits them appropriately so that they can play easily and confidently.
Of course, given how quickly children grow, there is a balance that stops you from buying a new bat every season. So, there is some good in buying a slightly bigger bat than they currently need so they can grow into it – but don’t go overboard. If you buy a bat that’s too big for them, they’ll likely struggle to play well and could get discouraged with the sport before they’ve even had a chance to start to enjoy it.
How Do You Pick A Size?
Bearing all that in mind, picking a cricket bat size is critical. Too small or too big, and it will be uncomfortable for them to play and will also hinder their chances of playing well. Cricket bats are sold according to height, corresponding to a number that delineates the cricket bat’s size.
To give that some much-needed context, cricket bat size 0 will fit a person 100 cm and under. Size 1 is for someone between 110-120 cm. There are sizes for all heights up to size 6, which is for a person that measures between 156-163 cm. From there, cricket bat sizes start to change a little. There’s an H cricket bat, an SM cricket bat, an SH bat, and finally, an LH/LB bat. Essentially, these are cricket bats that slowly increase in size. The LH/LB bat will fit a person that is 200 cm and over.
What Size Cricket Bat Does My Child Need?
Before you go and buy a cricket bat, measure your child! From there, decide whether they’re on the taller end of a cricket bat’s maximum height. So, to use an example, if your child is 120 cm you may want to buy them a size 2 bat instead of a size 1. A size 1 bat will still fit them, but not for long as they’ll soon grow into the next size.
Sizing A Cricket Bat
Sizing a cricket bat is a crucial step in buying all the equipment needed for playing the sport. It could be tempting to write off a bat as ‘only a bat’, but it can make all the difference to how a person plays – particularly to children still learning the game. Having bats and other kit that they find comfortable means they’ll be far happier giving the sport a try, as if their equipment is uncomfortable, it will inevitably hamper their abilities and put them off playing for good. If you need some advice on what size bat is right for your child, come into your local INTERSPORT store and chat with our cricket experts.
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