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Choosing the right junior cricket bat size is essential for young players looking to develop their skills and enjoy the game to the fullest. A bat that is too big or heavy can be difficult to control, making it harder to play shots correctly and limiting overall performance.
In this guide, we'll help you find the perfect bat size for your young cricketer, ensuring they play with confidence and develop proper technique. Doing this will ultimately make them love playing cricket even more and who knows, we may just find the new Joe Root or Sarah Taylor.
Many parents make the mistake of choosing a bat that's too big, thinking their child will "grow into it." However, this can actually hinder development and make the game less enjoyable. A bat that feels heavy at the start will only feel heavier after five, ten minutes, and beyond. It's just like lifting weights in the gym, the more you lift, the heavier it feels.
This applies not only to junior cricket bats but also to those for adults. A bat that feels comfortable will help with timing shots better, ultimately generating more power and making the ball travel further. Timing, rather than the size of the edges, is what best generates bat power.
A bigger bat will naturally be longer, which can cause the handle to dig into the forearm, leading to bruising and restricted wrist movement, making it difficult to play with freedom and proper technique. Whether your child is just starting out or transitioning to hard ball cricket, finding the perfect bat size will help them play with confidence and ease. Most importantly, it will ensure they genuinely enjoy the game. If it feels like a chore, they may lose interest and not want to continue playing.
A bat that is too long or heavy can lead to:
Finding the right bat size is crucial for young cricketers' development. Use this comprehensive size guide to find the perfect bat based on your child's height. This ensures they'll have the right tool to develop proper technique and enjoy the game to its fullest.
The right sized bat allows young players to maintain correct posture while batting and execute shots with proper technique. This helps build muscle memory for correct movements, which is essential as they progress in their cricket journey.
Remember that the right sized bat will feel comfortable immediately - there's no need for a "breaking in" period when it comes to size. If a bat feels too large or heavy from the start, it won't get easier to use over time.
Use this size guide to find the right bat based on your child's height:
| Player Height | Recommended Bat Size |
|---|---|
| Under 4ft (120cm) | Size 0 |
| 4ft - 4ft 3in (120-130cm) | Size 1 |
| 4ft 3in - 4ft 6in (130-137cm) | Size 2 |
| 4ft 6in - 4ft 9in (137-145cm) | Size 3 |
| 4ft 9in - 5ft (145-152cm) | Size 4 |
| 5ft - 5ft 3in (152-160cm) | Size 5 |
| 5ft 3in - 5ft 5in (160-165cm) | Size 6 |
| 5ft 5in - 5ft 7in (165-170cm) | Harrow |
While our size chart provides an excellent starting point, every young cricketer is unique. Their strength, playing style, and personal preference all play a role in finding the perfect bat. These practical tests will help you confirm if a bat is truly right for your child.
Remember that comfort and control are more important than raw power, especially for developing players. The right bat should feel like a natural extension of their arms, allowing them to focus on technique rather than struggling with an unwieldy piece of equipment.
Take your time with these tests to ensure your young cricketer gets the ideal bat for their development. A small investment of time now can significantly impact their enjoyment and progress in the game.
If your child is playing hard ball cricket, selecting the right bat material is just as important as choosing the right size. Premium English willow bats are widely considered the best for hard ball matches as they offer strength, durability, and superior performance when facing leather balls.
English willow bats provide a "sweet" feel on contact and can help the ball travel further. Kashmir willow bats are often used for soft ball cricket but lack the same power and longevity for hard ball matches. However, some high-end Kashmir willow bats, like the Infinity Storm Elite, are exceptional. The high-quality Kashmir willow used in these bats makes them lightweight, similar to English willow bats, while also providing great performance and durability.
Remember that an appropriate bat will help your child develop proper technique from the start, laying the foundation for their cricketing journey. Investing in the right equipment now will pay dividends as they progress in the sport.
Selecting the right junior cricket bat will improve technique, boost confidence, and make the game more enjoyable. The perfect bat feels comfortable in your child's hands, allowing them to focus on developing their skills rather than struggling with equipment that's too heavy or cumbersome.
Browse our collection of lightweight, perfectly sized English willow bats to give your child the best possible start in cricket!
