Finding The Perfect Cricket Bats
The aim of craftsmen is to make cricket bats that merge both durability and excellent hitting power. This is not an easy compromise to reach. Once the bat is purchased, it is necessary to take proper care of it to maximize its life.
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.
Amateur athletes who are new to the game should opt of a lighter bat. With experience and proper stance, the athlete can slowly increase the weight of their bat. An athlete's body type and game position will indicate the bat size needed.
Purchase of a bat is only the beginning. It then has some preparation to undergo before its first game. The owner needs to sand it and apply linseed oil to the face and toe. The oil keeps water from seeping into the bat and causing swelling; however, too much oil can also damage it.
The process of knocking is used to prevent damage from cracking to the new bat. Knocking takes patience and time. It is done by using a bat mallet to strike the face of the bat. An old, soft ball can also be used to bounce against it. Rounding the face edges is an important part of knocking. Before playing each match, hit a soft ball into the net several times before switching to a newer, harder ball. This process compresses and knits together the willow fibers in order to prevent cracking and other damage from hitting the ball.
The craftsman begins the life of cricket bats. The athlete then takes over by oiling and knocking the bat into shape. Minor imperfections can be fixed after a game by sanding and oiling. The maintenance and dedicated care of the bat will result in a long last relationship between the athlete and his 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.
Amateur athletes who are new to the game should opt of a lighter bat. With experience and proper stance, the athlete can slowly increase the weight of their bat. An athlete's body type and game position will indicate the bat size needed.
Purchase of a bat is only the beginning. It then has some preparation to undergo before its first game. The owner needs to sand it and apply linseed oil to the face and toe. The oil keeps water from seeping into the bat and causing swelling; however, too much oil can also damage it.
The process of knocking is used to prevent damage from cracking to the new bat. Knocking takes patience and time. It is done by using a bat mallet to strike the face of the bat. An old, soft ball can also be used to bounce against it. Rounding the face edges is an important part of knocking. Before playing each match, hit a soft ball into the net several times before switching to a newer, harder ball. This process compresses and knits together the willow fibers in order to prevent cracking and other damage from hitting the ball.
The craftsman begins the life of cricket bats. The athlete then takes over by oiling and knocking the bat into shape. Minor imperfections can be fixed after a game by sanding and oiling. The maintenance and dedicated care of the bat will result in a long last relationship between the athlete and his bat.
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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.