Wow how big is that edge!

In fact what difference does it make….

So how do I know what Cricket Bat shape will suit me…..

This is quite easy if you’ve been playing for a while, even one season with a bat.  Take a look your bat and see where you’ve been hitting the ball the most.  That sounds to simple for one of your blogs, yep it does but that is all you really need to do.  I’ll obviously get a bit more into it but that’s just me!

In simple terms if you are edging the ball, a thicker edge will suit you, lets call this a new style bat.  If you middle the ball, more often then not, then a thinner edge and therefore more meat in the middle will suit you, this one we’ll call classic style.

Ok that is the ball hitting postion out of the way easy huh!  Well lets take closer look!

Where to put the middle and the largest edge!

The Higher Middle

This depends sometimes on where you bat, that is, in the batting order and the type of bowler you are facing!  If the bowlers you face, more often then not, are pitching it up [not in the sense that it is a fuller deliver but a short pitch ball that bounces high, you'll find yourself playing off the back foot so a higher middle will suit you. Why? because you'll be hitting the ball higher up the bat.  A higher middle will make the bat feel lighter and you will be reacting quicker and the swing the bat faster.  Also if you are player that like's to cut, play a hook shot etc this is the middle for you.

The Normal Middle [Middle, Middle]

Ok lets say you’re a player that has most of the shots in your bag and there is no particular preference for a particular type of shot, then get yourself a normal middle.  The weight distribution will not effect your foot work, that is, push you forward or push you back and the middle being in the middle it will be forgiving if you end up on the back or front foot.

The Low Middle [Easy Rider Middle]

I like to think if you are a front player and hitting the ball where it is pitched, a low middle will suit you.  So if I’m saying that then it must also be if you play on pitches with little bounce. The low middle may make the bat feel heavier.  It is more of agressive players bat and a player that drives the ball and suits a lower order batsmen.  It provides club like capabilites because of the low middle and drags you through your swing because of momentum and therefore has a fast swing speed. I put a low, low, easy rider, middle on the SAF Fatboy!!!!

Is that big edge helping you?

Well if you find youself edging the ball and it travels and your getting yourself out does it really help you? 

A more classic shape cricket bat, medium size edge tapered to shoulder and toe. Slight concaving with a meaty middle. A superb bat for the lighter range cricket bat but will suit all players depending on the type of cricketer you are. Good in weights starting at 2lb 7oz and up but can lower.

Extra Thick edges, tapered to the shoulder and toe. Concaved for weight reduction but not extreme. Big spine from shoulder to just past the middle making it a great balanced cricket is a very popular profile nowadays but in a larger weight say around 2lb 9oz and up

A Twenty20 or sloggers bat is an end weighted [Low middle] bat for super fast swing speed and big hits [Well San Andreas Faults bats are anyways]

A custom made could a be a mix or classic and new they are cheaper then you think

Anyways have a think about it, middle positions, bat weights etc and have an honest look at the way you play. If you do that you’ll get a bat that suits you more then a bat that is all the rage. A good reason to buy a handmade bat!!!!

Andy
Podshaver for San Andreas Fault Cricket Bats
Handmade Cricket Bats

Have a Cricket Bat related question email me