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Junior Cricket Equipment |
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| Junior Cricket
Equipment Hard ball cricket is typically played from age Under 9 or Under 10 depending on the Clubs. It is essential that junior cricket players have correct cricket equipment to avoid injury and to improve their play. Remember that youngsters will outgrow their cricket equipment very quickly so it is not sensible to spend too much on cricket equipment at the younger ages. Alternatively most Clubs will provide cricket equipment if players do not wish to buy their own with the obvious exception of the Protector, which will be required to be provided by the player. The main cricket equipment required is: Junior Cricket Bats Junior cricket bats are relatively inexpensive from £25 upwards.As with most cricket equipment it is very important that cricket bats aren't too large so you should resist the tempation to buy a larger or heavier bat "to grow into". This will make it very difficult to play the game correctly. With a cricket bat it is preferable to buy it in a specialist cricket shop so that you can test it before purchase. Ask for help and test the sweet spot with a cricket ball as bats do vary greatly. Juniors should be able to make a backswing with their cricket bat and hold it horizontally with their left hand only otherwise the cricket bat is likely to be too heavy. Most good shops have a height table to ensure that the correct size is chosen. Young children at ages 8/9 will start with a size 2 or 3 cricket bat working through to a size 4 at age 10/11 and then through to sizes 5, 6 and Harrow as they grow taller. All cricket bats require "knocking in" for many hours although some bats can be bought pre-knocked in. Check this out before purchase as cricket bats will easily crack if not properly prepared for play. Junior Cricket Helmets Cricket Helmets have to be worn by juniors in all "hard ball" games under ECB guidelines. Cricket helmets can be adjusted in size through the padding provided so throughout a juniors cricket career from age 7 to age 17 no more than 3 helmets will be required (small, medium, large). Cricket helmets are now widely available in good sports shops from around £25. Protective Equipment Cricket Pads, Gloves and Protectors (Box) are also essential equipment in "hard ball" cricket and are also widely available. It is vital that cricket pads are not too large as this will inhibit running between the wickets. Lighter pads which follow the hockey style have been introduced recently into cricket and these can be beneficial for younger boys and girls as they are less cumbersome. Thigh pads and forearm protectors are also highly recommended once players reach a good standard and can expect to be playing against fast bowling. In particular a thigh pad can greatly increase a players confidence to get into line knowing that a missed shot will not result in a painful bruise. Cricket Shoes Although cricket can be played in normal trainers, the higher standard cricket will require criket shoes which provide greater toe protection and also have spikes or soft spikes to aid grip in wet conditions. Good cricket shoes are also widely available and are similar priced to good trainers. Wicket Keepers Equipment Wicket Keepers gloves, Inners and special pads are essential for those who wish to keep wicket regularly.Most Clubs will provide this equipment if required. Cricket Whites, Shirts and Caps Cricket whites are now realtively cheap to buy in sports shops. Most clubs will sell cricket shirts and caps in club colours at subsidised prices. Cricket Balls Juniors play with a lighter 4 3/4 ounze cricket ball and these are also available in most good sports shops. Softer practice cricket balls such as "incrediballs" are also available for practice without protective equipment. |
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Junior Cricket Equipment ~ Cricket Bats ~Cricket Pads
~ Cricket Helmets~ Cricket Thigh Pads ~ Cricket Balls and more
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