How to Size a Cricket Bat for Your Child (And Choosing Between Willow Types)

Mike Wood · 28 September, 2024

So, your youngster is keen to get into cricket? Whether they’re eyeing up their first-ever bat or are already swinging away at practice, finding the right-sized cricket bat for your child is key. Not too big, not too small - the perfect bat makes all the difference, not just for comfort but for developing their skills too.

If you're like many parents googling, "how to size up a cricket bat for a child," then this guide will help you figure it all out - especially if you can’t pop into our Onehunga, Auckland store to size them up in person. Here’s everything you need to know!

Why Bat Size Matters

Getting the right size bat for your child is more than just picking something that looks right. A bat that's too big can be heavy, making it harder to swing and control, while a bat that's too small might not give them enough reach or power.

A well-sized bat helps your child:

Build proper technique.
Play comfortably without strain.
Perform better on the field.

Basically, it’s a big deal when it comes to their game, so let’s get it right!

What to Consider Before Buying

When choosing a bat for your child, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:

Height: This is the most important factor when sizing a cricket bat. It’s all about how the bat feels when they’re holding it - a bat that’s too long or too short will throw them off.
Weight: Not every bat of the same length weighs the same! If your child is younger or smaller for their age, they might need a lighter bat for better control. The right weight means they’ll be able to swing freely without their arms getting tired too quickly.
Grip: A bat should feel comfortable in their hands, with the right grip so they can hold it firmly without slipping.

How to Measure Your Child for a Cricket Bat at Home

You don’t need fancy gear to measure your child at home - just follow these simple steps:

Measure Their Height: Stand your child up against a wall or door frame, making sure they’re standing straight with their heels touching the base. Use a tape measure or ruler to check their height in centimetres (cm).
Check the Size Guide: Once you’ve got their height, compare it to our bat sizing chart:

Tip: If you’re unsure, go slightly shorter. It’s better for them to have a bat they can swing with ease than one that’s too long and cumbersome.

English Willow vs. Kashmir Willow vs. Plastic Bats: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a cricket bat for your child, you might notice there are different materials to choose from. Each type has its own benefits, depending on your child’s level of play and budget. Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences:

English Willow Bats

English willow is considered the highest quality wood for cricket bats, used by professional players worldwide. These bats offer excellent performance, allowing for a powerful strike with great response. The main benefits include:

Better performance: Ideal for serious players who need superior power and control.
Feel: These bats tend to be lighter with a softer, nicer feel when hitting the ball, helping players time their shots perfectly.

Best For: Competitive players or kids getting serious about cricket.

Kashmir Willow Bats

Kashmir willow is a more affordable alternative to English willow. While it’s not as high-performing, it’s still a great option for beginner and intermediate players. The key benefits include:

Cost-effective: These bats are more budget-friendly, making them ideal for kids starting out.
Durability: Kashmir willow bats are tougher and often more resilient to wear and tear, but they can feel heavier and less responsive compared to English willow.

Best For: Beginners or casual players who need a sturdy, reliable bat without breaking the bank.

Plastic Bats

Plastic bats are perfect for young kids just getting into the game or for backyard fun. They’re lightweight and inexpensive, with the following benefits:

Safe and lightweight: Easy for younger kids to handle without the risk of injury.
Affordable: Ideal for backyard or schoolyard games.
Low maintenance: No need for oiling or caring for the bat like you would with wooden options.

Best For: Toddlers, young children, or backyard cricket games.

Extra Tips for Picking the Right Bat

Age Isn’t Everything: Don’t just rely on your child’s age to pick the right size. Kids grow at different rates, so always go by their height.
Growth Spurts: If your child is in the middle of a growth spurt, you might be tempted to go for a bat they’ll “grow into”. Be careful here - an oversized bat can hold them back, especially if it’s too heavy for them to handle now. It’s better to size up when they’ve grown, rather than too soon.

Final Thoughts

Cricket’s all about fun, and the right bat will help your child enjoy their game while improving their skills. If you’re ever unsure, contact our Customer Service Team here - we’re happy to help you find the perfect bat, even if you can’t make it to our Auckland store.

Explore our wide range of junior English willow cricket bats and Kashmir willow & plastic cricket bats today.

Frequently Asked Questions - Choosing the Right Cricket Bat for Kids in NZ

How do I choose the right size cricket bat for my child?

The most important factor is your child’s height, not their age. Measure their height in centimetres and compare it to a junior cricket bat size chart. A correctly sized bat should allow them to stand upright with the toe resting comfortably near their ankle.

If unsure, slightly shorter is usually better than too long.

Should I buy a cricket bat my child can grow into?

No. Oversizing a bat can negatively affect technique and control. A bat that is too long or too heavy makes it harder to swing properly and can slow skill development.

It’s better to size correctly now and upgrade when they grow.

What happens if a cricket bat is too big?

If a bat is too big:

It becomes harder to control
Swing speed reduces
Arms fatigue quickly
Shot timing suffers

This can impact confidence and long-term development, especially for younger players.

What’s the difference between English Willow and Kashmir Willow bats?

English Willow:

Premium performance wood
Lighter feel
Better response and power
Preferred by serious and competitive players

Kashmir Willow:

More affordable
Slightly heavier
Durable and reliable
Ideal for beginners and casual players

Both are suitable for junior cricketers depending on skill level and budget.

Are plastic cricket bats good for kids?

Plastic cricket bats are ideal for:

Toddlers and very young children
Backyard cricket
Schoolyard play

They are lightweight, safe and low maintenance, but not suitable for competitive hard ball cricket.

Is age or height more important when sizing a cricket bat?

Height is far more important than age. Children grow at different rates, so always measure height rather than relying on age brackets alone.

How heavy should a junior cricket bat be?

Weight varies even within the same length bat. Younger or smaller children often benefit from a lighter bat to improve control and reduce fatigue. The ideal bat allows your child to swing freely without straining.

Can I size my child for a cricket bat at home?

Yes. Simply:

Measure your child’s height standing straight against a wall
Compare the measurement to a junior bat sizing chart
When in doubt, choose slightly shorter rather than longer

If you need guidance, our team can assist via phone or email.

Where can I buy junior cricket bats in New Zealand?

Players Sports stocks a wide range of junior cricket bats in New Zealand, including:

Junior English Willow bats
Kashmir Willow bats
Plastic cricket bats

You can shop online with NZ-wide delivery or visit our Auckland store for in-person sizing support.

What brands of junior cricket bats do you stock?

We stock leading cricket brands including:

Gray-Nicolls
Kookaburra
Gunn & Moore
New Balance
DSC

All selected for quality, performance and reliability.

Should junior cricket bats be knocked in?

Most English Willow bats require knocking in before match play unless labelled “Ready to Play.” Proper preparation helps protect the bat and extend its lifespan.

Kashmir willow and plastic bats generally require less preparation.

What if I’m unsure which bat to choose?

If you’re unsure, contact our Customer Service Team and we’ll help you select the right size and material based on your child’s height, experience level and budget.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand

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