Showing posts with label octagonal cricket bat handle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label octagonal cricket bat handle. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Octagonal Cricket Bat Handle

Reduced Bat Shake

I recently started offering an octagonal handle option on my bats. The size and shape is similar to that of a tennis racket handle. Initially I was looking to develop something that would reduce the "shake" you get when the ball is hit off-center.



Greater Power and Control

So many batsmen loose their wickets by lobbing a catch when the ball is hit off center and the bat twists in the hands. The bones in our hands and fingers don't form a circle or even an oval when we grip which is why an octagonal shaped handle gives a much better grip. The octagonal handle doesn't just reduce shake it also delivers greater power and control as the face of the bat is more stable on impact with the ball.

While testing the handle I found there is another benefit that I hadn't expected.....

I don't know about you but I'm quite often guilty of not holding the correct shape when I'm driving the ball. By that I mean keeping the leading elbow high and punching through with the bottom hand (think of that elegant drive position the top batsmen always seem to manage to hold long enough for the photographers to get the shot).

Forces your Hands in to the Right Position

I'm a right handed batsman so I've always assumed that this was down to my stronger right arm taking over from my weaker left arm too early. To counter this I've gradually reduced the tightness of my grip with my bottom hand to ensure the lead arm does the work. In testing the octagonal handle I've found out that the issue isn't my top hand it's my bottom hand! The shape of the handle forces you to maintain the proper grip and keep your hands in the correct position all the way through the shot. It was a pretty big revelation to me and I wonder how many other guys out there are suffering from the same issue without knowing the solution.

A Solution for Bottom Handed Players

If you, like me, feel that your bottom hand tends to dominate that may not be the issue. It could simply be that your bottom hand is sliding round your handle. If so, I'd definitely suggest trying an octagonal shaped handle.

Great Training Aide for Youth Players

As the octagonal handle forces you to maintain the correct hand position all the way through the shot it makes a great training aide for young and upcoming players.

If you are interested give me a shout.

cheers

Richard

____________________________________________________________________________



CricTech makes outstanding, hand crafted cricket bats from the finest quality English willow for competitive cricketers using our unique sweet spot analysis process. Check us out.