This is the golden rule of thumb which applies to both the junior players as well as the seniors. However, the junior players are always left with cricket bats that would a size too large for them. This mismatch in size happens especially when the juniors are stepping from a Harrow to a full size. Here the blame should be put on the parents who force the young players to have a larger bat than what is necessary so that they would grow into it. This is one of the most common mistakes that occur in cricket training.
There are many reasons for having the proper cricket bat. If the ball is too heavy, the player would be forced to alter his grip trying to lift the bat while playing a shot. This would result in bringing the bat down across the line of the ball. If the bats are too long, the player would find it difficult to pick it up correctly as the top of the handle would get into the way. Above all these, choosing the correct cricket bat is important for enhancing proper technical development.
Playing a Reasonable Level of Cricket
So it is always better to give a young player who is playing a reasonable level of cricket a slightly smaller lighter bat which would help him improve his stroke play. This would be a hundred times better than suffocating the lad with a heavy over sized bat which would gradually cause his play to deteriorate and may even reduce his interest in the game.
It is important to have a comfortable bat since the player has to play strokes without taking much effort or hindrance. If you want to know the apt size for your bat, there is an easy way to find out. The chosen bat should be placed on the outside of the right foot if you are right-handed and left foot if you are left-handed, and allow the bat to be placed on the inside of the thigh.
Final Words
The top part of the bat handle should not go beyond the top of the groin else it would get caught up in the pads. Moreover, it would be too heavy to handle too. In order to judge the weight ask the player to hold the bat straight out in front of him at shoulder height with his playing hand. The bat is heavy if it moves or trembles at hand.