Hand Position on the Bat Handle
Also known as: how to hold a cricket bat, cricket batting grip, high hands on the handle, low hands on the handle, split grip, hands high or low on the bat
For most shots, hold the bat with both hands close together, usually in the upper half of the handle. The V shapes between thumb and first finger line up between the splice and the outside edge. Sliding the hands lower gives more control. Holding higher gives more reach and a bigger swing.
Most coaches teach the hands to sit together on the handle, touching or nearly touching. A simple way to find the grip is to lay the bat face down and pick it up by the handle. The top hand goes on first, then the bottom hand just below it. The V shapes made by the thumb and first finger of each hand point down the same line, between the splice and the outside edge. Grip with the fingers more than the palms and keep the pressure light.
How high to hold is a choice. Lower hands, nearer the blade, shorten the lever and give more control. Some batters slide down the handle against spin or when defending. Higher hands give a longer lever and a bigger swing for hitting. Many power hitters hold near the top of the handle. If the bat feels heavy, a slightly lower grip can help. A lighter bat is often the better fix.
A split grip puts a gap between the hands. Some juniors use it to control a bat that is too big. Some coaches use it as a short drill for top-hand control. As an everyday grip it limits power and freedom on drives. Watch for the bottom hand creeping round behind the handle. That closes the face and drags shots to the leg side.
Tips by skill level
Lay the bat face down, pick it up by the handle and look at your Vs. Do this before every net session until the grip feels natural.
Experiment with hand height for different jobs. Many batters hold a little lower to defend against spin and a little higher when hitting in the final overs.
Example
A young batter lays her bat face down, picks it up with both hands together and checks that her Vs point between the splice and the edge. Against the spinner, she slides her hands an inch lower for control.
Why it matters
Your grip sets the angle of the bat face at contact. Small changes in hand position change how much control and power you have.
Common mistakes
- Holding the hands far apart on every shot
- Turning the bottom hand round behind the handle and closing the face
- Squeezing the handle hard with both palms
- Using a low grip to cope with a bat that is too heavy instead of changing bat
Frequently asked questions
Should my hands be high or low on the bat handle?
Either can work. Lower hands give more control and suit defence and spin. Higher hands give a longer lever for power hitting. Most batters keep their hands together and adjust the height for the job.
How should I hold a cricket bat?
Keep both hands together on the handle, top hand above the bottom hand. The V shapes between thumb and first finger should point between the splice and the outside edge. Grip with the fingers and keep the pressure light.
What is a split grip in cricket?
A split grip leaves a gap between the hands on the handle. Some juniors use it to control a heavy bat. Some coaches use it as a drill. It limits power, and most batters keep their hands together in matches.
Related terms
- Top HandIn cricket batting, the top hand is the upper hand on the bat handle (for a right-hander, the left hand) and controls straight-bat strokes. A strong top hand keeps the bat face straight through the hitting zone.
- Bottom HandIn cricket batting, the bottom hand is the lower hand on the bat handle, the right hand for a right-hander. It controls cross-bat power and direction; too dominant, it closes the bat face.
- Bat Weight and PickupBat weight is what the bat weighs on the scales. Pickup is how heavy it feels when you lift it in your stance. It depends on how the weight is spread along the bat. Choose a bat you can swing freely and control. A simple check is holding it out at arm's length with your top hand.
- Cricket Bat SizesCricket bat size is chosen by height, not age. Junior bats run from size 0 to size 6, then Harrow, and adult bats come in sizes such as short handle and long handle. A 10-year-old usually needs a size 3 or 4, depending on height. In your stance, the top of the handle should line up with the inner groin of your front leg.
- BackliftThe backlift is the upward movement of the bat before the batter plays a stroke — the height, direction, and angle of the backlift influence bat path and ultimately the direction of the shot.
- Straight BatPlaying with a straight bat means swinging the bat vertically, in line with the ball's path. It is the safest, most orthodox way to defend and drive full or good-length balls.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.