Cricket Bat Handle Shapes and Grips (Oval vs Round)
Also known as: oval vs round handle, oval handle cricket bat, round handle cricket bat, semi oval handle, cricket bat handle shape, cricket bat grip thickness
An oval handle suits batters who lead with the top hand, while a round handle suits bottom-hand players. Bat makers describe oval as giving control for top-hand shots. They say a round handle lets the bottom hand take over, which can make playing straight harder. Semi-oval sits in between.
The Laws say little about handle shape. Under Law 5.2, the handle is made mainly of cane or wood. The part outside the blade is a straight shaft for holding the bat, and it may be covered with a grip. Shape is left to the maker.
Makers commonly offer three shapes. Oval handles are flatter front to back. They are said to give control for top-hand shots while still allowing a firm bottom-hand grip. Round handles are described as ideal for bottom-hand dominant players. The trade-off is that the bottom hand can take over. Semi-oval aims to balance the two.
Handle thickness matters too. Some batters use extra grips for a thicker feel. Each extra grip adds weight to the handle and changes the pickup. A thick handle can quiet the bottom hand, while a thin one can make it more active. Hold the bat in your stance and play some shadow drives before buying. Keeping the same handle across your bats helps keep your technique consistent.
Tips by skill level
Hold a few bats in your stance and play some shadow shots. Pick the handle that feels secure without squeezing.
If your bottom hand dominates, try an oval handle or a thicker grip. Check on video whether your bat path straightens.
Example
A batter keeps hitting across the line with a strong bottom hand. He tries an oval handle and finds the bat face feels more stable on his drives.
Why it matters
The handle is your only contact with the bat. The right shape and thickness help your hands work together.
Common mistakes
- Buying a bat without holding it in your stance
- Adding several grips without noticing the extra weight
- Changing handle shape between bats often
Frequently asked questions
Oval vs round cricket bat handle, which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. Oval suits top-hand players and classical driving. Round suits bottom-hand players but can let the bottom hand take over. Semi-oval sits in between.
Should I use more than one grip on my bat?
Some batters do for a thicker feel. Each grip adds weight to the handle and changes the pickup, so try it before a match.
Sources
Related terms
- Choosing a Cricket BatChoose a cricket bat by size first, then weight and pickup, then willow and profile. Size goes by your height, using the maker's chart. The bat should feel light and balanced in your stance, not just light on the scales. English willow suits hard-ball cricket. Kashmir willow suits beginners and soft-ball play.
- Hand Position on the Bat HandleFor 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.