Equipment
Cricket bat
A flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
Equipment
Overview
A cricket bat is made of wood, with a flat striking face on the front, a ridged back for strength, and a handle wrapped in a rubber grip. Batters use it to defend their wicket and to score runs by hitting the ball into the field.
The bat is held with both hands and is designed so that its flat face can guide the ball along the ground or drive it into the air, depending on the shot.
Good to know
- The front face is flat; the back is ridged for strength.
- Held with both hands to play a range of shots.
- Used to both defend the wicket and score runs.
Where it’s used
Sports that use cricket bat:
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Cricket bat to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Learning paths
Knowledge Atlas
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Fast breakPushing the ball up court at speed after a turnover or rebound to score before the defence sets up.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
Skills
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
Rules
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.