All junior batsmen and wicket keepers should wear pads when batting or keeping in a match or practice session against a hard cricket ball.
New young players seem to struggle putting pads on correctly. After the abdominal protector it is next thing to be put on when getting ready to bat.
The best way we suggest is to start with the left pad. Go down on the right knee. Place the left pad again the left leg so that the base fits and overlaps around the shoes. The “knee roll” should fit against the knee cap – too high and the pads are too big. Too low and they are too small. In either case they will not protect the player adequately and will impeded movement.
Now tie the bottom lace, relatively firmly. Move up to the middle lace and then the top lace.
Note : this is a common error. Many pads have a strap and eyelet system. Place the pad on the leg with the eyelet facing to the inside i.e. towards the other. Now pass the strap through the eyelet double back and fit to the velcro strip. This way any excess strap is on the outside and does not impede on the inside.
(However if there is excess strap beware it does not extend beyond the pad itself or the ball may hit it. The sound might be mistaken for the ball hitting the bat on bat – fine if it goes for four – not so good if someone catches it and claims it !)
Now swap legs and tie the right pad on. Stand up and try to run a few yards in the pads and adjust the tightness of the pads accordingly. Pads should feel like parrt of the legs. They should not impeded running between the wickets and should not come undone during an innings.
Choosing the right pads is best done by budget and personal preference although have a good look at how they tie up.
As with all cricket kit, try it out if you can before you buy.
Have a look at other player’s pads and try them on if they will let you.
