Playing any kind of sport is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, with the competitive nature of the game pushing players to do their best and learn new skills. Cricket is no exception, as the constant motion and strategy involved in the game contribute to a more immersive activity for both players and fans alike.
Sure, it’s not as physical as other sports, but it brings its own unique set of skills that require a great deal of finesse. As such, if your young one is interested in the sport, you’ll need proper cricket gear to ensure they’re well-equipped.
What Cricket Gear Do Kids Need?
Regardless of the age group that players fall into, the tools required to pull off some truly outstanding cricket feats remain the same. They’re carefully crafted to fit the needs of different cricket segments and should be chosen with utmost care.
Junior Cricket Helmet
Even if this sport doesn’t seem that menacing at first glance, there’s actually a solid amount of potential danger, especially if there are some hard-hitting shots involved. Of course, you don’t get any of the push and pull associated with other contact sports, but when that little ball is travelling at high speeds towards you, it can easily result in a nasty injury if you’re not careful.
With this in mind, you need to give special attention to the assortment of junior cricket helmets available, as these are specifically designed to protect the head of a young cricketer. They don’t hinder the player’s movement and vision at all, and they provide a sense of security that makes them more eager to participate in the game.
Most of them are made from light materials, so they’re extremely comfortable to wear, and some even come with adjustable straps that let you find the perfect fit. The inside of the helmets often features soft padding that guarantees maximum protection at all times.
In terms of fit, pay attention to the size of your child’s head before you make a purchase. It should cover the entirety of their head, and it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose either. If it’s too tight, it can quickly become uncomfortable and impede their vision. On the other hand, if it’s too loose, it won’t offer the same level of protection.
When you’re browsing through the selection of junior cricket helmets, also make sure to take a look at their ventilation systems. The last thing you want is for your kid’s head to get too hot during play, which is why many options come with carefully placed vents across the helmet’s surface.
Youth Cricket Sets
This is an umbrella term for the essential components of a cricket game: bats, balls, and wickets. You can usually find specially designed sets that are intended for children’s use since they can be lighter in weight than those suited to adults. If you’re looking at sets for the younger age groups, make sure that your chosen set comes with bats that are made from lightweight materials. Some of them even come with non-slip grips that improve the handling so that your child can learn to control their movements on the field more effectively.
The same goes for cricket balls and wickets — they should consist of materials that are suitable for young players. They should also match the size and weight requirements set out by the governing cricket boards.
Batting Pads
When it comes to protection, you can never be too careful. That’s why batting pads are an essential part of any cricket kit, as they help to protect the most vulnerable parts of a cricketer’s body such as the legs, elbows, and chest.
For young players, there are specialised batting pads available that feature curved designs and additional padding to protect the areas mentioned above. These also come with adjustable straps that allow you to find the perfect fit for your child, as they should be snug enough so that they don’t move around too much during play.
Batting Gloves
Kids need batting gloves too, as they provide grip and strength when holding the bat. They also help to prevent injuries such as blisters or calluses that can be caused by excessive friction between the skin and the bat handle. Most options feature specialised padding on the palms and fingers to protect them from any knocks or impacts. They should also be flexible enough so that your child can move their wrists freely while playing, as well as breathable enough to avoid trapping moisture and heat.
Cricket Training Mat
If you want your young cricketer to refine their skills, then you’ll need to invest in a good training mat. These usually come with targets and markings that can help your child learn how to aim their shots and practise fielding more accurately. The material of the mat should also be lightweight yet durable enough so that it won’t tear easily. At the same time, it shouldn’t be too hard on the feet, as it could result in discomfort and make training feel like a chore.
Cricket Bag
Finally, you’ll need to find a suitable cricket bag for your child’s kit. These come with plenty of pockets that can help to keep all of the necessary components together for easy access.
When it comes to choosing cricket bags, it’s always best to go with options that are specifically designed for kids rather than adults. This is because they usually come with shorter shoulder straps and lighter materials which make them more comfortable to carry around.
