How to wear cricket pads

How to wear cricket pads
Cricket is a popular sport that demands agility, skill, and protection to excel. An essential element of a cricketer’s attire are the cricket pads. Wearing these correctly offers crucial protection for your legs when you’re batting. Here will be discussed the step-by-step guide on how to wear your cricket pads along with additional tips and advice.

Selecting the Right Cricket Pads

Before even getting into the process of wearing cricket pads, it’s important to get the right ones first. There are three key factors you need to consider: size, level of play, and material used. Size is paramount for proper fitting and protection. To find out your proper size, measure from the top edge of your foot’s instep up to the middle point of your knee cap; this would give an accurate measurement for pad length.

The level of play is another important factor as some pads offer more protection than others. If you’re just starting out or playing casually, basic pads should suffice but if you’re a professional or seasoned player, premium-grade pads with extra padding might be necessary. Lastly, look at the materials used in making the pad which determine its durability and comfort.

Securing Your Cricket Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Decide Which Pad Goes On Which Leg

Every pair of cricket pads consists of one left-handed pad (with buckle straps on the outside) and one right-handed pad (with buckle strap on inside). The exterior protected side always faces outwards.

Step 2: Line Up the Knee Roll With Your Knee Cap

Aligning these two parts ensures that your knee joints aren’t exposed to danger when playing cricket. Adjust each strap before moving onto tightening them completely.

Step 3: Fasten Lower Strap First

This strategically holds the cricket pad in place. Avoid securing it too tight as you could hinder blood circulation.

Step 4: Fasten Middle Strap

Cricket pads usually have three straps on each side, with the middle strap deemed as the most important. The right level of firmness is where the strap isn’t tight but offers a snug fit without causing discomfort when standing or running.

Step 5: Secure Top Strap Last

For additional stability, always secure this last. It’s generally tied higher up the leg so ensure it’s comfortable and doesn’t cause discomfort when bending your knee.

Maintaining Your Cricket Pads

Proper care can prolong lifespan of your pads. First, clean them after every use; wipe down any mud or grass stains with damp cloth. Always ensure they’re completely dry before storing to prevent bad odours and mould growth.

Store cricket pads in cool, dry places instead sending them through washing machines or drying them directly under heat because that might degrade material quality overtime.

It’s also paramount to regularly check over stitching for wear and tear to safeguard against sudden breakages during matches or training sessions.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to properly wear cricket pads is just as important as playing skills when it comes to player safety in cricket game. From buying suitable cricket pads considering aspects of size, user level, and materials used, fitting process deliver learner an added protection layer which maximise their performance while play safe ensuring hardly spend injury downtime off pitch. Overly tight or ill-fit pads may cost more than few runs – unwanted injuries, uncomfortable posture etc.; proper padding safeguards one’s well-being from fatal injuries thereby representing safety above everything else mantra taught at nascent stage of cricketing careers whether professional or amateur.”