GENERAL KNOCKING IN

There are different ways of preparing your bat for the knocking in process, but we recommend the

following process as repeated trials in bat factories have shown us that this works far better than all

other methods.

Raw linseed oil should be used to moisten the surface of the bat and enable the fibres to become

supple. About a teaspoonful should be applied to the surface of the bat.

We recommend that oil should be applied 3 times before the process of compressing the face begins.

Each coat of oil should be about one teaspoon full. Spread the oil over the face of the bat using your

fingers. Spread the leftover linseed oil over the edges and toe of the bat. Let each coat of oil soak in

overnight and repeat the process before starting the knocking in with the mallet.

After the oil has been applied, the knocking in process can begin. This should be done using a

Hardwood bat mallet. Start by hitting the middle of the bat just hard enough to create a dent. Hold the

bat up to the light to see if you are making a dent.

Gradually compress the face of the bat around these dents so that the face of the bat is level and you

cannot see the initial dents any more. The bottom of the bat toe (the part that is in contact with the

ground) should never be hit with the mallet.

With a hardwood bat mallet the knocking in process should take between 10 and 15 sessions of about

10 minutes each.

Once you have completed this process take the bat into the nets and play a few shots with an old ball. If

the bat is showing very deep seam marks then it needs more compressing. One will always get seam

marks on the face of the bat; however they should not be too deep.

At Cricket First, we strongly recommend having your bat knocked in professionally when you purchase it. This helps get a better performance and also helps extend the life of the bat. It also relieves you and your family members of a time consuming, noisy and monotonous process.

Please Note: Damage can never be totally eliminated due to the hard nature of the ball and the speed

of contact with the bat. A good bat correctly knocked in ideally would last about 1000 runs including

net use.