Bat care & knocking
A new leather-ball bat has to be knocked in before it faces a hard ball. Knocking presses the willow fibres so the face and edges can take the impact.
Knocking packages
Done on our knocking machine in store.
- Bat Knocking 3000 Shots ₹600 3,000 machine shots Best for: Light ball feeding and first use Give your bat the perfect start! The process begins with carefully removing the bat tape, followed by professional buffing to clean and prepare the willow.
- Bat Knocking 5000 Shots ₹1,000 5,000 machine shots Best for: Practice and net sessions This provides a more thorough pressing compared to the 3,000-shot process, making the bat ready to use in practice and net sessions with a well-pressed willow.
- Bat Knocking 10000 Shots ₹1,500 10,000 machine shots Best for: Taking the bat into matches This extensive knocking process gives the bat a well-pressed willow and match-ready preparation, allowing you to confidently take it onto the ground.
- Double Knocking ₹2,000 20,000 shots · two sessions Best for: The most thorough preparation before match use The bat first goes through complete preparation — tape removal, professional buffing, cleaning and oiling. It then receives the first 10,000 shots of machine knocking. After the first knocking, the bat is rested for one full day. The next day, a light coat of oil is applied again before putting the bat through another 10,000 shots of machine knocking.
After knocking
- Keep knocking-in going: play gentle shots at old balls in the nets for a few sessions before match use.
- Avoid yorkers and very hard new balls at first; the toe and edges are the most vulnerable parts.
Everyday willow care
- Oil lightly, and only when the face looks dry. Too much oil makes the willow heavy and soft.
- Keep the bat out of damp and heat: no car boots in summer, no wet kit bags.
- Check the face and edges regularly; small cracks are normal, but get deep cracks looked at early.
- Use a bat cover when travelling so the face isn’t scuffed by studs or other kit.