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[cleanbowled]

Like a lot of things it is a matter of trial and error, you might find you get on much better with a heavier bat, and of course it could be much worse as well. If you were going to experiment by yourself, maybe better to try with a lower grade bat - that way if it does not work out, you haven't forked out too much over the experiment.

[fasteddie]

im not a weak bloke by any means,  im a rugby player by trade, but have always used light bats for quick bat speed.  now im trying to play cricket mroe sensibly at a higher standard i thought it was time to become a cricketer rather than a bloke who can play cricket

Coaching is possibly a good place to start. A good batting coach will be able to recommend a set-up that works for your style and strengths ect ect.

I went from 2lb 8 to 3lb last season and it trashed my game. I'm now back closer to my original weight after some well judged words from an ex-pro now coach.

[cleanbowled]

2.8 to 3lb is a very big jump, the original poster was only going as far as 2.12, so I'd say it might work out well.

[mo_town]

Imo, the only aspect of your game that you really struggle with when going for heavier bats are the cuts and pulls...you tend to get a hang of the drive timing after some practice, its the horizontal bat shot of medium pacers which becomes as challenge..

[ajmw89]

Imo, the only aspect of your game that you really struggle with when going for heavier bats are the cuts and pulls...you tend to get a hang of the drive timing after some practice, its the horizontal bat shot of medium pacers which becomes as challenge..

That's when being able to read people comes into play.  With a heavier bat, it helpd to try and have a big backlift, so your hands are always higher up to counter anything short a bit easier.  YOu can also tell with a some bowlers what the next ball is going to be, so you can prepare for it

[mike1989]

Hi guys, I am using a heavier bat this season 2"12. Instead of my usual 2"8/2"9     one due to the amount of bats I break from how I play and two in an attempt to sort out my timing and keep the ball on the deck.

What's the best way to adjust to a heavier bat?

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Practice, lots. Use the bat in nets, and also at home shadow batting, or even before you net. The more you use the bat, the more you should get used to the weight.

However, going to a heavier bat doesn't guarantee that it will improve your timing or your game. As some have mentioned, going to a heavier bat might improve certain shots (eg. drives), but it might hurt another part of your game (eg. fine cuts). I have a 2lb 8oz bat, and one that is 2lb 12 (maybe a little heavier). I find that my all round game is better with the 2lb 8 oz bat, because I can play all the shots (drives, fine cuts, pull, hook etc). But when I go to the heavier bat, even though I've practised with it, there are certain shots that I don't time as well due to the difference in weight (mainly pull and hook). Granted I can hit bigger with the heavier bat, but I think that the gains I get from a heavier bat are not enough. For me, my all round game is better suited to the lighter bat and it helps me make more runs.

Coming back to you. I would say practice with the heavier bat and stick with it. Also see about getting some coaching at your club.