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[Wills]

After a fairly long spell out through injury, I've been doing a fair bit of work in the nets for this upcoming season. During that time out, I noticed that, with greater frequency, professional cricketers swing multiple bats to loosen up before they walk into bat. I also read, can't remember the source, that many use a considerably heavier bats for nets than they do in the middle to help improve bat speed. In nets, I use a 3.6 with which I've become more and more comfortable. In the middle (with a 2.12) however, whilst there is increased bat speed, my timing is markedly out.
Am I doing something wrong?

[smilley792]

Some info on using heavy bats and increasing bat speed in here


http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=37716.0

[InternalTraining]

After a fairly long spell out through injury, I've been doing a fair bit of work in the nets for this upcoming season. During that time out, I noticed that, with greater frequency, professional cricketers swing multiple bats to loosen up before they walk into bat. I also read, can't remember the source, that many use a considerably heavier bats for nets than they do in the middle to help improve bat speed. In nets, I use a 3.6 with which I've become more and more comfortable. In the middle (with a 2.12) however, whilst there is increased bat speed, my timing is markedly out.
Am I doing something wrong?

Have you a tried a lighter bat than your match bat in the nets? Before match day, I net with lighter bats in the nets and it helps me with both my bat speed and timing. On the match day, I net with my regular weight match  bat. I have noticed faster bat speed and better timing. Try it.

[brokenbat]

Also...I would suggest ending the net session on your regular bat. Indoor surfaces are faster, and on top of that you are using a heavy bat - outside you are probably not waiting for the ball long enough

[Buzz]

I think the difference between 2-12 and 3-6 is too big to be beneficial all of the time.
I would try and use something a little closer to your match bat weight if I were you.

[Seniorplayer]

Understand why players use heavier bats for nets but find that a lighter bat for me works better has  it increases bat speed and helps avoid tired arms.

[Wills]

Thank you for all the input. Ended up getting through the shots much earlier than I intended, going to take advice on board and use something much closer to my normal weight. I'll let you know how it goes.

[anony]

I'm of the opinion in sports that you practice technique properly with the equipment you actually use and if you want more strength the best use of your time is picking up heavy things in a gym.

I used to play hockey with this guy who would practice drag flicks with heavier balls, he was convinced it added a bunch of pace to his flicks. The we got a new coach who made him drill flicks with a proper ball and got him in the gym on a basic strength routine and that's what made a marked difference to his goals per season.

Strong is also fast, always. If you want to improve bat speed get stronger in the gym and practice getting the bat to move faster.