Which Way Do Cricket Pads Go On? (Mistakes Warned)

If you have ever been hit on the legs by a cricket ball when fielding, then you know exactly why you wear pads when batting. The job of cricket pads is protection. They protect the legs from impact with the ball because the balls can travel at high speeds of up to 100mph and cause lifelong injuries. Now that we know that cricket pads are a necessity, one can only wonder how to put them on correctly. A common question among most enthusiasts is, which way do these pads go on?

The horizontal panels on the front of the pad should always be at knee height. The top of the pad should cover up the lower thigh. The straps should go to the inside of your leg to reduce the chance of the strap nicking the ball. The plastic buckle should be on the outside.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all that relates to wearing cricket pads. So if this interests you in any way, read on to find out more. This will certainly be an enlightening read for you. 

Why Do Cricketers Wear Pads?

Cricket pads were first used in England in the mid-18^th century. Nowadays, cricket pads have become an absolute necessity in the sport. They are usually strapped to the legs to protect each of the legs, from the knee to the lower boot part and the lower thigh as well. Pads usually protect the player from injury to the lower part of the legs if the ball hits them.

The skin on the lower legs is thin. Because of this, chances of bone dislocation or fractures are high if hit by a ball. These pads should be comfortable and flexible while at the same time sturdy enough to protect the player’s legs.

How Do You Wear Cricket Pads?

Leg pads are the most basic padding equipment there is in cricket. All players are usually required to wear leg pads when batting. They go from the bottom of your shin and up to the middle of your thigh. There are a variety of pads you can get. Some are lightweight, while others are built for comfort. Lightweight ones are great for running, but at times they offer less protection, while heavier ones offer very sturdy protection but aren’t flexible.

It can be tricky to get pads fixed, so it’s important to measure yourself for the right size. To measure yourself for the right size pads, go from the middle of your knee cap down to the instep of your cricket shoe (Read also: Can You Use Cricket Shoes For Golf?) (Read also: Can You Use Cricket Shoes For Golf?).

You’d be surprised, but some players usually struggle with putting pads on correctly. After the abdominal protector, it’s the next thing that should be put on when getting ready to bat.

So, with that said, how do you wear cricket pads?

1. We suggest starting with the left pad. Go down on your right knee. Place the left pad against the left leg. The base should fit and overlap around the shoes. The knee roll should fit against the knee cap- too high, and the pads are big and too low, and they are small. In either case, the player will not be adequately protected, and movement will be impeded.
2. Tie the bottom lace a little bit firmly. Tie the middle lace and then the top one, tying them firmly.

This is a common error. Most pads have a strap and eyelet system. Place the pad on the leg with the eyelet facing the inside. Now, pass the strap through the eyelet, double back, and fit to the Velcro strip. This way, any excess strap will be on the outside and will not impede on the inside. If there is an excess strap, make sure it doesn’t extend beyond the pad itself, or the ball may hit it.

3. Now tie the right pad on your right leg. Try and run a few yards in the pads so that you know how to adjust the tightness of the pads accordingly. The pads should feel like they are part of your legs. They shouldn’t impede running between the wickets, and they shouldn’t become undone during innings.

Are Cricket Pads Sided?

Selecting a good pair of cricket pads is quite an important decision. This is primarily because they usually last longer than any other piece of kit, and they will be with you for the longest time. If you get it wrong, you could be looking at a mistake for years to come. Therefore, it follows that one would wonder if there is a left and right cricket pad.

The pads are usually the same for left and right-handed batters. So, to answer the question, there isn’t a left or right cricket pad. Pads are usually ambidextrous and can be used by players who are right or left-handed. This means that it doesn’t matter how you face the bowler; your pads will always remain the same.

Where Should Cricket Pads Come Up To?

A good number of cricket players, novices and professionals alike, usually have trouble putting on their pads. While this may seem surprising, the thing is that most people still don’t know where the cricket pads should come up to. This is also usually the case when deciding on what size pads to buy. Where should they come up to?

The pads usually have to come up to the middle of the knee cap. This is because when measuring the size of the best cricket pad size for someone, the measurement is taken from the middle of the knee cap down to the instep or where the tongue of your shoe sits.

In conclusion, choosing the right pads is usually an important undertaking. As is the case with all cricket kits, try it out before you purchase. It’s best done by budget and personal preference. It’s also important to know how to put them on and which way they go on.