When you are buying cricket equipment, it can be incredibly confusing, especially if you are new to the sport. There are so many different varieties of equipment including pads. Working out what you need for your game next Saturday isn’t as easy as it sounds. For instance, the subtle difference between left handed vs right handed cricket pads.
A lot of people assume that protective pads are the same no matter whether you are left or right handed. This is not the case, and there are some key differences. If you want to go out with the recommended level of protection (definitely recommended with a hard cricket ball flying at you) then you need the right pads.
Let’s explore the differences between the two different varieties and how you can choose the ideal pads for you.
The Difference Between Left Handed and Right Handed Pads
To put it in the most basic terms, left handed and right handed pads are designed to offer slightly different protection to your legs based on which hand you lead with. Additionally, having the right model of pads for you can free you up to play your shots much more easily due to the intuitive fit.
For a left handed batter, their right hand side faces the bowler when they are about to face a delivery. The ball that will be coming towards them is more likely to hit the right pad as this is the “leading” leg, and therefore the leading pad. Think of the way that a batter may put their bat parallel to their pad when playing some defensive shots. We see a lot of LBW dismissals from the ball hitting the pad first in this way.
So, left-handed pads give more protection and cushioning on the right pad which is seen as the leading pad.
So, it follows that a right handed player has a left pad that offers slightly more protection and cushioning. Some also have slightly more protection around the sides of the pad with an extra cushion or wing surrounding that area, but it is crucial that they offer freedom of movement, too.
When you put your pads on, you might notice a “L” and “R” sign on them indicating which side to put them on, a little bit like the signs that are on your headphones.
Should I Use Ambidextrous Pads?
There are ambidextrous pads, that will serve a purpose, but they aren’t necessarily as protective as left or right handed pads. They are good for a club to have in their kit bag if anyone needs them, but when you are buying for yourself, why wouldn’t you opt for pads that aren’t tailor made for you and your playing style?
How to Identify Left and Right Cricket Pads
Left and right handed cricket pads are normally labelled. If you are buying new pads, it will be straightforward to ensure that you put the correct pads in your virtual shopping basket, just choose the “L” or “R” option.
When you’re looking at a set of pads, though, if there is no obvious sign which is for the left leg and which is for the right leg, then it is still pretty simple to work out which is which. Look for the pad that has the most protection and extra cushioning, often running around the side of the pad. This will be for your leading leg (right for left handers, left for right handers).
The Village Cricket Pads – Options For Left and Right Handers
£47 – Buy on Village Cricket Co.
Our batting pads are just one of the ways we’re making excellent cricket equipment affordable for all. These pads come in both left-handed and right-handed options so you can choose the perfect model for you.
They also have an added inner protection to give you that extra bit of surface area, and increase the chances you’ll prevent that painful bruise when a ball rattles your legs!
These pads also sit in place perfectly and use calf and ankle straps to stay in place. The pads have traditional “seven bar” designs, so they’re split into seven different sections, with three central “rolls” and two on either side.
Whether you’re a lefty or a right hander, these pads can be your best friends as they protect your shins from those rasping deliveries.
Summary – Choosing Left or Right Handed Pads
Though the differences may be relatively subtle, it can make a big difference, and there’s really no reason not to buy pads designed for your playing style!