Knocking In

Knocking in is the process by which the fibres of the willow blade are compressed and knitted together to help prevent damage from the impact of a cricket ball. This is best done by using an old ball or bat mallet. It is not sufficient to hit a few balls in the nets or in the garden. Knocking in should be done in a patient and thorough manner and should take no less than 6 hours in total. To a large extent, the effective life of your bat is determined by the thoroughness of your knocking in process. You are trying to make the toe and edges in particular harder than when the bat was purchased, to minimise the damage from an edged stroke.

How Do I Knock In My New Viking Bat?

1. Using an old ball or a bat mallet like a hammer and deflect gently off the edges the way a ball might in a game.
2. Increase the force and work the edges until they show a rounded, compact appearance.
3. Use the bat to hit short catches (i.e. very light work on the face) or bounce a cricket ball up and down on the face.
4. Use the bat in the nets against old softer balls.
5. Use the bat in the nets against newer balls.
6. Use your Viking Bat in a game and start smashing hapless bowlers all over the park!