What is all that tapping about?

If you’ve visited a cricket shop, you’ve likely heard it. 

Tap… tap… tap…

The sound of a bat tapped with a mallet is part of a cricket store’s ambience. Regular players recognise it instantly, but first-time visitors might wonder why a bat is being hit with wood.

The answer lies in something cricketers call “the ping.”

What Does “Ping” Mean?

When players mention a bat’s ping, they mean how sharply the bat responds when struck by the ball.

A bat with great ping feels lively, transfers energy to the ball, and boosts timing and power. It produces a crisp sound and strong rebound.

Each bat is unique, so testing is crucial.

Why We Tap Bats With a Mallet

At Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, we use a wooden mallet to methodically tap the bat’s face.

This helps us hear how the willow responds.

  • We can also feel the rebound in the bat.
  • It lets us identify the bat’s sweet spot.

By tapping, we quickly assess a bat’s expected performance. It’s a simple, effective way to match players with bats.

Part of the In-Store Experience

For many cricketers, that tapping belongs uniquely to the shopping experience.

You might try different bats, test the balance and pickup, and listen for the ping.

Every bat has character; sometimes, the right one is unmistakable the moment you hear and feel it.

Watch the Video

Our video shows what we look for and listen to when testing ping in the store.

 Choosing a bat is about performance, not just looks.