1. Check the label first
Many bats arrive pre-oiled or pre-knocked, and some have an anti-scuff sheet. If so, skip any steps the maker says aren't needed.
2. Oil lightly
Rub a light coat of raw linseed oil, about a teaspoon, over the face, edges and toe. Keep it off the splice, handle and stickers. Leave the bat lying flat for 24 hours to dry. Over-oiling makes willow heavy and dead, so less is more.
3. Knock it in
Use a bat mallet or an old ball. Start gently and build up force over several sessions, paying extra attention to the edges and toe at an angle. Many makers recommend 4–6 hours in total for English willow. Kashmir willow is harder and usually needs less.
4. Play it in
Face throw-downs with older balls in the nets before using it in a match.
Storage
Keep your bat somewhere dry at room temperature. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or a damp kit bag.
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