So your kid’s just come home from training, buzzing about the new season, and you’ve ticked off most of the gear list—pads, gloves, helmet, box. But then you hit the arm guard. And suddenly you’re staring at a confusing array of sizes, straps, and padding, wondering if you need a degree in sports science to get it right.

Relax. You’re not alone.

Getting the right arm guard for your junior player isn’t rocket science, but it does matter—a lot. A poorly fitted arm guard can slip mid-delivery, leave gaps where a nasty bouncer can sneak through, or be so uncomfortable your kid refuses to wear it. And with the Ashes series inspiring a new generation of young fast bowlers and batters alike, now’s the perfect time to sort out the sizing once and for all.

Whether your junior is a budding Steve Smith at the crease or a Pat Cummins-in-the-making charging in from the boundary, this checklist will walk you through everything you need to know about cricket arm guard sizing. Let’s get it right so they can focus on what matters: scoring runs and enjoying the game.

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently measure your junior player, choose the correct arm guard size, and make adjustments for a secure, comfortable fit. No more guessing. No more returns. Just the right gear for the next BBL star or Sheffield Shield hopeful.

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, grab these items:

A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing—if you don’t have one, a piece of string and a ruler will do)
Your junior player (preferably in their cricket whites or training gear, so we’re measuring over the clothing they’ll actually wear)
Their current arm guard (if they have one—we’ll use it for comparison)
A notepad or phone to jot down measurements
About 10 minutes of patience (kids wriggle—it’s fine)

Optional but helpful: a cricket bat they’re comfortable with, so you can check how the arm guard feels during a practice swing.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Understand the Arm Guard’s Job

First up, let’s get clear on what we’re dealing with. A cricket arm guard (sometimes called an arm protector) is designed to protect the forearm and elbow from fast deliveries. It sits on the arm that faces the bowler—usually the front arm for a right-handed batter—and covers from just above the wrist to below the elbow.

For junior players, the arm guard is non-negotiable. Many sporting organisations recommend protective gear for young players, and with the pace of junior cricket increasing, it’s wise to invest in proper protection.

The key sizing areas are:

Length: from wrist to elbow
Circumference: how snugly it wraps around the forearm
Elbow coverage: whether it extends past the elbow joint

Step 2: Measure the Forearm Length

This is your most important measurement.

Ask your junior to stand with their arm bent at a 90-degree angle, as if they’re holding a bat in their stance. With the measuring tape, measure from the bony bump on the outside of the wrist (the ulnar styloid process) to the point of the elbow (the olecranon process). Write this number down in centimetres.

Pro tip: Measure both arms. Most batters only wear an arm guard on their front arm, but if your junior is ambidextrous or learning to switch-hit (a la David Warner), you might need two guards.

For reference:

Junior small (ages 8–10): 18–22 cm
Junior medium (ages 10–12): 22–26 cm
Junior large (ages 12–14): 26–30 cm
Youth/adult small (ages 14+): 30–34 cm

These are general guides—always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, as brands vary slightly.

Step 3: Measure the Forearm Circumference

Now measure around the thickest part of the forearm (usually about midway between wrist and elbow). Wrap the tape snugly but not tight—you want a comfortable fit, not a tourniquet.

Write this number down too.

Why this matters: A guard that’s too loose will spin around when your junior plays a pull shot or defends a short ball. A guard that’s too tight can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort during a long innings—especially in the heat of a summer Test series.

Step 4: Check Elbow Coverage

This is the step most parents overlook. The arm guard should extend just past the elbow joint when the arm is straight. When the arm is bent (batting stance), the guard should cover the elbow without digging into the back of the arm.

Place the measuring tape from the elbow point down towards the wrist. The guard should cover at least 2–3 cm past the elbow when the arm is straight. For junior players, extra coverage is better—young bones are still developing, and a mistimed bouncer to the elbow can be nasty.

Step 5: Try It On (The Real Test)

Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to try on the actual arm guard. If you’re shopping online, use the manufacturer’s size chart against your numbers. If you’re in a store, grab a few sizes and have your junior try them on.

Here’s what to check:

Straps: There should be two or three straps. They should fasten securely without pinching. Velcro straps are common—make sure they’re not frayed or worn.
Movement: Ask your junior to mimic a batting stance, then play a forward defensive shot, a pull, and a drive. The guard should stay in place without sliding down or riding up.
Comfort: No sharp edges digging into the arm. The padding should feel firm but not rock-hard.
Breathing room: You should be able to slide a finger between the strap and the arm—any tighter and it’s too small.

Real-world example: I once saw a young player at a local club match wearing an arm guard that was two sizes too big because his parents thought “he’d grow into it.” Every time he faced a quick bowler, the guard slipped down to his wrist, leaving his elbow exposed. He copped a nasty bruise and was off batting for three weeks. Don’t be that parent.

Step 6: Adjust the Straps for a Custom Fit

Most arm guards have adjustable straps. Don’t just tighten them willy-nilly—follow this order:

Start with the top strap (closest to the elbow). This is the anchor—it should be snug but not tight.
Then the middle strap. This provides the main stability.
Finally the bottom strap (near the wrist). This should be the loosest—just enough to keep the guard in place without restricting wrist movement.

If the guard has a thumb loop (some models do), make sure it’s not pulling the guard out of position. Thumb loops are great for keeping the guard from sliding up, but they can be uncomfortable if too tight.

Step 7: Test with a Bat

This step is crucial. Have your junior hold their bat in their normal grip and take a few practice swings. The arm guard should not interfere with:

Grip comfort (the guard shouldn’t push into the bat handle)
Wrist rotation (important for shots through the off side)
Elbow bend (for pull shots and hooks)

If they can’t comfortably get into their stance, the guard is too big or poorly positioned.

Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Buy for the current season, not next year. Growing into gear is a myth when it comes to protection. A loose arm guard is dangerous.
Consider the bowling speed your junior faces. If they’re playing in a higher age group or facing faster bowlers, go for a guard with thicker padding and more coverage.
Check the brand’s sizing against your measurements. Kookaburra, Gray-Nicolls, and New Balance all have slightly different fits. Read reviews from other parents.
Replace every 12–18 months or sooner if the padding feels compressed or the straps lose grip. Junior players grow fast, and gear wears out.
Look for sweat-wicking lining—especially for summer cricket. Nothing worse than a slippery arm guard mid-innings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a “one-size-fits-all” guard. These rarely fit well. Junior players come in all shapes and sizes.
Ignoring the elbow coverage. The most common injury area for junior batters is the elbow, not the forearm.
Tightening straps too much. This cuts off circulation and makes the guard uncomfortable. Your junior will want to take it off between balls.
Forgetting to check both arms. If your junior is learning to play switch-hit or is a left-hander who occasionally bats right-handed, they may need guards for both arms.
Assuming all arm guards are the same. There are different levels of protection—basic, intermediate, and pro-grade. For junior players, intermediate is often a good choice: good protection without being too bulky.

Checklist Summary

Use this quick checklist when buying or fitting a cricket arm guard for your junior player:

Measure forearm length from wrist bone to elbow point
Measure forearm circumference at the thickest point
Check elbow coverage (2–3 cm past elbow when arm is straight)
Compare measurements to manufacturer’s sizing chart
Try on the guard—check strap fit, movement, and comfort
Adjust straps: top snug, middle stable, bottom loose
Test with a bat in hand—grip, wrist rotation, elbow bend
Ensure no gaps in protection (especially at the elbow)
Verify the guard doesn’t slide down or ride up during practice swings
Replace if padding is compressed or straps are worn

Getting the right arm guard for your junior player doesn’t have to be a headache. Take the measurements, try it on properly, and test it with a bat. Your young gun will thank you when they’re facing down a quick bowler in the backyard or at their next club match.

And hey, if they end up playing for Australia one day—maybe in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series or at the MCG in front of 80,000 fans—you can look back and say, “I helped size their first arm guard.”

For more gear guides, check out our main /gear-equipment page, or dive into /protective-gear for the full rundown on pads, gloves, and helmets. And if you’re building out a full kit, our guide to the /australian-cricket-kit-bag has you covered.

Now get out there, get measuring, and get your junior player padded up and ready to go. The next Ashes star might just be in your backyard.

Cricket Arm Guard Sizing for Junior Players: A Parent’s Practical Guide