How to Square up a Cricket Square is a step by step guide to ensuring your square is square come the start of the season. In this blog l take you through my own technique for doing this the 3-4-5 (Pythagoras theorem) method.
Why bother?
Each adult pitch is 22 yards or 66 ft, using the Pythagoras theorem, we can create a square that is equal not only in length but also in width. This will mean when we cut and mark out, each pitch will be in line with the other.
Equipment Needed
1 x string line that can ideally go around your square, 2 widths and 2 lenghts.
2 x reel tape measures, the same make to ensure the zero foot starts on the edge of the string line.
Key– Straight pegs, pushed well into the soil as when you pull against them they could move and alter measurements.
3-4-5 ft/metres/yards and if you times the measurement by 3 the more then it will be even more accurate. Example 9ft, 12ft, 15ft or even better convert to metres.
Step One
Based on NO corners to start with,
If this was the case l would guess the shortest length, by running a string line 66 ft (north to south). The shortest length of a square would generally be stump to stump.
Most square should face North to South in orientation.
Mark 3 ft at this point, l prefer to use 9 metres.
Next
Now you have a line to work off you can create a rough line along the width of the square.
Using a separate tape measure, now measure 4 ft across the width of the square (roughly) and drop.
Step Two
Now putting another tape measure on the 3 ft peg and then measuring diagonally across 5ft, where the 5 ft meets the 4 ft, you need to insert a peg. You have now created a 45-degree angle.
Now extending the string line along the inside edge of the 4 ft peg, go the full width of the square, to the width of your square in my case 120ft. So, you need to extend the string and the tape to find your width.
How to Square up a Cricket Square-Where we got up too!
We have the stump to stump line measured at 66 ft, we measured 3 ft off that and then measured 4 ft along the length of the square. We then put a tape measure on the 3 ft peg, brought it diagonally( 5ft) across to the 4 ft and where the 4 and 5 ft met, we inserted a peg and we had our first 3-4-5.
We used the 4 ft peg for the string line , which helps us stay straight as we extended the string, to full length of the square. In my case 12 wickets = 120 ft.
Step Three
Now you have created your next permanent line across, you can now work off this, measuring in from 120 ft, 3 ft and then put in a pin on the outside of the string. We are now repeating what we did with the first line of 66 ft , which was our first permanent line.
So next we measure 3ft along the string line length ways, then 4 ft roughly stump to stump. Place a peg over the 3 ft and head towards the 4ft, in a 5 ft measurement. Where the 5 ft and the 4 ft meet, put in a peg and you have created another 45 degree angle (second image down).
Step Four
So, now extend the string line off the inside of the 4 ft peg to 66 ft(stump to stump) and you should have three sides of the square done…
Now your just left with one width of the square to do!!
Back to measuring 3 ft off the permanent line i.e. the 66 ft line in this case, then 4 ft width of the square. Place a tape over the 3ft , go 5 ft and where 4 and 5 ft meet, put in a peg.
Extend the string line and tape 120ft, off the inside of the new peg to meet the very first peg you put in when you started.
How do we know if we have got it correct??
When you measure the final length and its 120ft, your SPOT ON.
Its common to be a few millimetres out one end of the square could have a few lower ends, It is very hard to get bang on and a inch out over 120 ft is not the end of the world.
If all correct (all sides are equal 2 x 66 ft- 2 x 120 ft) mark the four corners, as you will need to keep these in at least for the season and then you also have the opportunity to mark in your pitch positions.
Head still spinning mine is, this is one of the hardest blogs l have ever written, if so take a look at this video
How to Square up a Cricket Square is my own version, like all groundsmen l am always looking to learn and improve, if you have your own version you wish to share, leave a reply below.
Brian
For guide on worms, pre-season rolling and preparations check out cricket groundsmen toolbox- https://turfcareblog.com/toolbox-cricket/
4 comments
Ok – some tips that I use… pegs – use old screwdrivers preferably slot ones as they clean easier, bigger and longer the better for early season soft clay.
Line – I use electrified livestock fence the nylon stuff with metal in it as you can really stretch it tight and get a twang on it. I store it on a reel line with a lock catch.
Measurements – 66 stump to stump, 88 along crease line, 110 on the diagonal. For larger squares once you’ve got your square corner , just extend the stump line. Once this is done repeat the process to get the second square corner, and again extend the crease line. Make sure the two crease lines are 66 ft apart at the 88’ mark on each crease. Mark off the 10ft lines for each wicket; bigger the square more marks…
The line and reel plus screwdrivers I use during the season along with a marked up pice of ally box section.
I also use aerosol spray marker at this time of year to do the initial marks, then follow up with proper line paint, as expensive as you can afford as when time is money repeat markings cost more than paint…
Hope this helps…
Clive
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[…] Please see this blog on squaring up the square-https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-square-up-a-cricket-square-step-by-step/ […]
[…] Now onto my attempt, l promise l am not bad at squaring the cricket square, but to put that on paper, is tricky and like Gordon l am not the best with technology. But here is my step by step guide- https://turfcareblog.com/how-to-square-up-a-cricket-square-step-by-step/ […]