What length bat should i use

These are meant to be general guidelines to follow when sizing youth baseball bats. The chart below breaks down baseball bat sizing by age for high school and college players. High school and college bats use the same sizing regulations. Lastly, we have a fastpitch softball bat sizing chart by age. As players get older, the bats get longer and heavier, with a lower bat drop difference between length and weight. Recent rule changes in most leagues have been adopted in an attempt to make the game safer and more competitive.

For this reason, new safety standards have been issued to new bats and they are expected to be used by every player. The objective of this rule change is to make the game more uniform and ensure the long-term integrity of the game. T-Ball bats are also affected under this new rule change.

The weight drops can vary from The weight drops include to Look for the stamp on the right indicating certification. This standard is designed to measure the trampoline effect of the bat and ball on impact, rather than just the exit speed of the ball. The league you play in will determine which bat regulations you should adhere to when purchasing a fastpitch or slowpitch softball bat.

Typically, there are 3 options at the amateur level:. With the exception of those states that mandate its use, wood is typically reserved for the professionals, practice bats and tournaments. But once you settle on a non-wood bat, choosing a bat material may feel overwhelming. You can use the chart below as a quick cheat sheet to remember the differences:. Deciding which type of bat is best for you can be a challenging task.

Here are some tips on each type of bat to help you make the best decision for your budget and playing style. Too short, and you can limit your plate coverage, giving up a portion of your strike zone. Having the right bat length can help you find middle ground between these two scenarios. While this chart can help get you started, use the measuring techniques described to find your ultimate fit.

The best weight is very much based on feel. Try holding the bat handle and extending your arm to your side. For example, a bat that weighs 20 ounces and is 30 inches long will have a drop of The greater the drop weight, the lighter the bat. Larger, stronger players tend to favor less of a drop weight, which can result in increased power.

Smaller players can benefit from greater drop weight, which can help with bat speed. There are two main materials you will see when choosing a bat: wood and metal. Wood bats can be made from different trees, such as ash, maple or birch. Varying wood types can yield different qualities. To standardize purchasing, most wood bats feature a -3 drop. Still have questions about wood bats? Check out our guide on how to buy a wood baseball bat.

Alloy bats, or aluminum baseball bats, are ready for use right out of the wrapper. They have a smaller sweet spot but are great in any temperature and even tend to last longer due to their durability. Alloy bats can be more affordable than their composite counterparts. Composite bats tend to have a larger sweet spot and put out less vibration to the hands. Weigh your child ; the chart above uses height and weight to give a good starting point for the appropriate bat sizing.

Best way to size a child is to have them swing friends bats and find one that is comfortable to them. Looking for a bit more information on which sanction your child should swing?

This guide will walk you through different league sanctions, and a more in depth discussion on types and drops of bats. Be sure to sign up below for our email newsletter to gain instant access to special deals early! Shopping Cart. My Account. Welcome to HB Sports Inc.! Login Create Account. If you are new to baseball, or just want to get a good starting point on where you should be, follow the steps below: 1.