From Little League on up, few things in baseball carry as much importance as a player's bat. The right bat can make all of the difference between success and failure at the plate. When choosing a bat, consider several factors, including weight, length and material, bat maker Louisville Slugger recommends. It's also important to set a price range, since bats range from about $20 to upwards of $300. Above all, choose a bat that makes you comfortable and confident at the plate.
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with the types of bats available. You can do your research online on the websites of the various bat makers and instructional sites, or ask your coach, teammates or friends about their experiences and recommendations for various bats. Except in professional baseball, most baseball players use aluminum or metal alloy bats. The type of alloy greatly affects the price of the bat, Louisville Slugger reports.
Step 2
Establish a maximum price you will spend on a bat. Deciding this before you go shopping will automatically help limit your options.
Step 3
Measure your height and weight. Several baseball organizations and bat makers offer charts that recommend a bat size based on your height and weight. Louisville Slugger reports that the most popular bat sizes by age are as follows: 24 to 26 inches for 5- to 7-year-olds, 26 to 28 inches for 8- and 9-year-olds, 28 or 29 inches for 10-year-olds, 30 or 31 inches for 11- and 12-year-olds, 31 or 32 inches for 13- and 14-year-olds and 32 or 33 inches for 15- and 16-year-olds.
Step 4
Visit a sporting equipment store that stocks bats in a variety of materials and sizes. This will allow you to see and try many bats at once, which will help you narrow down your choices.
Step 5
Choose several bats to hold and swing. For example, longer bats give you a better reach at the plate and make it easier to hit to the opposite field, but longer bats also weigh more and can slow your bat speed and affect hitting.
Step 6
Swing the bats one at a time, making sure you are in a space with ample clearance. Take note of how the bat feels in your hand and also how your swing feels when using it, Louisville Slugger suggests.
Step 7
Narrow down your selection to two or three bats. Take some more practice swings with these bats to get a good feel for them. Remember, the bat you choose should be natural and comfortable to swing.
Step 8
Choose the bat that feels the best and is most comfortable. Make sure the weight seems appropriate and will not negatively affect your swing.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure the bat you choose conforms with your league's bat regulations, Louisville Slugger recommends. Young players might want to experiment with different bats during batting practice or practice at home to get an idea of what to look for in a bat and what type of bats works best, QC Baseball recommends.
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