Fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball have many similarities. They play on the same size field and they employ the same positions on the field. However, fast-pitch softball represents a significant challenge for the batter to make contact. Pitches come in at speeds better than 70 miles per hour and you need a light bat to whip through the hitting zone. There is no such issue in slow pitch and bigger bats are usually employed. However, you can use smaller fast-pitch bats in slow-pitch softball.
Bat Size
The Amateur Softball Association of America is the organization that presides over fast pitch and slow-pitch softball. The ASA limits softball bats to 34 inches in length and 38 oz. in weight in both sports. There are no differences in the maximum sizes in bats. However, slow-pitch softball players believe they can hit the ball farther and harder with larger bats while fast-pitch players can whip the bats faster through the hitting zone with smaller and lighter bats. If the slow-pitch player feels more confident with the smaller bat because of increased bat speed, it is perfectly legal to use in his sport.
Larger Sweet Spot
In addition to more girth and size, many slow-pitch softball players prefer the larger bat because it has a larger sweet spot. That means that you don't have to hit the ball perfectly to get maximum results. A larger sweet spot accounts for a harder swing that may have a flaw or two.
Ball Placement
The slow-pitch softball player may decide to use a smaller fast-pitch bat in the late innings of a close game. That's because the smaller bat will give the hitter greater ability to place the ball where she wants on the field. If the game is tied in the bottom of the seventh inning and the home team has a runner on second base, the batter knows she does not have to hit a home run to win the game. All she needs is a base hit to bring the runner in. Instead of taking a big bat, she uses a smaller fast pitch bat. While she may normally be a dead pull hitter to left field, she sees a big opening down the right field line and hits a line drive in that area. By the time the right fielder retrieves the ball, the winning run has scored.
One-Piece Vs.Two-Piece
Most fast-pitch softball bats have a one-piece construction. Many slow-pitch softball bats have two-piece construction. The two-piece construction of the slow-pitch bat will give it more flex when the batter swings it hard. A greater amount of flex usually means the hitter will get more distance on his swing. The two-piece bat is usually somewhat bigger than the one-piece bat.
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