Finding the proper bat for a youngster can be a key factor when it comes to the player's ability to enjoy himself when he plays and how successful he may be at hitting the baseball. While a well-known manufacturer's bat may look great, it won't help if it is too big or heavy for your child.
Aluminum Bat
Most youth bats are aluminum. The youth baseball industry has been dominated by aluminum bats since the early 1980s. They are much less likely to break and while an individual aluminum bat is more expensive than wood, an aluminum bat will last longer so the consumer won't have the added expense of having to replace the bat very often. Aluminum bats are also lighter than wood, so most youngsters find them easier to swing.
Size
Baseball players who are 12 years and younger can use a bat that is 33 inches or shorter. Most hitters will not use a bat that exceeds 30 inches in length. Players can use bats that are up to 30 oz., but most will opt for bats that are much lighter because they are easier to swing and hitters will get greater bat head speed. Most hitters at the youth level area looking for a bat that has a minus-3 ratio between the length and weight. A 30-inch bat that weighs 27oz. has a minus-3 ratio. This figure is also called the "drop." Many leagues will not let players have a drop that exceeds minus-3 because a bat with a minus-4 drop or greater can generate too much bat speed and can lead to injuries to the pitcher when line drives are hit back at them.
Barrel Size
One of the key factors in youth baseball is the size of the bat's barrel. A barrel for players who are 12 and younger may not exceed 2 1/4 inches. Players who are 13 or older may use a bat with a barrel width of 2 5/8 inches. Youth league administrators will not let younger players use bats with bigger barrels in an attempt to protect all infielders -- and especially pitchers -- from getting hit with hard line drives that would be impossible for them to react to and protect themselves.
One-Arm Test
One way to determine if your child is selecting the proper bat is to have him hold the bat in one arm. Have the child extend the bat at shoulder height and hold it in that position with one arm for five seconds. If the child can hold the bat easily, it is the correct size. If the child struggles to hold the bat or if he drops it, it is too heavy and you will need to look for a smaller and lighter bat.
Member Comments