Youth baseball programs are designed to teach the basic fundamentals and mechanics of the game. To help learn these skills, youth baseball players use equipment that is scaled to fit their body size, height, weight and strength level. Seventh-grade baseball players -- those between 12 and 13 years old -- have a recommended range of bat sizes based on those factors.
Bat Length
The average height of a seventh-grader affects the recommended bat length. According to bat manufacturers, seventh-graders between 49 and 56 inches tall should use a 30-inch bat, while seventh graders between 57 and 64 inches tall should use a 31-inch bat. A seventh-grader standing taller than 65 inches can use a bat measuring 32 inches. Using a shorter bat allows the seventh-grader to have a controlled swing using proper mechanics.
Bat Weight
Similar to bat length, there is a recommended range for the weight of the bat based on the body weight of the player. The weight of the bat moves up gradually as body weight increases. For example, a seventh-grader weighing less than 70 lbs. should use a bat weighing less than 18 oz., while a seventh-grader weighing between 70 and 100 lbs. should use a 20 oz. bat.
Strength
The final consideration for the recommended bat size is the individual strength of the seventh-grade baseball player. To find the size of the bat in comparison with the player's strength level, have the seventh-grader grab the bat on the handle and lift the bat until it is parallel to the ground and hold the bat for at least 15 seconds. Gradually increase the weight of the bat until you find the size that she can't hold for the full 15 seconds.
Regulations
Little League and youth baseball organizations enforce specific size, weight and length requirements for legal bats. The rules typically regulate the weight-to-length ratio for the bats. Weight-to-length ratio is the difference between the bat length in inches and the weight in ounces. For example, a 30-inch bat weighing 20 oz. has a -10 weight-to-length ratio. The specific regulations vary among leagues and divisions but commonly range from -6 to -12.
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