How To Break-in A Softball Bat

Composite softball bats require a breaking-in period before they are at their best. During the breaking-in period, the composite materials break down slightly, creating an accelerated rebound effect when you swing and hit the ball. This increases the speed and distance that the ball travels when hit. Aluminum softball bats do not require a break-in period and are ready for use immediately. The advantages of composite softball bats over aluminum bats are they are more forgiving when you don't hit the ball with the sweet spot of the bat, they transmit fewer vibrations and provide a faster batted-ball speed.

Step 1

Pound the barrel of your bat with a rubber mallet. Cover the entire length of the barrel and rotate the bat so you hit every side.

Step 2

Hit softballs off a batting tee. Using a tee gives you greater control over where on the bat you hit the ball and allows you to get plenty of hitting repetitions in without overtaxing your muscles.

Step 3

Swing at pitched balls, either from a helper or a pitching machine. Again, the goal is to get in plenty of hits without wasting time on strikes or overworking your muscles.