Hitting the ball consistently hard in fast-pitch softball requires a batter to have the proper stance and an effective swing. One of the key factors in building a consistent and repeatable swing is making sure you have a bat that you can handle. Players may be drawn to heavier bats because they think it can bring greater distance, but heavier bats also can slow the swing down and keep players from hitting the ball hard.
Bat Position
Each hitter will have her preferred stance when she steps into the batter's box. In most cases, the batter will hold the bat with the barrel end pointing at an upward angle toward the sky. However, if the batter is holding the bat in a position so it is parallel to the ground and resting on or close to the shoulder, the bat is too heavy.
Bat Speed
An indicator of whether a bat is too heavy or not is where the batter is hitting the ball. If a right-handed batter gets an inside pitch that she should be pulling to left field and she is barely getting around on the ball and it is flying to right field, the bat is too heavy. An effective hitter will pull the inside pitch, hit the pitch over the middle to center field and drive the outside pitch to the opposite field. If the batter is never pulling the ball, it's an indicator that the bat is too heavy.
One-Arm Test
All batters can use the one-arm test to determine if the bat is too heavy. It is especially effective for young softball players who don't have the experience to have perspective on the issue. Grip the bat in your nondominant hand about 2 inches from the bottom of the grip area. Extend your arm so it's at shoulder height. If you can hold the bat for five seconds without struggling, the bat is the right weight. If your arm trembles or wobbles, the bat is too heavy and you need to use a lighter bat.
Aluminum Bats
Most bats used in competitive and recreational softball are made of aluminum or composite material. These bats are much lighter than the wood bats that were used by previous generations. No matter the length of the bat you are using, you have to be concerned with the weight. A 32-inch softball bat is typical in competitive softball. There is no reason to use a bat that weighs more than 27 oz. when competing in fast-pitch softball. If you use a 27-ounce bat or lighter, you should be able to handle it easily.
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