Choosing the right size softball bat can be challenging. There are many choices in a range of weights and widths. In addition to personal preference, most leagues have rules that require that a bat be within a particular size range. Such factors as the diameter of the bat can increase your comfort upon impact with the ball and affect your playing decisions.
Step 1
Choose the length that works best with your height. The taller you are, the longer the bat should be. This seems counter intuitive to those who think that the bat can add to a short player's reach.
Step 2
Choose the weight you want in a bat. A lighter bat allows you to build up more speed on your swing, while a heavier bat provides more force. Lighter is generally better than heavier, although players who are heavy may prefer a heavier bat.
Step 3
Examine the barrel diameter. A larger diameter creates a bigger sweet spot, which is the area where the ball ideally connects with the ball, but the larger diameter also increases the weight of the bat.
Step 4
Consider the bat taper, which is the diameter of the bat's handle. A larger taper absorbs some of the sting that occurs when you hit the bat. The larger the diameter, the heavier the bat.
Step 5
Swing some bats made of different materials. Some metal bats contain different materials in addition to aluminum. Zinc or copper increase durability while graphite and titanium help decrease vibration and sting when you hit the ball.
Step 6
Swing multiple bats. Nothing replaces trying a variety of bats to find the one that feels most comfortable to you.
Tips and Warnings
- Bats are measured using length to weight ratio. The manufacturer gives the bat a negative number that represents the length of the bat compared to its weight in ounces. For example, a 31-inch bat that weights 20 oz. receives a label of minus 11. Organizations have rules for the weight length ratio they allow. Little league bats, for example, cannot have a number greater than minus 12, while college and high schools are limited to minus 3.
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