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How To Choose the Right Bat:
We all know deciding upon the right bat can be a tough decision. My hope is
to simplify the process for readers of this site, as much as I can
anyways. Looking at the
chart above, you'll get a basic idea of the appropriate bat length
for your corresponding height and weight. Choosing bat length is
actually the easy part. The
next step is choosing the proper weight, which of course is a much
harder decision. Your ideal bat will feel comfortable and well balanced
when you swing it. Basically that means not too heavy, not too light,
but comfortable. Selecting a bat that is too heavy bat will result in a
slower than natural swing, which results in a
bad approach as you hit the ball. On the other hand, swinging a bat that
is too light might cause you to open up to fast, which will result in
wasted power.
Two popular tests for determining the proper swing weight are below:
1. Take the handle of the bat in your right hand if you’re a
right-handed hitter (left hand if you’re a lefty). Point the bat
straight out from your side, keeping your arm straight and parallel to
the ground. If you can hold the bat like this for about 25 seconds
without dropping the barrel, then it's probably a good bat for you. If
the barrel drops, the bat is most likely too heavy, and it's recommended
to try out a lighter weight.
2. A coach or parent takes the bat at the barrel end and extends it
toward the hitter. The hitter places the bat across the palm of his
bottom hand with the palm facing upward and then wraps fingers and thumb
around the grip in a comfortable position. The coach (parent) then
releases the bat. If the hitter cannot control the barrel end of the bat
- meaning it drops more than one inch or two - The bat is too heavy, too
long, or both. The grip of the bottom hand should be firm, with most of
the grip strength coming from the middle two fingers.
When in doubt between two swing weights, it's normally recommended to go
with the lighter bat. Never swing a bat that feels even a little
overweight, as it will be too hard to control.
Another important factor in selecting your bat is barrel length. In
general, a longer
barrel length increases the potential hitting surface, and will directly
increase good bat-on-ball contact, which will then increase batting
average. To put it simply - A longer barrel will get you on base more!
Next Article:
All About
Swing Weights |
