Youth Baseball Bats
Little League youth baseball is a great physical activity as well as a learning and social experience for a child. Getting the right youth baseball bat can help your child's batting game. The following information can help you choose a bat for your child's Little League season.
How do you choose the correct length bat?Try 26-inch baseball bats for children between 3 feet and 3 feet 4 inches tall with cleats. Use the same measure for a child in a softball league. For every 4 inches to 5 inches taller, buy a baseball bat 1 inch longer. Baseball bats should be just tall enough to reach your child's hip from the floor. For children under 60 pounds, 26- to 29-inch baseball bats are recommended. Children over 70 pounds can use a 28- to 32-inch baseball bat. Let your child try the bat. The length should only be increased 1 inch at a time to let your child's swing gradually adjust to the new size of bat.
What weight bat should you buy?Bat weights are listed by their drop weights, which are also known as minus weights. The drop weight is the difference between the bat's length and weight. A 28-inch bat weighing 20 ounces has a -8 drop weight. A larger drop weight number indicates a lighter bat. Remember, even if your child is tall enough to use a longer bat, he may not be strong enough to use a heavier bat with a big barrel.
The drop weight of a bat can make a difference in your child's batting results. A lightweight bat with a long barrel can provide a fast swing. A short, heavy bat with a large diameter can create a slower swing that exerts more force when it connects with the ball. Check the bat's BPF. The correct choice in a bat is whatever is comfortable for your child. Also, consider whether your child wants to connect with the pitch more often or be a power hitter.
What type of bat should you choose?A few states require maple wood bats to be used at all times. Otherwise, wood is generally used by professional teams or for practice or tournaments. Other types include:
- Composite requires 150 to 200 hits to break in, should not be used below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, have a larger sweet spot, and reduce vibration.
- Hybrid bats do not need to be broken in, have a medium sweet spot, can be used at any temperature, and reduce vibration.
- Alloy bats do not need to be broken in, have the smallest sweet spot, can be used at any temperature, and experience more vibration.
Some youth baseball bat manufacturers that are approved by the Little League organization and USSSA include:
- DeMarini
- Easton
- Marucci
- Rawlings
- Louisville Slugger
- Mako