A serious softball player would know how picky they can be about what bat they use, whether it’s in practice or a game. When hitting personal choice in bats is all about what is comfortable to the hitter and what they like to use. From my past experience as a softball player I would only use the same softball bat every time I hit. There are so many options offered nowadays it makes finding the right bat seem overwhelming. When choosing a bat, every player should keep in mind that they need the right feel, the right length, enough weight, and also the proper balance. The three main categories for finding the right bat are bat length, bat weight, and bat style.
Bat Length
Bat length is something that can be felt. When you are hitting and it doesn’t feel right you should know that something is not right with the length. If it is too long it will feel way too heavy and off balance when you are getting ready to swing. If it is too short, you probably will not be able to reach the outside corner. A lot of people also measure bat length on how far it goes over the plate when you are standing in the batters box. If you are standing in the box like you would in a game and the bat does not reach the outside of the plate it is too short for you.
Bat Weight
Bat weight is also something that can be felt. The most important thing is if the bat is comfortable to the hitter, so it’s better to try out bats to find the one you like the most. Softball Rampage states that, “If a player picks too heavy of a bat they will not have a fast enough swing speed.”2 Some good general rules that are given by iSport should be followed as well when selecting the right bat. Remember, when hitting you always want to be comfortable, well-balanced and in control of your bat so that you can produce the best swing possible.
Bat Style
Composite and Aluminum Bats are the two types that are dominating the softball bat market today. The style the athlete choose will depend solely on you. While composite bats are a little more popular than aluminum, you need to know what you want from your bat.
Composite Bats: Made from woven fibers for added pop and durability. Composite bats require a break in period of 200-300 hits while rotating the barrel. They dampen vibration and swing.
Aluminum Bats: Generally lighter weight and allow for faster swing speeds. Aluminum bats have thinner barrel walls that create a trampoline effect and drive the ball greater distances.
Some of the mistakes younger players make at choosing bats is they choose a bat based on color or appearance, rather than focusing on the feel and performance of the bat. Don’t buy a bat just because your friend uses it. Buy one based on the athletes own preferences and one that is going to help the athlete succeed in hitting.
References
1How to Choose a Softball Bat | iSport.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2015, from http://softball.isport.com/softball-guides/how-to-choose-a-softball-bat
2Softball Bat Buying Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2015, from http://www.softballrampage.com/bat-buying-guide.asp
This is so true it can be difficult finding the right bat. I played select softball and high school softball pretty much my whole life and had the trouble of finding the right bat. i eventually learned that i am more of a DeMarini bat and also inloaded and my sister who has played as long as me is the complete opposite.
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