How To Choose A Softball Bat
In softball, there is an old saying that if you can hit they'll find some place for you to play. Don't quit developing your other basic skills, but even if you aren't the fastest or most agile player on the team, mastering the art of hitting can make you a star.
One key element of becoming a great hitter is choosing the right bat. A good bat won't automatically make you the team's leading hitter, but the wrong bat choice can definitely hold you back from reaching your potential. Choosing a bat is a personal decision.
For today's softball player, technology has developed to the point that a player can own a bat tailored to enhance performance and can also be specifically designed around your hitting strengths. It is important to select a bat that fits your personal body type and experience level, taking into account your height, weight, and hitting strength.
Bat Composition
Bat technology might seem a little confusing but it isn't rocket science. There are three essential elements to the construction of a bat: barrel size, bat taper and grip.
The barrel is the top part of the bat. The barrel size includes both the length of the barrel and the diameter. A longer barreled bat has a larger "sweet spot" to hit the ball better. A ordinary softball bat is 2 1/2 inches in diameter, but a standard fast pitch softball bat has a 2 3/4 inch diameter barrel. Players often prefer using a smaller barreled bat in order to gain more swing speed with the lighter bat.
The bat taper is the diameter of the bat's handle.
Standard bats will be tapered 31/32 of an inch but might be slightly smaller or larger depending on bat weight. Often players prefer using a narrow taper so their bat will be lighter and they can rotate their wrists faster when swinging. The grip is just the covering that bat manufacturers use on the handle of aluminum bats. Leather or synthetic leather makes for a stickier feel making for a surer grip. A rubber grip absorbs more of the shock. Some bats even come with a extra cushioned grip to further absorb the shock.
Bat Length and Weight
There are rules of thumb for bat length based on age range which can be starting points for young players. However, a bat length based on individual height and weight is best.
Softball bats are weighted in ounces. Manufacturers have already done a great job balancing each bat's weight to its length. Bats are marked with a weight to length ratio such as -4, -6 and so on. For example, a 34 inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces.
The right weight for you depends on two personal factors. Your hitting style and your strength. Personal preference plays a great part in this, and you should consult with your coach or hitting instructor as you make the decision. Generally bigger, stronger players can control a heavier bat to bring more power to their hitting, but some players prefer a lighter bat so they can swing faster.
Different league rules allow different standards for softball bats. These rules can be changed at any moment so you should confirm with your coach and your league that the bat you decide on meets the current specifications. In the meantime, manufacturers have entire teams of engineers developing new models with high tech materials and specifications. Since modern bats will be expensive, remember to check for the latest information at the time you are shopping for your bat.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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