How to Size a Baseball Bat for Little League
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How to Size a Baseball Bat for Little League – It is important to get the proper size bat for your child. This will ensure they can swing with ease and make contact with the ball.
How bat size is determined
The size of the barrel is the most important factor in determining the correct bat size for a player. The barrel is the thickest part of the bat and is typically 2.75 inches in diameter for adult bats and 2.625 inches for youth bats. The length of the bat is the second important factor.
Length
Most importantly, a bat must be the correct length. A bat that is too long or too short will be difficult to swing and control. Measuring the length of a bat is simple. Have your child stand upright with his/her back against a wall. Using a measuring tape, measure from the center of their back (between the shoulder blades) to the end of their fingertips. The number you get will correspond to a bat size (i.e. 27 inches = 27-inch bat).
If your child is between sizes, it is always better to choose the larger size. They can always shorten the bat by cutting off some of the handle, but they can’t make it longer!
Weight
There are a few different factors that go into finding the right bat size, but weight is definitely the most important. A good rule of thumb is that a heavier bat will produce more power, while a lighter bat will be easier to control.
The general rule for weight is that a bat should be around 20% of the player’s body weight. So, if a player weighs 100 pounds, their bat should weigh around 20 pounds. However, this is just a general guideline, and there are a few other factors that should be considered when choosing a bat.
For example, players who are stronger or have longer arms may be able to handle a heavier bat without sacrificing control. Conversely, players who are smaller or have shorter arms may need to go with a lighter bat in order to maintain good control.
In the end, it’s important to experiment with different weights and see what feels best for you. There’s noone-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the perfect bat size.
How to measure a child for a bat
To get the correct size bat, have your child stand up straight with his arms at his sides. Have him hold a baseball in his right hand. Measure from the top of the child’s right shoulder, down to the child’s right wrist, and then add 6 inches to that number. The total number is the child’s bat length in inches.
Standing up straight
To get an accurate measurement, have your child stand up straight with his or her back against a wall. Place a soft tape measure just under their armpits, and run it up to the top of their head. Make sure the tape measure is level all the way around, and write down this number. This is their height in inches.
Measuring from the armpit
To measure from the armpit, have the child stand with his or her arms at their sides. Measure from the point where the neck meets the shoulder, down to the child’s wrist. This is known as the sleeve length. Add 2 inches to this measurement to get the appropriate bat length.
How to choose the right bat size
Picking the right baseball bat size is important because a bat that is too heavy can be difficult to swing, and a bat that is too light may not provide enough power. The bat should be the right length so that the player can comfortably grip it with two hands. The ideal bat weight will depend on the player’s strength, hitting style, and bat speed.
Trial and error
The best way to find the right bat size for your child is to have them try out several different sizes and weights. It’s important that they swing the bat a few times to get a feel for it before you make a purchase. Have them hold the bat in their non-dominant hand and raise it so that the barrel is pointing up. Then, have them slide their dominant hand down the handle until it rests on top of their other hand. Their fingers should be able to wrap around the handle comfortably with some room to spare. You also want to make sure that they can swing the bat without having to strain or reach too far.
Asking for help
If you’re still unsure about which size bat is right for your child, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The experts at your local sporting goods store will be able to help you select the perfect bat.
Tips for using a bat
When it comes to baseball, the size of the bat really does matter. If the bat is too big or too small, it can be difficult for the player to swing it properly. If you are unsure of what size bat to get for your child, here are a few tips to help you out.
Warm up
Before you start swinging, it’s important to warm up your muscles. Take a few laps around the bases or do some light calisthenics to get your blood flowing. You should also swing lightly with the bat to get a feel for its weight and balance.
Don’t swing too hard
One common error among young hitters is swinging too hard. They see the ball coming at them and they think they have to hit it as hard as they can. But what they don’t realize is that when you swing too hard, you lose control of the bat. You end up swinging late and missing the ball completely, or hitting it weakly somewhere off the handle.
The key is to swing level, not down. Focus on making contact with the sweet spot of the bat. If you can do that, the bat will do the rest. You don’t have to swing hard to hit the ball hard. In fact, if you try to swing too hard, you’ll probably end up hitting weak pop-ups or foul balls.