Fastpitch Softball Bat Guide

Fastpitch softball, also known as fast pitch, is a sport commonly played by women, although some male and co-ed fastpitch softball leagues exist. In fastpitch, considered the most competitive form of softball, pitch speeds exceed 70 miles per hour for men and 85 miles per hour by women, according to International Softball Federation regulations. Due to the speed of the pitch, regulations also exist for fastpitch softball bats.

  1. Specifications

    • According to Hit Run Score, fastpitch softball bats should not exceed 34 inches in length and 2.24 inches in diameter. They should not have a drop of more than 12 inches, calculated by taking the length of the bat and subtracting weight in ounces.

    Bat Performance Factor

    • The league you play in may have specific rules for fastpitch softball bats used during games. Normally, softball bats should not exceed a 1.20 bat performance factor level based on the International Softball Federation bat certification requirements. Check with your league for any other regulations.

    Certified Bats

    • Bats for fastpitch softball are lighter and shorter than bats for slow-pitch softball. Many bats are marketed as fastpitch bats because of their size; however, you should still make sure that they meet the rules of your league. According to the ISF, the manufacturers with certified bats as of 2009 include Albin Athletics, Combat Softball, DeMarini, Easton, Hillerich & Bradsby (Louisville Slugger), Miken, Mizuno, Nike, Rawlings and Worth.