About Softball Bats

Softball players strive for consistent hitting. A good softball bat can help achieve that goal. A worn out bat will limit your swing and ability to adjust to the nuances of the game. The perfect bat will increase your swing speed and improve your batting measurably.

  1. Significance

    • What makes a great bat? It depends on the softball player. Softball bats can get worn out after extended use. Many are made of aluminum, which can get dented after repeated hits. Softball bats can also be too long or short and too heavy or light. So simply picking up your teammate's bat might not be the answer to perfect batting. A heavier bat will slow your swing speed. A lighter bat might increase your swing speed, but if it's too light, you might overswing.

    Function

    • Just as a team's batting order plays a role in game planning, coaches choose bats that maximize the hitting ability of their players. In addition, many coaches have a weighted bat lined up next to the bats used during play. If hitters take a few swings with a weighted bat, their normal bat will seem lighter and they will swing harder.

    Types

    • Most softball leagues allow both composite, a metal mixture, and aluminum bats. The composite bats give quite an advantage to any player. Softball players use lighter bats to allow increased swing speed. Swing speed means more pop off the bat and greater distance to the hit. Many men's league hitters have swings at over 70 mph. These aren't necessarily the conditioned athletes that you see on college softball teams, but recreational league players.
      Bats are also subject to the whims of the weather. Composite bats work fine during the warmer months but may crack if played in cold weather. Aluminum bats dent in cold weather. Some of these bats can cost more than $300. It's a fine line between ruining an expensive piece of sporting equipment and winning a game.

    Features

    • Softball bats look like any other bat, except that each one is made of metal. Almost every one of the newest models is painted in neon colors with a special name. Softball bats have wrapped handles, usually in black tape. Bat weight and length is stamped onto the bat end.
      Remember to research your softball association rules. Eight governing groups run the various softball leagues in the United States. Make sure to check with your particular league, find the name of your governing group (Ex: ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc.) and obtain a complete list of the approved/banned bats before you make your purchase. There are also governing groups for high school and Little League teams.

    Size

    • To measure a bat suitability for you by weight, hold the bat straight down at your side. Then lift the bat out sideways and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. If your arm gets fatigued, the bat is too heavy. Switch to a lighter size and try again. Remember that bat weight is stamped on the end of the bat. The measurement is in ounces.
      Length of the softball bat is just as important. The length of the bat affects your ability to hit a softball with the sweet spot on the barrel of the bat. To measure the best length for you, stand with a straight back, arms at the sides and feet together. Have someone place the bat on end next to you. The optimum length bat would reach to your wrist. Bat length is measured in inches and is stamped on the end of the bat.
      Always practice some swings in the store before purchasing any bat. Take some swings but make sure to clear the area before you set up your stance.