Last updated 3/24/2008

Selecting the Perfect
Fastpitch Softball Bat

Determining the Best Length, Weight, Bat Barrel, Taper and Grip of Your Fastpitch Softball Bat

Page 1 of 3

In selecting a Fastpitch Softball Bat, it is important to remember that Bat Speed, not bat size, bat length nor bat weight, drives the ball. Accordingly, Bat Speed and Bat Control are the two primary objectives when selecting a Fastpitch Softball Bat.

On this page, The Coach will discuss how to select the proper length of a Fastpitch Softball Bat.

On Page 2, The Coach will discuss how to select the propoer weight of the Fastpitch Softball Bat.

On Page 3, The Coach will discuss other issues such as Bat Barrel, Taper and Grip to help you properly select the perfect Fastpitch Softball Bat.

Fastpitch Softball Bat Length
Here are a couple of ways of quickly determining if a Fastpitch Softball Bat is the proper length:

First tip: The Fastpitch Softball Bat should be long enough to reach your wrist when you are standing straight with arms on your side. That is, a Fastpitch Softball Bat with one end on touching the ground and the other end reaching your wrist will most likely be the most comfortable bat length that you can pick.

Second tip: Take the player's height in inches, divide by 7 then add 21. For example, if a player is 5' 3'' (that's 63 inches). Divided by 7 = 9. Plus 21 = 30 inch bat.

Here are two tables that can be used as guidelines in selecting the proper length of a Fastpitch Softball Bat:

If Player's age is, Fastpitch Softball Bat Length should be:
Age 5 - 7, Bat Length should be 24" - 26"
Age 8 - 9, Bat Length should be 26" - 28"
Age 10-11, Bat Length should be 28" - 30"
Age 11-12, Bat Length should be 30" - 32"
Age 13-14, Bat Length should be 31" - 32"
Age 15-16, Bat Length should be 32" - 33"
Age 17 or older, then Bat Length should be34"

If Player's height, Fastpitch Softball Bat Length should be:
Height 4'6" - 5'0", Bat Length should be 28" - 30"
Height 5'0" - 5'6", Bat Length should be 30" - 31"
Height 5'6" - 6'0", Bat Length should be 32" - 33"
Height 6' and higher, Bat Length should be 34"

Bat Length and "Choking up"

You can "choke up" on the bat, but you should not "choke up" more than 1 inch. Why? Fastpitch Softball Bats are balanced and choking up changes the center of the bat relative to the swing, affecting Bat Speed.

Go to Page 2 - Selecting the Weight of your Fastptich Softball Bat

Go to Page 3 - Selecting the Fastpitch Softball Bat Barrel, Taper and Grip

Go back to Selecting the Perfect Fastpitch Softball Bat

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