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 2 of 3

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

Fastpitch Softball Bat Weight
Make certain you are comfortable with the selected Fastpitch Softball Bat and can control it - you want a quick, controlled swing.

And you should take your body size and strength into account. Fastpitch Softball Bats come with -9, -10, -11 and in some cases -12 and -13 ounce drops. A -12 or -13 ounce drop works well for smaller players with less upper body strength because they have the advantage of having a longer bat with a lighter weight.

A Fastpitch Softball Bat that is too heavy will result in a slow swing, loss of balance during the swing, loss of optical vision, and poor control of the bat path as you swing at the ball and require you to start your swing earlier, reducing reaction time.

If the Fastpitch Softball Bat is too light, you may not be able to feel the bat head. If you can’t feel where the bat head is, you will suffer a loss of control. Additionally, when you swing – your lead shoulder will always open too soon.

When in doubt, “go lighter” which will give you more bat head speed and allow for quicker reaction time.

Here are two quick ways to ensure the bat your Fastpitch Softball Bat IS NOT TOO HEAVY:

One way to ensure the selected Fastpitch Softball Bat is not too heavy is to watch a swing and make certain the player doesn't have to put a "hitch" in their swing to get it around fast.

Another simple test is to take the handle end of the Fastpitch Softball Bat in your right hand if you’re a right-handed hitter (left if you’re a lefty). Point the Fastpitch Softball Bat straight out from your side. Keep your arm straight and parallel to the ground. If you can hold the bat like this for about 20 - 25 seconds without dropping the barrel, that’s probably the right weight for you. Note: You should try this simple test with two or three different weighted Fastpitch Softball Bats.

Worth Sports conducted a study with the University of Arizona in which they determined the best Fastpitch Softball Bat weights for hitters, based on their height (for players 8 - 10 years old) and weight (girls/women). The table below summarizes their findings. You can use this as a another guideline.

Girls Youth (Ages 8 - 10)

4'0" - 4'2"=== 16 oz
4'2" - 4'4"=== 16.5 oz
4'4" - 4'6"=== 17 oz
4'6" - 4'8"=== 17.5 oz
4'8" - 4'10"== 18 oz
4'10" - 5"0"== 18.5 oz
5"0' - 5'2" === 19 oz

Girls/Women

100 lbs === 23 oz
110 lbs === 24 oz
120 lbs === 25 oz
130 lbs === 26 oz
140 lbs === 26.5 oz
150 lbs === 27 oz
160 lbs === 28 oz
170 lbs === 28.5 oz
180 lbs === 29 oz

Go to Page 1 - Selecting the Length of your Fastptich Softball Bat

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

Go back to Selecting the Perfect Fastpitch Softball Bat

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