Last updated 4/22/2008

Selecting the Perfect
Fastpitch Softball Bat

In this section, The Coach discusses the following key elements in greater detail that you should consider when selecting a Fastpitch Softball Bat:

Glossary of Terms - Fastpitch Softball Bat Selection Terminology

The Different Materials used in Fastpitch Softball Bats

The Different Designs/Construction Techniques Used

What does the "Negative Number" on Your Fastpitch Softball Bat mean?

Determining the Best Length and Weight for Your Fastpitch Softball Bat

The Quick Bottom Line

Remember, it's all about how fast the ball leaves the bat. Therefore, the Fastpitch Softball Bat's physical construction and the player's ability to generate appropriate bat speed are the key elements.

Construction

Bat Barrels

First, you want to select or choose a "bottle barrel" - most Fastpitch Softball Bats come with a bottle barrel which has a much greater "sweet spot" than tapered (or Slowpitch-style Softball Bats).

Next, and cost aside, the best Fastpitch Softball Bats are those that are constructed using state-of-the-art materials including enhanced aluminum, graphite/titanium, composite materials or amorphous alloys (e.g., LiquidMetal) AND/OR manufactured using innovative techniques.

Finally, single wall bats tend to be more durable while double wall bats tend to have better performance (balls tend to "jump off" the bat faster..

What you want is a Fastpitch Softball Bat with great performance where the ball "flys" off the bat - the quicker the ball comes off the bat, the more likely it is to either get past defending players or get over their heads. Look for descriptions that refer to a Fastpitch Softball Bat's enhanced "trampoline" effect. Note: Most softball associations try to regulate the speed a ball comes off the bat for safety reasons so check the association link for certified, approved and licensed bats for the associations that oversees the games your teams play.

Bat Handles

Another consideration in selecting or choosing a Fastipitch Softball Bat are the Bat Handles, sometimes referred to as the "Taper". Smaller players (less strong) get help from "flex" bats that help to propel the ball, that is, construction techniques and materials are used in "flex" bats to increase the "bat whip" when the player swings the bat. Mature/strong players have natural strength and generally do not need as much "flex" to help them propel the ball.

One-piece vs. Two-piece construction

Two-piece bats have a connecting point (called the "hinge") between the barrel and handle. This helps to create "flex" which again, benefits smaller, less strong players. The stronger the player, the less "bat whip or flex" they need - strong players should use one-piece bats. One other consideration, two-piece bats generally have a higher frequency of breaking (typically at the "hinge'); one-piece bats are generally more durable.

Grips and End Caps

Obviously, each player needs a grip that is comformtable and creates a good "bond" between the player's hands and the bat handle. The other important consideration is to look for technology in grips and end caps that reduce or dampen vibrations when balls are hit, thus lessening the occurrence of "hand sting".

Bat Speed

The second key consideration is the player's ability to generate maximum Bat Speed. You want your players to swing the heaviest bat where they can generate good Bat Speed. If their Bat Speed is not quick enough, go to a lighter Fastpitch Softball Bat. Remember, Bat Speed, not the bat;s size nor weight, drives the ball.

Bat Weight

Make certain your player is comfortable holding the selected Fastpitch Softball Bat and can control it - you want a quick, controlled swing. Here are two quick ways to ensure the bat IS NOT TOO HEAVY:

• Heavy Bats: -8 and -9 drop bats are generally considered heavier Fastpitch Softball Bats and should only be used by strong players
  
• Light Bats: -10, -10.5 and -11 drop bats are more moderate in weight and should be used by players with average strength.
  
• Ultra-light Bats: -11.5, -12, -12.5, -13 and -13.5 drop bats should be used by smaller players who can not generate enough Bat Speed with heavier, that is, lower drop bats.

End-loaded vs. Well Balanced

End-loaded fastpitch softball bats are for strong players, that is, power hitters while hitters with average or below average strength should stick with bats that are "well balanced" or "evenly balanced". In other words, it takes more strength to generate appropriate bat speed with an "end loaded" bat.

Other Considerations

Barrel Length

Generally, you want Fastpitch Softball Bats with the largest barrel lengths - they can range from 11 inches on the smallest bat lengths (e.g., 26 inch bats) to 17 inches on the longest bat lengths (e.g., 34 inch bats). But some manufacturers do make Fastpitch Softball Bats with "extended barrel lengths", that is longer bat barrels for their respective total bat length. The advantage of longer bat barrels is that the "sweet spot" is larger - increasing towards the bat handle enabling more "sweet spot" hits on inside pitches.

Bat Length and "Choking up"

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. 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..

Bat Handle Size

This is sometimes referred to as the "taper" of the Fastpitch Softball Bat. Generally, you want thinner sized tapers for players with smaller hands. Players should be able to comfortably hold the Fastpitch Softball Bat through the swing. Fastpitch Softball Bats are typically offered with the following handle sizes (diameters):

• Ultra-thin: 28/32 inch (or 7/8 inch), 29/32
• Thin: 30/32 inch and 31/32 inch
• Standard: 1 inch.

Finally, regarding the psychological element of selecting or choosing a Fastpitch Softball Bat, whether you make the actual purchase on-line or at your local retail outlet - it is mostly a matter of personal preference. Whichever Fastpitch Softball Bat a player thinks they can hit with, they probably will. It can be based on the color of the Fastpitch Softball Bat or a recommendation from a friend.

If at all possible, "test" the Fastpitch Softball Bat out before you buy - against live pitching if you can but at least have the player swing it to get an idea of whether the bat is too long or too heavy.

Note: You should not use a Fastpitch Softball Bat made of composite materials or amorphous alloys if you play fastpitch softball during cold weather, that is, under 60 degrees or during hot weather, that is over 110 degrees. While these Fastpitch Softball Bats cause the ball to quickly "leap" off the bat and add a great deal of distance to hits, when used in extreme weather conditions these very expensive Fastpitch Softball Bats can be damaged. In short, if you play in cold or extremely hot weather, use a Fastpitch Softball Bat that is aluminum or graphite/titanium-lined Fastpitch Softball Bat until the weather improves.

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