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The right bat for every age

Equipment Coaching

An essential piece of gear: choosing the right baseball or softball bat for players of all ages, keeping in line with the KNBSB guidelines...

The right bat for every age
Reinier Sierag

Reinier Sierag

3 minutes read


An essential part of the gear: choosing the right baseball or softball bat for players of all ages, following KNBSB guidelines.

Why the right bat matters
A well-chosen bat can make all the difference in a player’s development. A bat that’s too heavy or too long can mess with your swing mechanics, while one that’s too light might not deliver enough power. The goal is to find that perfect balance.

Tips for Every Age Group

1. Ages 6-9 – FUNdamentals:
– Recommended length: 22-26 inches.
– Recommended weight between 10 and 16 ounces (-10 to -12).
– Material: Plastic for maximum safety.

2.

9-12 years – Learn to Train:
– Recommended Length: 25-32 inches.
– Recommended weight between 13 and 22 ounces (-10 to -12).
– Material: Aluminum.

3.12-16 years – Train to Train:
– Recommended length: 30-32 inches.
– Recommended weight: -10 to -12 ounces.
– Material: Aluminum or composite.

4.16-18 years – Learn to compete:
– Recommended length: 31-34 inches.
– Recommended weight: -9 to -10 ounces.
– Material: Aluminum or composite.

5.18 years and older – Train to compete:
– Recommended length: 32-34 inches.
– Recommended weight: -3 ounces.
– Material: Aluminum, composite, or wood.

Tips for Making the Right Choice

  • Try out different sizes: Let young players swing different bats to see what fits their (playing) style best. I (Reinier) was really impressed with how well we were helped in a specialty store and how different bat brands felt completely different, even though they were the same size. If you get the chance, visit a store!
  • Check the rules: Make sure the bat meets the regulations of the league or tournaments your player is competing in. If you have any questions about this, just let us know.
  • Invest in quality: A good bat can last for multiple seasons, and quality ultimately determines how well and far you can hit. If you want to win, a quality bat is a game changer.
  • Secondhand. Check out the classifieds, your current team, or the club. Maybe that perfect bat, barely used, is gathering dust in someone’s attic, just waiting for you to take it out for a spin.
  • No need for the latest and greatest.
    • The model from last year costs just a fraction of this year’s model, and the only difference is the paint job.Why should you specifically choose this year’s model?Take this into consideration.

    Also, check out this YouTube channel for inspiration and tips.

    Closing
    Looking for more tips and insights on baseball coaching, techniques, and gear?We’re your go-to rock-solid support for everything related to baseball and softball coaching.Follow us for regular updates.

    Got questions or need some specific tips?Don't hesitate to reach out to us.Together, we take the game of your young baseball and softball players to the next level!

The article The Right Bat for Every Age first appeared on Coach Ball.

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