The Hurricane Hitting Machine - Derek Jeter Series - Training and Coaching Blog: Baseball Bat Sizing

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Baseball Bat Sizing - How to Choose a Ball Bat

Baseball Bat Sizing - How to Choose a Ball Bat

By Ben Theismann

Baseball Bat Sizing is an inexact science with many different variables including body types, size, height, personal preference, and skill set. Buying the correct ball bat can have a big impact on batting average and power numbers over the course of a season whether you are in little league, high school, or college.

Bats are made from many different materials including aluminum, graphite/titanium, and wood. Each of these materials breaks down into various other materials such as different types of wood used to make wood bats. They also bring unique characteristics and advantages to help improve your game.

Aluminum bats is the lightest of the three materials helping you increase bat speed and accuracy. Aluminum bats drive the ball farther than the other two materials. These bats come in double or single layer versions that can offer more durability and power.

Wood bats can be made from maple, oak, and other strong trees. They bring the familiar crack of the bat and are required use in lots of league styles. Long, wide grain wood is the best selection. While wood bats tend to crack or break, the price point is lower and they provide a true sense of skill since hitting is not enhanced.

To find the bat size that fits you best, you should review this chart:

5-7 yrs: 24"-26"

8-9 yrs: 26"-28"

10 yrs: 28"-29"

11-12 yrs: 30"-31"

13-14 yrs: 31"-32"

15-16 yrs: 32"-33"

17+ yrs: 34"

While it is not set in stone, the baseball bat sizing chart helps give you a good idea where to start when selecting a bat. Obviously body type and size will also determine if you should go up in size or down.

Choosing weight comes down to your strength and your hitting style. Average hitters normally choose a lighter weight bat to gain more control while power hitters tend to use heavier bats.

The basic baseball bat sizing information should help you select the best baseball bat for your needs.

Ben Theismann is a freelance writer with an expertise in health, sports, and fitness related topics. Ben currently produces articles, press releases, product copywriting, and other writing assignments for numerous internet companies.

Baseball Rampage is a leading retailer of baseball equipment by Easton, Reebok, Nike, and more. Review and rate baseball gear, follow us on Twitter, or be a fan on Facebook. Baseball Rampage recommends trying a wood baseball bat in competition to feel the true baseball experience. Visit Baseball Rampage to find low prices on baseball bats, gloves, catchers equipment, and more.

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