CYO Athletics: Coach: Which Bat Should I Use?

This is a common question. SHORT ANSWER: THE LIGHTER ONE!

Please remember the post below re Ted Williams -- while bat selection is important -- the bat must be at least light enough to swing and just long enough to reach the outside corner of the plate -- it is pitch selection which is the most important factor in creating a quality at bat.

DECIDING ON BAT WEIGHT & LENGTH

It's best not to purchase a bat which is too heavy for your player. Rather than growing into the bat the player will develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on, not to mention poor self esteem because the overly heavy bat keeps the player from successfully hitting the ball. Generally speaking if the bat is the proper size the player should be able to stand in the batters box in the hitting position and with arms extended be able to reach the outside edge of the plate. If the bat extends beyond this point it's too long, can't reach this point, it's too short. As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold the bat in one hand (which ever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding this position for at least 8-10 seconds. If the player can't do this the bat is too heavy. If in doubt about two bats it is always better to err on the side of the lighter bat. (Source: HitRunScore.com)

Here is a chart which maps out the common recommendations: