SELECTING THE RIGHT BAT

Even though the technology has changed, the principle of selecting the right bat has not changed significantly over the years. Experts stress that the bat should be light enough to give a smooth controlled swing and heavy enough to give good contact with the ball. They also warn against the use of a bat that is too long. With a shorter bat there is a better control over the bat head and therefore the batter will make better contact and develop better judgement.

Far too often an expensive bat is purchased with the thought that the player ‘will grow into it’. This is the same false economy as buying shoes that are too large except that the damage done in terms of poor technique may not be repairable.

The recommendation of the table below are based on the recommendations of Hillerich & Bradsby (makers of Louisville bats) and recommendations from Worth Research & Development whose research, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, predicted the best bat weight for maximum hit ball speed. They note that the ideal bat weight is actually one ounce heavier than that recommended however the resultant loss of hit ball speed is offset by an increase in bat control. When testing for bat weight it was found that the best correlation was with body weight in younger children while the correlation was better to height in older children.

Along with experts overseas N.S.W.J.B.L. has been concerned at the alteration to the checks and balances of the game of baseball along with the safety issues that arise as a result of the increased acceleration which is enabled by the new technologies. These concerns are reflected in the rules for N.S.W.J.B.L. competitions. You should always check the rules for your local competitions.

AGE
(Competition)

Range of height & weight for Australian males

Recommended bat length

Bat weight - 2 1/4 diameter
(best correlated to body weight)

Bat weight - 2 3/4 diameter
(best correlated to body height)

10 years old
(under 12)

128-148 cm
24-40 kg

27" - 30"

17-18 ounce

  

11 years old
(under 12)

132-155 cm
27-48 kg

27" - 31"

18-21 ounce

  

12 years old
(under 14)

137-162 cm
30-53 kg

up to 31"

18-21 ounce

  

13 years old
(under 14)

142-165 cm
33-60 kg

up to 32"

19-22 ounce

22-25 ounce

14 years old
(under 16)

147-168 cm
36-68 kg

up to 33"

19.5-23 ounce

22-26 ounce

15 years old
(under 16)

152-175 cm
40-76 kg

up to 33"

-

23-27 ounce

Older players in Baseball

177 cm
182 cm
187 cm

33"
33"
33"

-
-
-

28 ounce
29 ounce
30 ounce

The NSWJBL bat rules for State Cup and Youth League games are:

 

Maximum Diameter

Maximum Length

Maximum Differential
If 2 1/4" diameter

Maximum Differential
If more than 2 1/4"

Under 12

2 1/4

31

-10

Not permitted

Under 14

2 3/4

32

-10

-7

Under 16

2 3/4

33

-10

-7