Choosing correct bat weight?

I don't know if baseball and softball are different on this score, but I heard one hitting instructor say to hold the bat in your outstretched arm parallel to the ground. If you can't hold it there for 20-30 seconds without the arm dropping, it's too heavy.

The general rule of thumb is to go with the heaviest bat your DD can swing while maintaining her previous swing speed with her old bat and good mechanics. The caveat is, that you have to account for bat length. Every inch of length is more or less equivalent to an extra ounce of weight when it comes to swing speed. So, as an example, you moved your DD to a 30/20, that would be an approximate equivalent of moving your DD up to 2 ounces in swing weight. Anything more than that IMO is too big of a jump for most girls. That said, my DD has always been big for her age. I jumped her 2" and 2 ounces in one year. There is no standard answer for a player. If you're DD is a power hitter, go for an end-loaded bat such as the Xeno, Demarini Insane or even the Anderson Rocketech. The old saying is, "If they can hit a Rocketech well, they can hit with any bat put in their hands." If she's a contact hitter, then go with the Rawlings Quatro, LS LXT, Or the Demarini CF7,8, or 9. You could even go back further to the 4,5 and 6's as long as they're not playing USSSA tournaments. You have to remember, she will outgrow these bats in a year so plan on spending a bunch of money over the upcoming years unless you buy year old models, 2 year old models or even used if they're in good shape and relatively unused ( less than a 1000 hits or so) unless it's a Rochetech.

Again, the general rule of thumb is to move to a -10 bat ASAP Unless they're a slapper. If your DD is swinging your DH's husbands bat with confidence at this age, I would recommend moving her to a Rockethech in a 30/21. Granted, this would be equivalent to a 3 ounce jump but she can probably handle it. It's end-loaded and heavy. She'll love the feel because it's a heavier bat than swing weight but still gives her the swing weight and bat speed of a lesser bat. JMHO

I tell my parents... determine the length their DD needs... usually 30" for 10u... Then for less experienced players, go with lightest bat you can find... -13. For stronger, more experienced players, they can go heavier, but I would not recommend more than -11 at this age. Go with balanced bats... no slapper or end loaded models.

No matter how it feels... or how well it appears your DD is swinging a heavy bat... heavier bats = slower swing speed.

My 10u is about 4'8" and 70lbs... she is using a 30" Demarini Cf8 -11. Prior she was using a 30" Demarini Bustos -13. I just shake my head when I see a kid arrive at practice with a 33" 23oz monster of a bat. Don't be those parents!

hlevy said:

Thanks! DH went a bought two bats that are, in my opinion, too long for her. She's already been practicing with one so I can't return them both . The one she's been using is a 33/25 Combat Maxum. She's in love with it so I have a feeling she's going to be difficult when I return the other bat for something smaller. Lol, I don't know if this is battle I should try to win.

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My 12yo DD is 5'-4"/138 lbs, and hits with good power in 12U TB. She is currently transitioning from a 32/22 to a 33/23. A 33/25 would be too much for her to swing effectively against decent pitching.

I strongly suggest you put the 33/25 aside, and get something that is an appropriate size for her. Based on her height/weight, I would be looking in the range of 30/19 or 30/20 up to...maybe...a 31/21.

wheresmycar said:

I tell my parents... determine the length their DD needs... usually 30" for 10u... Then for less experienced players, go with lightest bat you can find... -13. For stronger, more experienced players, they can go heavier, but I would not recommend more than -11 at this age. Go with balanced bats... no slapper or end loaded models.

No matter how it feels... or how well it appears your DD is swinging a heavy bat... heavier bats = slower swing speed.

My 10u is about 4'8" and 70lbs... she is using a 30" Demarini Cf8 -11. Prior she was using a 30" Demarini Bustos -13. I just shake my head when I see a kid arrive at practice with a 33" 23oz monster of a bat. Don't be those parents!

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Not the best of advice here IMO.

On occasion I'll help out a 10U team and throw BP (... I'll throw slow and relative to what they see in games). Only takes a few pitches before those with -12 bats are whining about their hands hurting.

As an FYI ... of all people, Bustos swung a relatively heavy bat. Putting her name on a -13 bat was simply a money making opportunity IMO.

FiveFrameSwing said:

Not the best of advice here IMO.

On occasion I'll help out a 10U team and throw BP (... I'll throw slow and relative to what they see in games). Only takes a few pitches before those with -12 bats are whining about their hands hurting.

As an FYI ... of all people, Bustos swung a relatively heavy bat. Putting her name on a -13 bat was simply a money making opportunity IMO.

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Of course Bustos licensing her name was about money... It is still a good bat for 10u.

Well, I'm coaching 10u rec for 3rd year spring and fall... (DD #2 in 9u year) and I only hear complaints when it's pretty cold, and then everyone complains, regardless of bat weight. It's rec ball, and I see a couple of brand new players each season. My experience has been, girls using the lighter bats, hit the ball just a bit harder, and control the bat better, and in 6 seasons, the -13 bats do not generate any more belly aching than heavier bats.

FiveFrameSwing said:

Not the best of advice here IMO.

On occasion I'll help out a 10U team and throw BP (... I'll throw slow and relative to what they see in games). Only takes a few pitches before those with -12 bats are whining about their hands hurting.

As an FYI ... of all people, Bustos swung a relatively heavy bat. Putting her name on a -13 bat was simply a money making opportunity IMO.

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Just curious....when you throw BP what estimated speed do you consider "slow and relative to what they see in games"?

I know we frequently see 10u pitchers in the upper 40's--lower 50s here. Having said that we also don't have many girls that can handle a 31/21 as 1st year 10u.

wheresmycar said:

Of course Bustos licensing her name was about money... It is still a good bat for 10u.

Well, I'm coaching 10u rec for 3rd year spring and fall... (DD #2 in 9u year) and I only hear complaints when it's pretty cold, and then everyone complains, regardless of bat weight. It's rec ball, and I see a couple of brand new players each season. My experience has been, girls using the lighter bats, hit the ball just a bit harder, and control the bat better, and in 6 seasons, the -13 bats do not generate any more belly aching than heavier bats.

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If -13 bats work for the girls you work with then that's what is important.

I have a handful of 10U hitters. IMO it wasn't working for them, and hence I moved them to using -10 bats.