Bat speed vs. Bat weight

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May 1, 2011
350
28
I know that bat speed is important. However, there has to be some sort of ratio that is optimal between bat speed, and bat mass.

DD swings a 30/18. During some hitting drills the other day, she was forced to use a smaller bat because she accidentally left hers at home (just got a new bag, and forgot to put it in there). I couldn't help but notice her swinging this bat that is 1.5 oz lighter, and it seemed like it was really whipping through the zone. The bat that she had to use is an inch shorter as well. Anyone have any thoughts? Or more importantly, and hardline facts/numbers on this subject. Thanks.

Josh
 
Oct 14, 2008
667
16
You swing the heaviest bat with the fastest speed possible. Use a swing speed radar and you can hone this number down very quickly and accurately. Its not the only way to see the results you want but in my opinion it is the best.

Tim
 
May 1, 2011
350
28
Tim - DVR'd and watched every one of your daughter's games. DD already dubbed her as her new favorite college player (previously a Brittany Schutte fan - maybe it's something about that first name). Pretty gaudy numbers for a freshmen. Definately a testament to her hard work. Congratulations, and tell her she's got some fans down in Texas that will be following her for the next few years. Thanks for the article link. Gonna check it out here in a second.

Josh
 

redhotcoach

Out on good behavior
May 8, 2009
4,706
38
I know that bat speed is important. However, there has to be some sort of ratio that is optimal between bat speed, and bat mass.

DD swings a 30/18. During some hitting drills the other day, she was forced to use a smaller bat because she accidentally left hers at home (just got a new bag, and forgot to put it in there). I couldn't help but notice her swinging this bat that is 1.5 oz lighter, and it seemed like it was really whipping through the zone. The bat that she had to use is an inch shorter as well. Anyone have any thoughts? Or more importantly, and hardline facts/numbers on this subject. Thanks.

Josh

A heavier bat as most know will put more mass into the impact. I think, especially with younger kids, a lot of the success needs to be making impact. A lighter bat will be easier to adjust to pitch, allow for a later start, and be easier to make contact. My dd, at 11 was having good success with a 30/18. She makes great contact, grew a ton since last summer, and has jumped all the way up to an end loaded 23 oz. My point is it is very individual.
 

redhotcoach

Out on good behavior
May 8, 2009
4,706
38
According to that article, DD should be swinging a 28 oz bat.....HOW ABOUT....NO.

I saw on that, or one his other articles that there was a correction in the math. Something like a 100 lb 10 year old should swing a 18oz and a 100 lb 11 year old should swing a 30 oz. Not exactly, but something similiar.
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
This one falls pretty close, for me. Junior League Baseball (13-17 yrs) Height/3 + 1

I am 5'9. 69 divided by 3 =23 +1 =24 ounces

Those softball measurements must be for men. But I have not read the article word for word.
 

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