| It would be nice that there was one equation to | | | | the coach and swing only at strikes generally do |
| decide for each of us what the perfect baseball | | | | not make the commitment until the ball is two |
| bat would be. A formula that takes into | | | | thirds the way to the plate. |
| consideration the basic statistics of height, age, | | | | To select the right bat, first it must be |
| skill level and strength. | | | | comfortable and feel right in your hands. The |
| Fortunately we are all unique, my hand is similar | | | | weight must be right so that it will not throw you |
| but not exact to your hand. The power in my | | | | off balance at the end of the swing from being |
| grip is better than some and worse than others. | | | | too heavy, or so light that you whip it around too |
| If everyone who played baseball was batting 750 | | | | easily and must restrain your efforts to meet up |
| or better, the game just would not be the heart | | | | with the ball. |
| wrenching, nail biting experience that it is. | | | | The well publicized Barry Bonds length of |
| Little League baseball, College or Professional, the | | | | preference is 34 inches; Ty Cobb 34.5 inches, |
| perfect baseball bat is a personal decision based | | | | Hank Aaron 35 inches. Here is a great example of |
| upon experience. Tailoring to players needs, desire | | | | personal bat choices. Bonds, likely the larger and |
| and level of play, technology has evolved to | | | | stronger of the three chooses the shortest bat. |
| create bats that deliver peak performance not | | | | For younger players, using one of the numerous |
| only in the basic mechanics of hitting a baseball | | | | bat charts is a great place to start. Even through |
| but also fitting the player to enhance their ability | | | | early teens, these charts are useful to check that |
| to strike the ball. | | | | your player is not getting too far away from |
| In the beginning of the sport, batters made their | | | | accepted sizes. |
| own bats. Every species and shape brought to | | | | When selecting a baseball bat in the store, keep in |
| the diamond was done by hand with the singular | | | | mind that the aisle you are inspecting it in is in no |
| goal of having the most reliable hitter on the field. | | | | way the experience you will have at the plate. |
| The round barrel quickly took the lead as the | | | | Best results on picking out a bat is at the ball field. |
| most appropriate form as it proved to remain in | | | | Players will generally allow teammates to try their |
| tact longer and the ball tended to stay in bounds | | | | bats. |
| more often. | | | | With prices upwards of $400, beginning and |
| Imagine hitting a baseball with a whittled down 2 | | | | intermediate players should not feel pressured to |
| by 4. Lots of large surface area to strike with, | | | | buy the latest and greatest. Many similar bats are |
| but off the top third or bottom third, the ball | | | | available at attractive prices from the discount |
| would go almost no where. An easy out for the | | | | retailers. There are many players with impressive |
| defense. | | | | batting averages utilizing discount equipment. |
| Round has been in use for over 150 years as the | | | | Often it is the top of the line model from a few |
| shape of choice. With all the modern advances in | | | | years earlier. |
| materials, composition and machining, the round | | | | Looking cool at the plate with a large bat with |
| shape wins. | | | | intense graphics is not nearly as awesome as |
| Baseball bat selection is an ongoing process that | | | | hitting the ball and getting on base so often that |
| changes with the players age, skill and strength. | | | | the other teams recognize you as a threat. Yes, |
| Younger players actually have less time to bring | | | | size matters, the right size and weight. Use what |
| the bat around then their older counterparts as | | | | works for you and do not be afraid to go down a |
| the decision to swing takes longer. Where Older | | | | size to go up in your stats. |
| players will commit to a swing mid way through | | | | To learn about volleyball passing drills and volleyball |
| the ball flight from the mound to the plate. | | | | facts, visit the Volleyball Drills website. |
| Younger players in their ever mindful desire please | | | | |