Though you may not have thought as much, when you are picking out little league baseball bats from the mix for younger players to use, you should devote a fair amount of time and attention to the purchase. For some, a bat that a younger player will use in little league games is just a trainer, one that will be tossed by the wayside as the player evolves and matures, but others recognize the value of a great bat with which youngsters can learn and grow. Here’s why you need to take your time when shopping for little league bats.
There are two main reasons that a high level of attention is requisite. The first reason is that young players are impressionable and building their confidence is extremely important. When a young player is learning the rules and the ropes, it is very important that his or her confidence is bolstered during play and practice. Nothing can shatter burgeoning confidence like a bad experience during a very formative period.
If you do not take your time when shopping for a bat for a young player, you may run the risk of suiting a player with a bat that is not a good match for their size or abilities. As younger players are growing and changing more rapidly than older players, what works one season may not work well the next. Some young players grow so rapidly that they may outgrow a bat within a single season.
The other reason it’s important to fit a younger player with a good bat is because it’s necessary that they properly cultivate the right skills in the first place as they mature. Many coaches have admonished players to correct their form while throwing or pitching or to correct their stance while batting. There are many things that one needs to consider when shopping for youth baseball bats besides price point and bat standards. One needs also to consider length, weight, and length to weight ratios as well. Each of these metrics has to be fitted properly to the youth baseball players who will use them, and a poorly sized or weighted bad can engender bad habits. Engendering bad habits during a formative period in the life of a player can be disastrous. They can be unlearned so to speak, but that is never a scenario to strive for. Coaches will say it’s important to learn the skills the right way the first time.
If you’re looking for little league baseball bats and need a lot of variety in sizes, models, construction, and models, then take a quick trip over to HB Sports at HeadbangerSports.com. HB Sports offers youth bats from your favorite brands like Louisville Slugger, Rawlings, and many others in sizes, configurations, and in various materials. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a bat, you can find it at HB Sports. Check out their website today and if you need some pointers while shopping, give them a call at 1-888-540-BATS.
In the event you are not personally familiar with the differences between fastpitch and slowpitch softball, then hearing terms like “slowpitch bats” and “fastpitch bats” might be a bit jarring. To some, there is only a muddy difference between softball and baseball, and none to speak of within each of these sports.
This, however, could not be further from the truth, as there exist different regulations for different styles of play within these sports. Softball, for example, can be divided further into slowpitch and fastpitch softball, each of which requires its own specialized equipment. Fastpitch bats are designed to be used in fastpitch games and are typically made from aluminum or composite materials. Some bats are even made from a combination of aluminum and composite together.
Even though there are a lot of fine details of which you might not have been aware previously, there is some good news in all of this. The rules for picking out fastpitch bats are really no different from those for picking out bats for slowpitch softball and even baseball. Besides the regulations specifying what bats you are permitted to use in competition, it all comes down to weight, balance, fit, and feel.
First, you will have to make sure you select a bat that fits you properly because if you don’t start with this everything else will fall by the wayside. While there are no hard or fast rules, and fit will vary by a player’s personal dimensions, keeping these factors in mind can go a long way.
To start, you should be able to put the knob of the bat against your chest and comfortably reach out and grip the barrel. You should also be able just to reach the tip of the bat with your arms outstretched to the side and the bat placed with the knob at the center of your chest.
These pointers should only be used as the groundwork to give you a place to search. The most important thing to consider is player preference, but that can only be determined after handling or even practicing with a bat. On that note, you should select that bat that is reasonably weighted and balanced for your preferences. To tell if a bat is weighted properly for you, hold it with an outstretched arm. You should be able to keep the bat level with the ground at the end of an outstretched arm for a minimum of 30 seconds - some would say a minute.
After that, as far as length to weight ratio, that’s something that you will need to determine on your own. Whether or not you like a more nimble, lightweight bat for precision hits or an end-loaded monster to crush a pitch and send it over the fence, well, that’s up to you.
If you’re looking for fastpitch softball bats - or slowpitch bats or baseball bats - along with any other equipment you might need on the field or for practice for fastpitch softball, don’t miss a chance to visit HB Sports at HeadbangerSports.com. Their collection of bats is immense and their prices are great, but best of all, their service is top flight. Visit their website today or give them a call at 1-888-540-BATS.
Worth Sports’ Mission Statement says it all: “To elevate the level of play for serious athletes by developing the game’s most innovative high-performance equipment.” As concise as it is, it doesn’t leave too much to the imagination. Their purpose is to make the best gear, all the time, and the proof is in the results. That’s exactly what they do. If you’re looking for quality softball bats, then you can’t go wrong with Worth. And if you’re interested in Worth softball bats, start here with some of these Worth slowpitch softball bats.
2020 Mach 1 Cobra Jet 428 XL USA/ASA Slowpitch Softball Bat
This slowpitch bat is remarkable for delivering an impressive amount of control and power. It has four-piece composite construction that is not only extremely tough and durable but fairly forgiving. It also offers a lot of plate coverage so you can be more confident with your swing. Although this bat has a 2 ¼ inch barrel, underneath it is Worth’s Flex 100 technology. That gives the bat the handling of a stiff feel while still providing enough flex to crush those pitches and send them way out into the outfield.
2020 Worth Mach 1 Boss 302 Balanced USSSA Slowpitch Softball Bat
This bat makes the most of Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology. This bat’s barrel is made entirely from carbon fiber which adds an immense amount of strength to the bat. In addition to the strength and resilience of their 220+ technology, this bat is made with Flex 50 technology, which, like the former model, adds in the perfect amount of flex for the right energy transfer to the ball. That makes this bat not only tough but built to deliver accurate swings that really send the ball sailing.
2020 Worth SAVIJ Shannon Smith 12.5” XL Slowpitch Softball Bat
This bat, like the Mach 1 Boss described above, makes expert use of Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology for 360-degree carbon fiber construction around the entire barrel. That also serves to provide a greater sweet spot and superb flex to be more forgiving of mishits while at the same time keying in on the sweet spot. It’s perfectly balanced and feels very light in the hand as well, so you can deliver consistent, accurate swings every time while taking advantage of its forgiving construction.
2019 Worth Ryan Harvey Krecher XL USSSA Slowpitch Softball Bat
This bat, like some of the others on this list, utilizes Worth’s 220+ Advantage technology, Flex 50 technology, and full carbon fiber barrel construction. What is also has is a ½ ounce end load. For you, that means you can take advantage of the strength and perfect flex of the bat while capitalizing on its end loaded balance to really slam those balls way out over the fence.
You can find these Worth softball bats and many others at HB Sports on their website, HeadbangerSports.com. Not only will you be able to take your pick of some of the best Worth bats available, but their prices are excellent and their service is top flight as well. Check their site to find what you’re looking for, and if you have any questions about their products call their team at 1-888-540-BATS.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows out there on the field when you’re playing your hardest and rain, mud and grit stand between you and victory. It’s enjoyable being out on the field when the weather is fair and you don’t need to worry about slipping and missing a fly ball. At the same time, there are times when the difference between an inch of reach and a delay of a third of a second can cost you and your team a game.
On that note, it’s important to keep in mind that equipment is important. Most of the press time and air time goes to the glory of bats and gloves, with a little less going to helmets and baseballs. It’s not too often that a player’s glory is attributable to his cleats, but the truth is that you’re on your feet during the entire course of a game. When you’re at bat, when you’re pitching, when you’re fielding, and even when you’re off the field, you’re on your feet.
What does that mean? Well, while you’re batting your gloves and your bat are important. When you’re fielding, your glove and hat and sunglasses are important. All of that matters, but you’re on your feet the entire time, which means that you won’t be an effective batter or pitcher or baseman without a good pair of comfortable cleats to carry you through the motions.
The same holds true for youth players and perhaps even more so since youth players are at a sensitive point in the development of their style of play. Young players are learning the game every ounce as much as they are learning their own strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities.
If you’re in the game to set up your little player with some of the best cleats in the game, you can hardly beat a pair of youth New Balance cleats to engender some extra confidence in young players. For over a hundred years, New Balance has produced athletic footwear including cleats in which athletes around the world have put their complete faith. They effortlessly blend technology into every pair of sneakers and cleats that they produce while at the same time creating fashionable styles that players that can be proud to wear.
Look no further than HB Sports if you are looking for a pair of youth New Balance cleats for younger players to build up their confidence and hone their skills. Comfortable, supportive, with no hot spots and offering superior traction even in adverse weather conditions, youth New Balance cleats can hardly be beaten for performance.
To see a full line of New Balance cleats for youth players as well as for adults, check out HB Sports at HeadbangerSports.com. There you will find not only all of the footwear any player could want in order to refine their game, but you will also find bats, fielding, and batting gloves as well as sunglasses, hats, and more. Check out their website today, and if you have any questions or would like some suggestions, give them a call at 1-888-540-BATS.
Looking for equipment subject to the regulations of Senior Softball is not too prescriptive and still will allow you to pick out equipment that will suit your needs and strengths as a player. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a light, stiff, nimble bat or a seriously end loaded bat to crush pitches, you can find whatever you need at Headbanger Sports. Figure out what you’re looking for, and then you can start with these options in Senior Softball bats.
2020 Miken MAG 7 Maxload SSUSA Senior Slowpitch Softball Bat
This Miken MAG 7 bat makes the most of its solid three-piece construction. It features construction with what is known as their Z1649 Technology that utilizes different fiber angles throughout its multiple walls to create less compression and maximize the sweet spot. In other words, this bat has a huge sweet spot, and it’s also end-loaded to deliver devastating hits. It also utilizes Miken’s proprietary technology in its Sensiflex Handle to offer maximum bat speeds and control while enabling you unbelievable sensitivity. You can find it in 26 oz, 27 oz, and 28 oz models at HeadbangerSports.com.
2020 Miken Freak Gold 14” Maxload Senior Slowpitch Softball Bat
This two-piece bat combines the Z1649 Technology of the former entry with Z-lock technology to deliver flex, feel, and torque. This enables hitters to attain their best swing speeds and maintain excellent control throughout the swing. This bat also enables extremely accurate swings that, when paired with their huge sweet spot, can deliver fatal hits that send the ball far and away. There's a good reason that Miken Freak bats are some of the hottest bats out there - with their huge sweet spots and unmatched responsiveness, they can be deadly effective.
2019 Worth Wicked XL 13.5” Senior Slowpitch Softball Bat
This bat has been claimed to be ideal for nearly any player to use, and that’s a bold statement, but with a little clarification seems to be defensible. This is a remarkably stiff one-piece rod that is end-loaded and optimized for flex. It feels stiff and responsive in the hand but provides just enough flex to load amazingly well and transfer energy like no other. The endload makes it easy to put a lot of power behind a swing, and when you key in on that sweet spot you can really deliver killer hits with this bat. It’s also made entirely from carbon fiber so this bat is built to last. The verdict, given these facts? This is a ridiculously tough bat that is light, swift, and responsive but still loaded enough to allow strong hitters to crush the ball. It’s pretty versatile. If not perfect for every player, every player can still use it.
You can find these Senior Softball bats at HeadbangerSports.com, although if you’re interested in some bats with features other than those offered by these, you can check out their other bats on their site as well. Their collection is comprehensive, their prices are great, and their customer service is second to none. That’s enough said, so check out their website today.
Shopping for baseball bats is going to put so much on your plate that you will more than likely make a purchase without even evaluating every single fine factor. It would be nice if there wasn’t so much chaff in the way of a clear answer, so let’s cut to the chase. You’re going to be bombarded with advertisements from Louisville Slugger, DeMarini, Easton, and Rawlings baseball bats among many others. What makes a bat from one of these, say, Rawlings, a fine example of quality?
The first is the fact that they have had the longevity and experience to produce quality bats, and they do produce quality bats. For well over a hundred years at this point, Rawlings has provided athletes of various disciplines with the equipment they need to shine in their arena. With respect to baseball bats, that means providing players with the bats they need, with the specifications they need, to be effective over the plate. Since 1887, Rawlings has been a recognizable name in baseball, and for very good reason.
Through the years, Rawlings has committed itself not only to the production of quality baseball bats, but they have made insight, innovation, and serious advice the hallmark of their designs. Their designs have been widely inspired by professional baseball players like Mickey Mantle, Kris Bryant, Bryce Harper, and many other players. They key in on the insight from these players to produce bats that perform, and that has gained the respect to which Rawlings baseball bats now command.
Through keen consideration of these insights, Rawlings has produced some of the finest equipment the world has ever seen and is a staple for baseball players the world over, including in our own Major League Baseball.
A Rawlings bat may be a composite youth baseball bat that is light and balanced and full of Rawlings proprietary features that enhance the performance. Features like a stiffer handle for increased responsiveness and a Comp-Lite End Cap to increase speed and performance, their bats are loaded with technology that makes them a joy to swing, and deadly effective.
By comparison, you will find Rawlings baseball bats like their Rawlings Raptor that are equally well endowed with technology innovations to increase their performance. You can expect features like an ultralight design that enables higher swing speeds and greater accuracy to be complemented by innovative fixtures of design like their perimeter-weighted end cap that transfers energy and reduces swing weight.
So, to put it directly, the quality of Rawlings bats is the product of a long and storied history that takes into account the advice of the pros and places an emphasis on innovation. Rawlings is constantly improving its products and you can see that year by year.
If you’re shopping for new bats and want to throw Rawlings into the mix, then you should take a visit to HB Sports on their website, HeadbangerSports.com. There you will find not only equipment by Rawlings but by many other huge names as well, along with prices that will please. Visit their site today.
When it comes to picking out youth softball bats, the same general rules still apply as those to which you will need to adhere when picking out a bat for an adult. That being said, there is sometimes a lot more variability involved with picking out equipment for kids. To be specific, among younger players there can be a lot more variability across size, height, weight, and strength that you will need to take into consideration. wIth kids and other younger players, a bat that was the right size and weight only one year past might be unsuitable for the upcoming season. Therefore, it’s important to practice consistently and get to know yourself as a player (or the kid as a player) before you attempt to pick out youth softball bats.
The first thing to take into account when picking out bats, regardless of who the bat will be for, is the length. Have the youth player stand up and assume a pose. Take the bat and measure it against the length of the player’s outstretched arm. With the end of the bat positioned at the end of the player’s outstretched fingertips, the knob of the bat should reach to the middle of the player's chest. As we stated, since young players can grow very rapidly, it’s important to take these measures periodically as they can change in short order.
With the player remaining standing and reaching out in front of them, with the knob against the player’s chest, he or she should be able to reach out and grip the middle of the barrel comfortably.
That covers length, but you still need to account for weight and balance. Have the player hold the bat extended and away from their body, parallel to the ground. The player should be able to hold the bat in such a position, without discomfort, for a minimum of 30 seconds. Some sources will use 45 seconds or a minute as the metric, but suffice it to say, if the player can’t hold the bat comfortably outstretched for 30 seconds, then it’s too heavy. A bat that is too heavy will be difficult to swing with precision and is something best avoided.
As far as weight drop and loading, though these are subject to the regulations of the governing body of the youth league, the player will need to handle a number of bats to key in on what works. Any given player may prefer an end-loaded bat for beastly swings and power, but another might like a lighter, more balanced bat for precision hitting. The only way to figure this out is with practice and handling.
Regardless of the specifics you’re seeking in youth softball bats, you can find them many times over in the collection you can find online at HB Sports on their website, HeadBangerSports.com. Whatever length to weight ratio you need, in slowpitch or fastpitch softball bats, you can find a little of everything on their site. If you need a little extra input or some suggestions, you can even reach out to them at 1-888-540-BATS.