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Whether your child is stepping out on the diamond for the first time this year or needs new baseball or softball gear after a growth spurt, it’s challenging to choose a bat that’s just right for them. There are many considerations to make when buying this sports equipment, such as your child’s height, weight, and strength. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make this decision.

3 Tips for Buying a Bat for Your Child

1. Measure Your Player

Your child’s height and weight are good starting points. Measure them with cleats on to get accurate results. Once you take measurements, reference a bat sizing chart to find the bat length suggested for them. For example, players who are between 3-foot and 3-foot-4 can swing a 26-inch bat easily. After that, the bat size should increase by an inch for every four inches they grow.

2. Test It Out

sports equipmentAlthough a bat sizing chart will guide you in the right direction, don’t rely on it entirely. Before purchasing, test the bat by resting it vertically on the floor with the handle pointed upward. Your child should be able to touch the bat with their palm, but the tip of the handle should be no taller than their hip. Another good test is to extend the bat in front of them with the knob resting on their chest. If they can grab the barrel with an extended arm, it’s the correct length.

3. Decide on a Weight

Even if your child is tall and strong, they shouldn’t use unnecessarily heavy sports equipment. A lighter bat means a quicker swing, which not only results in harder contact but can also help with timing as kids get older and face faster pitching. Ultimately, the most important consideration is whether they can keep the bat level while swinging. To test it, have them hold it out to the side horizontally with their dominant hand. If they can keep it up for 30 seconds, it’s not too heavy.

 

If you’re looking for a new baseball or softball bat for your child as they begin a summer league, visit Sports & Sports in Ashtabula, OH. The store offers a large selection of affordable sports equipment from well-known brands such as Rawlings®, Easton®, and DeMarini®. They’re currently having a clearance sale on bats, so stop in today for a can’t-miss deal. Call (440) 998-4664 to learn more about their sports equipment, or visit them online to browse their clearance bats.

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