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Selecting the appropriate bat for you or your child is easier than it may seem. There are quite a few factors to help you narrow down your decision. And remember - with baseball bats, throw out the idea of "getting what you pay for", expense does not equal expertise.

Your level of play, size, comfort, and even league regulations all play an important role in choosing your bat.

Level of play and size are closely correlated. Simple formulas are used to determine the "ideal" bat size. But remember, "ideal" doesn't work for everyone.

Size/Level of Play formulas:
8-10 year old Little Leagues - take the player's height, divide it by four, then add four. (Height/4 + 4)
11-12 year old Little Leagues - divide the player's weight by 18, then add 14. (Weight/18 + 14)
High School and College level - Height/3 + 5
Women's Fast Pitch Softball - Weight/15 + 17

Even though these formulas represent what the average person in that age group or weight uses, comfort is a big deal. If you are an adult woman playing fast pitch, and you weigh 120 lbs, my formula tells you to use a 25 bat, but it's too heavy for you, downgrade, it will help your game.

Last, but absolutely not least, always check your specific league regulations on what type and size of bats can or cannot be used, you don't want to break a league rule and end up disqualified from the game - then your swing speed and batting average won't matter in the least! Reading the rulebook for your league is ALWAYS beneficial and a great way to gain knowledge about the game in general.

Learn more about this author, Kayla Moore.
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