Choosing the right bat for a baseball game can make a lot of difference in the outcome of the baseball game.
Technological advancements in sports mean that many options are open to baseball players, especially in terms of size, weight, length, and budget for choosing a bat.
Picking a baseball bat for high school is a lot easy because there are many good options to choose from.
However, you have to know the weight and height of the players to get them a suitable unit. The modifying factor is personal preference and how much you are willing to pay.
How To Pick The Right Bat For High School
Different bats are available for baseball players, and they are meant for different categories of people. The table below shows the different types of baseball bats and the characteristics that make them fit for different players.
| Number | Types of bat | Length-to-weight ratio | Maximum barrel diameter | Special characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tee ball | 10.5 to 14 | 2. 25 inches | It is meant for youth players hitting baseball from a tee. |
| 2 | Junior big barrel/ coach pitch | 9 to 12 | 2. 75 inches | For players in coach pitch leagues and also for velocities that is less than 40mph |
| 3 | USSSA Baseball | 5 to 12 | 2 | Meant for youth players |
| 4 | USA Baseball | Nit specified | 2 | Meant for youth baseball players |
| 5 | BBCOOR | 3 | 3 | Meant for high school and collegiate level baseball |
| 6 | Slow Pitch Softball | 3 to 8 | 2 | The most common weights are 26, 27 28 and 30 ounces. |
| 7 | Fungo | Not specified | Not specified | They are light weight, and they are used to hit infield and outfield practice |
N.b, the length-to-weight value is the difference between the length of the bat in inches and the weight of the same bat in ounces; it is sometimes called the drop. Bats with a high length-to-weight ratio are lightweight.
Irrespective of the age of the players, all baseball leagues have a specific bat standard and other equipment regulations, and high school baseball is not excluded.
Hence, in picking a bat for a high school baseball bat, you should stick to the league’s rules regarding the types of bat to use; otherwise, you might be penalized.
There are 3 most common bat governing bodies in the USA: the USA bat, the USA, and the BBCOR. The USA bat standard creates a youth bat that performs like a wooden bat and allows players to use lightweight models.
The BBCOR, an acronym for Batted Ball Coefficient Of Restitution, creates an adult wood-like bat. The energy transfer bat regulation for leagues is provided and governed by the United States Speciality Sports Association (USSSA).
Generally, it is expected that Players within the 4 to 6 age bracket will likely need a tee ball bat. Those between the ages of 7 and 13 will most likely use USAbat or USSSA bat.
At the same time, Players in High School who fall within the 14 to 18 age bracket will likely need a bat meeting BBCOR bat standards.
What Length And Weight Of Bat Should High School Students Use?
Generally speaking, the length and weight of the bat a player should use vary from one to another because the weight and height of the player affect the length and weight of the bat they use.
The bat’s speed, the player’s strength, hitting style, and personal preference will also affect the length and weight of the bat.
To determine the length of a bat for a high school, you can use any of the following techniques:
1. You should stand the bat up against the side of your leg as you stand upright; the appropriate bat should reach the center of your palm when you reach down; if not, it is too long or too short for you.
2. The bottom of the bat should be placed at the center of your chest, and your arm should be outstretched and parallel to the bat, pointing to the sides. The bat is right for you if you can reach the top of the bat with your fingertips.
3. The length of a bat is okay for you if you position the bottom of the bat in the center tree of your chest facing downwards, and your arm can reach out and grab the bat’s barrel.
Baseball Bat Size Chart
The chart below shows the length of the bat that will suit people of different weights and heights.
| Weight/Height | <3'9" | < 4' | <4'4" | <4'-8" | < 5' | <5'-4" | <5'-8" | <6' | 6'1"- Over' |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 60 lbs | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | |||||
| 61 - 70 lbs | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | ||||
| 71 - 80 lbs | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | |||
| 81 - 90 lbs | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | |||
| 91 - 100 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 31" | ||
| 101 - 110 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | ||
| 111 - 120 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | ||
| 121 - 130 lbs | 30" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | ||
| 131 - 140 lbs | 30" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | |
| 141 - 150 lbs | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 151 - 160 lbs | 30" | 31" | 31" | 31" | 31" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 161 - 170 lbs | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | ||
| 171 - 180 lbs | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 34" | 34" | |||
| Over 180 lbs | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
Which Baseball Bat Material Is Best For High School
No bat material is best for high school because all of them have pros and cons, and individual preference is what it truly boils down to. However, here are the main types of material used in making baseball bats:
1. Alloy or Aluminum
This is a material of choice for many baseball players, and this is because it makes that characteristic ping sound on contact, it does not require a break-in period, and they perform great from the moment you start using them, they are relatively cheaper than other bats.
Its major disadvantage is that they are prone to denting as they get older. The good news is that they can still be used even if dented.
2. Composite
This bat material makes a “thud” or “crack” sound on contact, and they are made of glasses, Kevlar fibers, and carbon embedded in a plastic resin.
Some of these types require a slight break-in period of about 50 swings off a tee or soft toss. This bat, however, is susceptible to cracking as it ages.
Composite bats come in different styles, and they have the advantage that they reduce the vibration to the hand, which reduces the sting from a miss-hit ball, and they also tend to have more pop and a larger sweet spot.
However, they are quite expensive, and at lower temperatures, say 60 degrees, their performance reduces, and they begin to crack.
3. Hybrid bats
This bat combines the benefit of an alloy bat and that of a composite bat to get a durable and lightweight unit. These bats have an alloy barrel and a composite handle.
The alloy barrel helps to reduce vibration, and they have the advantage that they can be used immediately after they are bought because they do not require breaking in.
4. Wood
Different types of woods are used in making baseball bats, from Ash to Birch, Maple, and the rest. Wooden bats are very classic and have a good feeling; however, they are prone to cracking and breaking.
5. Bamboo bats
Several bamboo kinds of grass are combined to make a single bat. They feel and perform like wooden bats, but they are more durable.
Choosing The Right Bat For High School
If you are looking to pick a baseball bat for a high school player, here are 4 things you have to look out for
1) Baseball Bat Weight: generally, bigger and stronger players prefer heavier bats because it means maximum impact. Younger or smaller players like high school students usually opt for lighter bats because what it lacks in strength, it makes up for in speed.
You can try your hands on some bats of different weights to get a pick of one that feels right and weighs right too. The Right bat will be comfortable. A high school bat is usually a-3 model BBCOR bat. The -10 sized bat will also suit a high school student who is quite young.
2) Baseball Bat Length: the length of a bat a high school student depends on their height; the tests enumerated previously will help you pick the right bat length.
3) League Requirements: the bats that high schools use for tournaments must meet the BBCOR Certification, making the bat approved for High School and College level play. For senior leagues, the Youth Big Barrel bats are ideal for kids who are 13 to 15 years of age.
4) Baseball Bat Feel: you might have a baseball bat that is the right weight and length yet does not feel comfortable in your hand; this will negatively impact your play.
Hence, Feel may be the most important factor to consider while shopping for a baseball bat for high school. It should be comfortable to hold and feel like an extension of the arm and hand.
Conclusion
Picking a baseball bat for high school might seem to be a big deal, but you still have to be careful in picking the right one that suits the player and meets the league regulation.
The player’s height, weight, and personal preference will determine the type and size of bat you pick for them, and they must all fall within the recommended standard of the league, and school Players in High School will likely need a bat meeting BBCOR bat standards.
Helpful Links:
- Top 5 Best Wiffle Ball Bats
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- Backyard Wiffle Ball Fields Measurements
- How Do You Make a Wiffle Ball Strike Zone?
- How Do You Build a Backyard Football Field
We trust this article helped you learn how to pick a baseball bat for high school. You may also want to check out Top 5 Best Wiffle Ball Bats
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