Youth Bat Selection Guide
Selecting the right bat for the youth player
is a process that involves more than a simple consideration of the player’s
height and weight. The child’s strength, eye/hand coordination and the
amount of fundamental baseball or softball training they have received are
key elements in bat selection
When choosing a bat
you should consider the foundational approach, or simple philosophy, to hitting
that will be built on as the player improves and advances through the ranks.
All paths lead to heavier bats. The TechZilla XP line features a Little League®,
Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, PONY Baseball, and AABC approved
2 1/4” diameter barrel bat. Senior Youth baseball rules allow a larger
diameter barrel and a maximum weight to length differential of -8 ounces,
high school and college rules allow a maximum of only -3 ounces, and new rules
with tighter limitations are being considered as this is written.
It may seem ridiculous to consider high school
and college rules when your child is only 8 or 9 years old but learning to
hit is a “pay me now or pay me later” proposition. The question
becomes whether to teach the younger player the proper mechanics to generate
good bat speed with a slightly heavier bat or buy a lighter bat so they can
immediately get around quicker in spite of lazy hands or other mechanical
deficiencies inherently common in the typical inexperienced youth player’s
swing. It is important to consider the child’s commitment to the game.
A mildly interested child should take advantage of the lightest bat possible
to get the best performance possible with the least amount of training. The
lighter bat should also be given to a child that is just beginning his or
her training to allow speedy early results to encourage future commitment.
But as the child’s training advances and proper mechanics are achieved,
progressively heavier bats should be considered. Here is the simplest rule
of thumb: swing the heaviest bat possible without lowering bat speed. For
instance, if a player swings a 19 ounce bat at the same speed they swing a
17 ounce bat, use the 19. Use the chart below to find a starting place for
a bat length then swing several different lengths and weights to find the
bat that feels right.
Bat
Selection Guide by Height and Weight |
||||||||||
| Player Weight |
Player
Height |
|||||||||
| 3' 0"
to 3' 4" |
3' 5"
to 3' 8" |
3' 9"
to 4' 0" |
4' 1"
to 4' 4" |
4' 5"
to 4' 8" |
4' 9" to 5' 0" | 5' 1"
to 5' 4" |
5' 5"
to 5' 8" |
5' 9"
to 6' 0" |
6' 1"
+ |
|
< 60 |
26" |
27" |
28" |
29" |
29" |
|||||
61-70 |
27" |
27" |
28" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
||||
71-80 |
28" |
28" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
||||
81-90 |
28" |
29" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
32" |
|||
91-100 |
28" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
|||
101-110 |
29" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
|||
111-120 |
29" |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
|||
121-130 |
29" |
30" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
||
131-140 |
29" |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
||
141-150 |
30" |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
|||
151-160 |
30" |
31" |
31" |
32" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
34" |
||
161-170 |
31" |
31" |
32" |
32" |
33" |
33" |
34" |
|||
171-180 |
32" |
33" |
34" |
34" |
||||||
Over 180 |
33" |
33" |
34" |
34" |
||||||
Most Popular Length for Youths
by Age |
|||||
| Age |
5 to 7 |
8 to 9 |
10 |
11 to 12 |
13 to 14 |
Length |
26" |
26" |
28" |
30" |
31" |
Selecting the Right Model Bat
Anderson Bat Company offers only the highest quality extreme-performance youth bats available. Presently there are two models to choose from. Both bats are designed to give the youth player a competitive advantage at the plate.
TechZilla
XP: (Recommended for the mechanically-sound
advanced-skills hitter).
Introducing the hottest performing youth baseball bat in the world... TechZilla
XP. One of the few multi-wall youth baseball bats in the game. The distance
and exit speed off this bat have to be seen to be believed. TechZilla XP uses
Anderson’s exclusive Power Arch Technology to increase responsiveness
in the barrel and provide distance like no other bat in history. Start swinging
the bat that will change your game forever. TechZilla XP has an end loaded
feel and is available in lengths of 32”, 31”, 30”, 29”
and 28” at a minus 9 swing weight.
PyroTech
XP: (Recommended for the light hitter with advanced skills
and/or a beginning player).
The PyroTech XP is the best all-around, single wall, youth baseball bat available.
This high performance bat has a 2 ¼” barrel and includes our
patented Vibration Inhibiting Package that eliminates the sting in the hands
that is so common among aluminum baseball bats. The balanced feel and -11
swing weight make the PyroTech XP perfect for improving bat control and increasing
batting averages. Young hitters love the big hitting area that provides the
added distance outfielders dread. Watch your young baseball player build confidence
at the plate. PyroTech XP is available in lengths of 32”, 31”,
30”, 29”, 28” and 27".
PyroTech
XR:
Discover the Xtreme Response that this -8 big
barrel baseball bat produces. The PyroTech XR has a 2 5/8 barrel and will
be the only bat you will want to swing. This slightly end-loaded bat features
Anderson’s Vibration Inhibiting Package to help transfer more power
to the ball for added distance and reduces the sting in the hands. Our patented
Power Ring End Cap strengthens the barrel and creates a sweet spot that is
ideal for all hitters. If you are looking for a bat that will respond, you
have found it! The PyroTech XR is available in lengths of 32”, 31”,
30”, 29”, and 28” at a minus 8 swing weight.
PyroTech
XT:
Change bats. Change your mind. Grab PyroTech
XT drop 5 and see why so many elite club players are using it to get ready
for the jump to -3 high school ball. You wanted more bat speed, and PyroTech
helped find it with a solid, weld-less ergonomic knob and ultra-thin whip
handle. The Energy Loading System harnesses bat speed generated from your
core to keep as much energy and contact vibration in the barrel. That deliver
a change you can see in the distance you hit the ball. PyroTech drop 5. Transition
bats. Transition your mind.
PyroTech
XS:
Excess rage. Excessive results. Pitchers – bring
the filthy stuff. The PyroTech drop 3 delivers rockets, ropes, bombs…you name
it. The unrivaled technology of its Energy Loading System is great to know…but
better to show. Forget about Taper Flex Technology and a computer-optimized
shape that provides the smoothest feel in the industry… Just swing the thing.
PyroTech X-S… your Extreme Solution.
All Anderson bats feature the patented
weldless knob technology. The weldless knob is an ergonomically shaped counter
weight designed in cooperation with a team of orthopedic surgeons to prevent
injury and improve the balance of the bat by putting weight behind the hands.
