Worth completed a project with a research group at the University of Arizona to
determine the best bat weight for players in youth league and adult baseball, as well as slow pitch and fast pitch softball.
The research involved in precise measurements of bat speed for several individuals playing in each category. The measured
bat speeds were then used in a conservations of momentum calculation to determine hit ball speed. Formulas were then developed
to predict the optimum or best bat weight for maximum hit ball speed. It should be noted that for the baseball and fastpitch
softball ball weights, the ideal bat weight for maximum hit ball speed is approximately 1 ounce heavier than the recommendation.
The reason for this is that the research showed there is negligible loss of hit ball speed by reducing the bat weight 1 ounce
below the ideal. Because of this, the lighter weight increases bat control which becomes an essential ingredient in making
ball contact in both baseball and fast pitch softball.
|
Junior & Senior Leagues(13-16 yrs)
High School and College Baseball |
|
Player Height (in.) |
Best Bat Weight (oz.) |
|
66 |
27 |
|
68 |
27.5 |
|
70 |
28 |
|
72 |
29 |
|
74 |
30 |
|
76 |
30.5 |
Formula: Height/3 + 5
|
Youth League Baseball (11-12 yrs) |
|
Player Weight (lbs.) |
Best Bat Weight (oz.) |
|
70 |
18 |
|
80 |
19 |
|
90 |
19.5 |
|
100 |
20 |
|
110 |
20.5 |
|
120 |
21 |
|
130 |
21.5 |
|
140 |
22 |
|
150 |
23 |
Formula: Weight/18 + 14
|
Youth League Baseball (8-10 yr. olds) |
|
Player Height (in.) |
Best Bat Weight (oz.) |
|
48 |
16 |
|
50 |
16.5 |
|
52 |
17 |
|
54 |
17.5 |
|
56 |
18 |
|
58 |
18.5 |
|
60 |
19 |
Formula: Height/4 + 14
