General Softball Bat Information

Although not required, NPGS recommends each player have their own bat. New players should try other players bat to see what is comfortable for them before buying their own. Purchasing a softball bat can be a confusing process therefore, below is some general information to help with the selection process.

DON'T BUY A BASEBALL BAT!!! Any softball bat used must be an ASA certified softball bat with the ASA certification stamp clearly visible on it (look for the marking on the barrel or check the ASA Equipment webpage for a list of approved and illegal bats). If certification stamp is not visible, has been worn off or the bat is damaged/disfigured, bat is considered illegal and cannot be used in game play. You will find as many different opinions about bat length/weight as you do varieties of bats. Here are some general guidelines for purchasing a softball bat:

Weight - It's best not to purchase a bat which is too heavy for your player. Rather than growing into the bat the player will develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on, not to mention poor self esteem because the overly heavy bat keeps the player from successfully hitting the ball. As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold the bat in one hand (which ever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding this position for at least 8-10 seconds. If the player can't do this the bat is too heavy. If in doubt about two bats it is always better to err on the side of the lighter bat!

Indications that a bat may be too heavy for a player:

1. The player is overpowered most of the time by good fastballs.
2. The player swings and misses a lot.
3. When the player does make contact, balls tend to be hit weakly and to the opposite field more often than up the middle or to the player's pull side (left side for RH hitters; right side for LH hitters).

Length - Generally speaking if the bat is the proper size the player should be able to stand in the batters box in the hitting position and with arms extended and be able to reach the outside edge of the plate. If the bat extends beyond this point it's too long, can't reach this point, it's too short.