When should a player move from a −10 to a −8 bat?
At ages 11 to 12, and only for a bigger, stronger player: −12 to −10 is the default through 12, and −8 is for bigger, stronger players aged 11 to 12. If the heavier bat makes your player late, stay lighter.
The rule
-10 to -12 as the default; -8 for bigger, stronger 11-12s; Louisville Slugger: 10 and under -11, 10-12 -10, 12-13 -8.
The hold test
Hold the bat by the knob, one hand, arm straight out from the shoulder, for 10 to 20 seconds. If the barrel dips or the arm shakes, the bat is too heavy: go one drop lighter at the same length, or one inch shorter at the same drop. Passing the test does not mean your player can go heavier.
Where this comes from
- published Ages 8-12: Louisville Slugger - How to Choose a Baseball Bat
- secondary No sensor; checking weight with the bat in hand: PlaySportsTV - Choosing the right bat
Every rule, with its source, is on How the fit works.
More in bat guides
- What size bat for a 7-year-old?A 7-year-old usually swings a −13 to −12 bat.
- What size bat for an 8-year-old?An 8-year-old usually swings a −12 to −10 bat.
- What size bat for a 9-year-old?A 9-year-old usually swings a −12 to −10 bat.
- What size bat for a 10-year-old?A 10-year-old usually swings a −12 to −10 bat.
- What size bat for an 11-year-old?An 11-year-old usually swings a −12 to −10 bat, or −8 for a bigger, stronger player.
- What size bat for a 12-year-old?A 12-year-old usually swings a −12 to −10 bat, or −8 for a bigger, stronger player.
- What size bat for a 13-year-old?A 13-year-old usually swings a −5 bat.
- What size bat for tee ball?A tee-ball bat is 24 to 26 in long with a 2-1/4 in barrel, at a drop of −14 to −10.5, and carries the USA Baseball tee-ball mark: it is only for use with approved tee balls.