When do kids switch to a −3 BBCOR bat?
In high school, for the 2026 and 2027 seasons: high-school and college bats are −3 with the BBCOR mark. Little League's Senior division asks for BBCOR too. Before then, the step from −5 to −3 is a big one: check it with the hold test, the heavier bat in hand. The high-school rule changes from the 2028 season.
The rules
BBCOR .50, -3, 2-5/8 in max, 36 in max; USABat -4/-5/-6 added from the 2028 season.
-3 (BBCOR) in 2026 and 2027.
BBCOR (-3) required; length 36 in max.
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 High school and college: USA Baseball - About USA BBCOR
- published High school (NFHS) 2026 and 2027 seasons: USA Baseball - High School Baseball to Expand Drop Weight Options
- published Little League Senior: Little League - Bat Information
- published Ages 13-14, USA or USSSA: 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.