Need help finding the right Coach Pitch bat? We can help.
Coach pitch baseball bats are shorter, lighter bats with a larger barrel designed for players 8 years old and younger. These bats generally have a 2 5/8 inch or 2 3/4 inch barrel diameter and a length to weight ratio between -10 and -12. Due to rule changes in certain leagues, you may see coach pitch bats labeled "Junior Big Barrel" in the future. These bats should be used exclusively in leagues where the coach pitches to the players.
If you have any of the questions listed on the left, click on them to see our official answers!
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How do I select a Coach Pitch baseball bat?
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| Weight (in pounds) |
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This chart is nothing more than an approximation of what size bat a player may need. When selecting a bat, you should take in to consideration your comfort level with the size you are currently swinging. Also take in to account that much of the process of picking the perfect bat is personal preference. Many players like a heavier bat for more power, while others like to swing a lighter bat to gain more control and bat speed. If you have absolutely no idea what size to select, try some of your teammates' bats. Experimenting with swinging different sizes allows players to compare and contrast what they like and what sizes they can properly handle.
For those of you not familiar with term length to weight ratio (also referred to as "drop"), this refers to weight in ounces less than length in inches. For instance, a bat that is 26" 16oz would have a length to weight ratio of -10 because 26-16=10.
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How do I take care of a coach pitch baseball bat?
Break-in Period
If you are buying an aluminum bat, there is no break-in necessary. Aluminum bats are generally as hot as they are going to get as soon as you take them out of the wrapper. With composite barreled bats, you will have to spend some time getting them ready to perform at their peak. Generally composite bats are going to need around 150 to 200 hits on them to start performing up to their potential. When breaking in a composite bat, it is important to start off at about 50% power and gradually increase as your swing count rises. It is also important to rotate the bat about a 1/4 inch on every swing. This ensures that your bat gets evenly broken in.
Temperature
Composite bats tend to be much more sensitive to temperature than alloy bats. Many manufacturers have their own suggestions on minimum temperatures that their bats should be used in. However, as a rule of thumb, alloy bats should never be used in temperatures under 50 degrees, while composites should not be used in temperatures under 60 degrees. There isn't a maximum temperature that you should avoid using your bat in; however composite bats tend to have slightly increased pop in hotter weather.
Additional Tips
- Use coach pitch baseball bats in coach pitch leagues ONLY. These bats will not last long if used against fast pitching.
- Coach pitch bats are designed to be used with soft compression baseballs.
- Limit the use of your game bat in the batting cage. Save the wear and tear for when it really matters: in the game.
- Do not use dimpled balls to practice with. These balls can have damaging effects on your bat.
- Limit the number of teammates that use the same bat. Bats DO break. The fewer hits on the bat, the longer it should last.
- Do not use your bat to knock dirt off of your cleats. This can damage the bat.
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What types of coach pitch baseball bats are there?
Alloy vs. Composite
Alloy bats are generally constructed with a one-piece design out of aluminum or aluminum that is mixed with other metals to make a stronger product. The advantage to this strength is that it allows alloy bats can have thinner, more responsive barrel walls. Composite bats, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, and sometimes Kevlar. Many leagues are beginning to ban composite-barreled bats because, as they are used, the carbon fiber weave begins to become more responsive and much "hotter" than the current standards allow. Check your league rules before buying a composite-barreled bat. Hybrid bats feature a two-piece design in which an alloy barrel is bonded to a composite handle. This makes the handle lighter and allows the alloy barrel to be made longer than on a traditional alloy bat.
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What are the current rules and regulations regarding coach pitch baseball bats?
USSSA
Baseball bats that are designed or marketed as Coach Pitch and/or not for use with regulation baseballs are not legal in USSSA sanctioned activities that use regulation baseballs. This is for all ages and all divisions of T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Machine Pitch and Kid Pitch, but not limited to these. (Regulation baseballs include the 9" and 8.5"). All bats must meet the criteria in the USSSA Bylaws found at www.usssa.com.
Always check with your league before purchasing a bat if you have any concerns about its legality. Here are some good questions to ask:
- Are coach pitch bats legal in my league?
- What kind of baseballs do we use?
- Are there any bat size limitations?
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