by Neal Rogachefsky posted 03/14/2010 For our SIP, Rookies, Minors and Majors players a bat must be a maximum 2 1/4” diameter barrel bat. Junior and Senior Players on the big field can use up to a "Minus 3" bat. For example: a 33" bat should weigh 30 ounces. A 32" bat should weigh 29 ounces. These big field bats should also have a BESR "Bat Exit Speed Ratio" stamp on them.
When selecting a bat for your child their ability to generate bat speed is an important consideration. Part of their ability to generate bat speed depends on their size, but an additional factor becomes your sense of their coordination, skill level and commitment to baseball. A mildly interested child should take advantage of the lightest bat possible to get the best performance possible with the least amount of training. The lighter bat should also be given to a child that is just beginning his or her training to allow speedy early results to encourage future commitment. But as the child’s training advances and proper mechanics are achieved, progressively heavier bats should be considered. Here is the simplest rule of thumb: swing the heaviest bat possible without lowering bat speed. For instance, if a player swings a 19 ounce bat at the same speed they swing a 17 ounce bat, use the 19. Use the chart below to find a starting place for a bat length then swing several different weights to find the bat that feels right.
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Bat Selection Guide by Height and Weight
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Player
Weight
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Player Height
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3' 0" to 3' 4"
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3' 5" to 3' 8"
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3' 9" to 4' 0" |
4' 1" to 4' 4" |
4' 5" to 4' 8" |
4' 9" to 5' 0" |
5' 1" to 5' 4" |
5' 5" to 5' 8" |
5' 9" to 6' 0" |
6' 1" + |
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< 60
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26"
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27"
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28"
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29"
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29"
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61-70
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27"
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27"
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28"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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71-80
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28"
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28"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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81-90
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28"
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29"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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32"
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91-100
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28"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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|
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101-110
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29"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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|
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111-120
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29"
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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121-130
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29"
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30"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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32"
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33"
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33"
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131-140
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29"
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30"
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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33"
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33"
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141-150
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|
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30"
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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33"
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33"
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151-160
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|
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30"
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31"
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31"
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32"
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32"
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33"
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33"
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34"
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161-170
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31"
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31"
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32"
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32"
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33"
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33"
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34"
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171-180
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32"
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33"
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33"
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34"
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34"
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Over 180
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33"
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33"
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34"
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34"
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Most Popular Length for Youths by Age
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Age
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5 to 7
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8 to 9
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10
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11 to 12
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13 to 14
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Length
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26"
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26" to 28"
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28" to 29"
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30" to 32"
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31" to 33"
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