If your kid shows interest in baseball, maybe it’s time to introduce them to this game. The kid’s age will determine the type of bat they will need. A five-year-old child will certainly not be able to hold and swing with a bat designed for adult players. This is why you should get them a Tee Ball bat. These bats are much lighter and shorter than the regular full-size and are designed to fit the needs of a child younger than six. How can you find the right size, weight and length? Here are some useful tips for buying such bats.
What’s a Tee Ball Bat?
Tee Ball bats are similar to regular baseball bats but are designed especially for young kids under the age of six, so they are lightweight and easy t grip. Tee Ball bats aren’t made to be used for live pitching, but only for hitting the ball off a tee. They can be used for the coach machine pitching.
Tee Ball Bat vs Baseball Bat
A Tee Ball bat is designed especially for young children. Regular bats are heavier and longer and are suitable for older players, so a kid of 5 will have a challenge using a regular baseball bat. The most common weight for a regular bat is 900g, but you can also find heavier models of 1.2kg.
Tee Ball bats are much lighter, with the weight starting as low as 300 grams (the heaviest is about 500 grams).
When it comes to length, regular baseball bats vary in size and depend on other competitors and the player that uses them. In general, they are 60-86cm long. Tee Ball bats are 63-66cm long. When it comes to the diameter, the regular baseball bat is 7cm, while the Tee Ball is 5.7cm.
Can I Use Tee Ball Bat for Baseball?
There is no rule that you can’t use a Tee Ball bat for baseball, even though it’s not recommended because it doesn’t make sense. T Ball bats are very light and shorter, so using them for a regular baseball game will not help you anyhow. The bats used in Tee Ball have higher drop weight values, to help the kid swing easily and learn batting basics.
The drop weight for Tee Ball bats is in the 10-14 range which is much higher than the drop weight of the regular bats older players use. T Ball bats are also softer so the kid can easily hit them (without any risks of injuries). Using Tee Ball bats with regular baseballs that have a hard core will shorten the life span of the bat and most likely will lead to breaking the bat.
Getting The Correct Length
Finding the right bat length for your kid should be done with multiple measuring techniques. To measure the bat length you can place the bottom of the bat in the centre of the kid’s chest, pointing it to the side, parallel to their outstretched arm. If they can comfortably reach the top of the bat with the palm of their hand, the bat is the suitable length.
Also, place the bottom of the bat in the centre of their chest, facing outward. If the kid’s arm can reach out and grab the barrel of the bat, then it’s the right length. You can also stand the bat up against the side of the kid’s leg. If the end of the bat reaches the centre of the kid’s palm when it reaches down, the length is good. The right length is essential for their control.
Find the Right Weight
To determine the right weight for your kid’s bat, it’s best to check for the drop measurement, which is often placed on the bat’s handle or barrel. The drop of a bat is the difference between its length and weight. If your kid has a bat that’s 63cm and 300 grams drop, subtract the weight from the length to find the right weight. Players should be able to properly hold a weighted bat for 30-45 seconds out to their side without dipping it down. If the player can do that, then it’s a good weight for them to swing.
Material and Construction
As it’s the case with bats designed for older athletes, Tee Ball bats can be made of two material options. You can find allow Tee Ball bats that are quite durable. The other material is composite, which often enhances the feel and the speed. Most Tee Ball bats feature a one-piece design. This construction gives the bat a stiffer feel and more pop on the ball. Make sure to check with the coach of the league before you get any bat. They should be able to give you more tips on the type of bat that would be ideal for your young athlete.
Composite bats are a mix of carbon fibre, fibreglass, graphite, and occasionally Kevlar. They have a better weight distribution compared to alloy bats, but some T Ball leagues restrict their use. You can also find hybrid bats that combine the two types; they have a two-piece design with a composite handle and alloy barrel. This way the barrel is longer than it is in traditional alloy bats while the handle is lighter.
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