Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Jul 29 13:27:52 2000

>>>i have noticed the same on my 13yr old club team.when kids who normaly hit weak to opposite field or weak ground balls increase bat weight they hit with more power and usually to pull field.doesnt this contradict bat speed theory?
i have seen this only in bp because we wont let them use the heavy bats in games for fear they will not be able to get around on the fast ball and if they could they would have to start their swings earlier making them vunerable to off speed stuff.
what weight and lenght bat would you recomend for 13yr old 120lbs? <<<

Hi Bob

I totally agree with you that there is more to hitting a ball hard than just the speed of the bat. The weight of the bat is also a very important factor in determining the energy imparted into the ball. --- I have never been in favor of using ultra light bats in order to achieve greater bat speeds. Lighter bats allow batters with low efficiency mechanics to swing the bat faster but this does not mean they will always hit the ball harder. The longer the batter uses low efficiency mechanics, the longer his progress for playing at higher levels will be delayed.

Bob, there are coaches more qualified than I for recommending the correct bat for your boys. Teach them mechanics that will allow them to get the bat-head around on most any pitch.

Jack Mankin