Posted by: tolson () on Mon Jul 16 14:03:29 2001

> Batspeed is primary but it is silly for a strong quick 12 yr old to be swinging a 31 -18 1/2 that costs $250 when they can swing a 31-23 with no problem, save money AND use better mechanics.

This is my opinion--and I while I respect yours...

Any kid will be able to swing a 19 ounce bat faster (and get it started quicker) than a 23 ounce bat. Even if as you say, he has no "problem" swinging a heavier bat. The key here is in the definition of the word "problem". Most of my recent observation is that kids swinging lighter bats don't gain a big edge is hitting distance potential (and may even lose a tiny bit).

But my experience is the kids using lighter bats have quicker and shorter strokes and seem to make more consistent contact.

I think better mechanics come from practice. Within reason, I just don't think bat weight makes much of a difference to mechanics. Takes some period of adjustment for big differences. For example, a kid uses a big wood bat for a weekend at a tournament--then switches back to aluminum. He probably is messed up for a day or two--then adjusts fine. No permanent damage. I've seen it just recently.

So I believe few ounces doesn't matter much in terms of detroying mechanics. But I think it certainly makes a difference in how fast you can swing. A 3-ounce difference is about 15%. You can swing it faster which is important at 12U levels (such as 46' mounds with a kid throwing 60 up to 70 mph.) After that, I agree wholeheartedly that bigger and heavier bats can and should be used.