Youth Wood Bats

A youth wood bat is a shorter, lighter wood bat designed for younger players. Many have a thinner barrel and a drop between -4 and -8, so kids get the feel of real wood without a bat that’s too heavy to swing.

Wood bats have a smaller sweet spot than metal bats, so they give honest feedback on every swing. Training with wood helps young hitters develop better mechanics, barrel control and hand strength, skills that carry over to their USSSA or USA Baseball bat in games.

Youth wood bats are lighter than adult wood bats, which are usually around -3. As a general guide:

• Drop -8 and -7: younger players or those new to wood

• Drop -5: the most common choice for developing youth players

• Drop -4: stronger players getting ready for an adult wood bat

The right choice depends on strength, not only age.

Choose a length based on your child’s height and weight, and make sure they can swing the bat comfortably without the barrel dropping. Our youth bat size chart can help, or visit us in store in Laval, Saint-Hubert or Ottawa for a fitting.

• Maple is the most popular choice: hard, dense and durable.

• Ash is lighter and more flexible, a forgiving option for young hitters, like the Rawlings Velo Youth Ash.

• Composite wood bats, like the Rawlings Big Stick Elite Maple/Bamboo, feel like wood but are more durable, ideal for batting practice.

We carry B45, Louisville Slugger, Marucci, Rawlings, Victus and Mark Lumber Company.

Wood bats are allowed in most youth leagues, but rules vary between associations. Check with your league if you’re unsure.

Teach your child to hit with the logo facing up or toward them, avoid heavy or dimpled pitching-machine balls, and store the bat in a dry place. Wood breaks more easily in cold weather, so be careful during early-spring and fall practices. A bat grip can also improve control.

For the youngest players, check out our T-Ball and Junior Big Barrel bats. Kids who want more training tools can also use training bats.