What Size Bat Should I Buy for My Kid?

A guide from 806 Drive Baseball

One of the most common questions we get from parents is:“What bat should I buy?”

With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news—finding the right bat doesn’t have to be complicated. A bat that fits your kid’s size, strength, and level of play makes a huge difference in their development, confidence, and performance.

Let’s break it down

Quick Bat Sizing Guide

Age	Height Range	Suggested Length	Drop Weight
7–8	4′–4′4″	26–27″	–12 to –10
9–10	4′5″–4′9″	27–29″	–11 to –10
11–12	4′10″–5′4″	29–31″	–10 to –8

Drop weight is the difference between the bat’s length and weight. (A –10 bat is 30″ and weighs 20 oz.)

Pro tip: A heavier bat does not mean more power. If it’s too heavy, your player will struggle with bat speed and mechanics. Go with what they can handle now—not what they’ll grow into.

3 Easy Sizing Tests

1. Side Test: Bat should reach from the ground to the player’s hip.

2. Arm Test: With the knob at the chest, can they extend their arm and grab the barrel?

3. Swing Test: Take 5–6 cuts. If it feels heavy or slow, it’s probably too much bat.

4. 
   

USA vs. USSSA Bats — What’s the Difference?

At 806 Drive, we use USSSA-certified bats, not USA bats. Knowing the difference is crucial when you’re shopping:

USSSA Bats (used at 806 Drive)

• Designed for travel/select baseball

• Feature a “1.15 BPF” stamp

• Have larger barrels (up to 2¾″)

• Offer more “pop” (ball comes off hotter)

• Used in most competitive youth tournaments

USA Bats

• Used in Little League and some rec leagues

• Feature a “USA Baseball” stamp

• Restrict barrel performance to mimic wood bats

• Smaller barrel diameter (max 2⅝″)

• Less trampoline effect off the bat

If your player is with 806 Drive, make sure you're buying a USSSA bat. The wrong certification could disqualify the bat from gameplay.

Best Bat Buying Video

Want to see it in action?👉 The BAT SIZING GUIDE For Youth Baseball Players (YouTube)

This short video walks through:

• How to size correctly

• What “drop” means

• How to physically test a bat for fit

Picture This

Post a couple of photos when sharing this with your community:

• A lineup of different bat sizes and brands

• A player in proper stance with a well-sized bat

• Close-up of the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp for parents to look for

Final Thoughts

When your kid is swinging the wrong bat, it can mess up their timing, frustrate their confidence, and slow down their development.

Let’s avoid that.

Get the right fit. Understand the league rules. And remember—this is about helping your player swing with confidence.

Need help? Bring your bat to practice and we’ll take a look together.We want every kid at 806 Drive to feel confident stepping into the box.

See you at the yard.— The 806 Drive Baseball Team