Transition bat?

I'd get him using a -3 as soon as possible. Get a 31-28 to start, 32 might be too big.

I don't know if this really helps but I have started my son into the transition this year. He does all tee and heavy bag drills with a -3, does BP with a -5 (and some games) and most games with his -8.5. The hope is that he will strictly use the -5 in all games by the end of this season and transition into the -3 the same way next year. He plays 12u this year. The only thing I wish I would have done differently is keep with the same style of bat. His -3 is a TPX (cheap but very well balanced), his -5 is the Demarini (completely different feel than the other two bats and has a wider handle), and his -8.5 is a Stealth (flex) which is more top heavy than the others and is of course 2 3/4 barrel. Hope it helps some

if you have the correct mechanics, then get to the -3 asap...

if you are still a squish the bug, throw the hands, swing level, swing down, don't dip the back shoulder type swinger, then go to the minus-whatever, and find a hitting instructor that can teach you proper mechanics -OR, just take two weeks off and then quit forever.

quote:

Originally posted by COACHBLU25:
I'd get him using a -3 as soon as possible. Get a 31-28 to start, 32 might be too big.

I might have him try a teammates bat. He has the exact same bat as my son but the -3 version, although I'm not sure the length. If it's a 31" or 32", I may have him take some cuts and see how it feels.

I agree with the advice you have received. A minus three would be better sooner rather than later for the reasons of transition. And if he already has great bat speed it should not be too difficult. Any adjustment period is better now than in high school.

i use a 33" 30 most of my other teamates use like -7s or -8s but i feel i get more power with a -3 because i dont try to crush it on every swing and plus a -8 would be way to light for my 5'11" 200lb frame

My 13u is using a -5 32-27 this year. The last 2 years he was using a Demarini Vexxum -8.5 30-22.5. He is 5'7" 110. From what I can tell the change has been smooth with no negative effect on his production. We thought the -5 would be a good transition because he is so darn skinny. Can't argue with the idea of getting to -3 ASAP though.

My son is a 14 u this Season. Last fall is when he went to the -3 bat to get used to it and get ready for this Summer. He is pretty strong and didn't have much trouble with it. He uses a 33-30. Most of the guys are using the 32. He's got 12 bombs this season so I think it's working out nice for him. He has the Nike Aero Torque which he really likes.. I need to brag a little.. Last night he hit one dead center about 340 - 350 feet .Fences are 300 dead center and he cleared the street and a SUV, IT WAS PRETTY AWESOME.Thanks for letting me induldge myself.

Have your son use the drop 3 this Fall and he will be in good shape next Year.

quote:

Originally posted by Johnnie_LeMaster:
Have your son use the drop 3 this Fall and he will be in good shape next Year.

That may very well be the plan. I'll probably get a "used" one on E-Bay or something just so he can get a feel for it before I drop $200 - $300 for a new one. That way he'll have it for cage BP over the winter too and then he can get a new one in the spring for games.

Some sporting goods stores will also have closeouts of run-of-the-mill non-high-end bats for pretty cheap, $50+ that would be fine for winter BP sessions. Look around, particularly as the season winds down.