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Size: -11 Drop

-11 Drop Fastpitch Bats: Answers to Everything Parents Ask Us

 

Here's a fun fact from the fitting desk: no drop weight comes up in our conversations with fastpitch parents more than drop 11. There's a good reason for that, and it shows up right in the sizing data. Idea - instead of a standard buying guide, let's handle this one the way we handle it on the phone every day: real questions, straight answers.

 

What is a drop 11 fastpitch bat?

 

Drop is length minus weight, so a 30 inch bat weighing 19 ounces is a -11. On the fastpitch spectrum, which spans -8 through -13, drop 11 sits right in the light-but-not-lightest zone.

 

Why is drop 11 so popular?

 

Because it fits the data for youth fastpitch almost perfectly. The most popular bat size for 8 to 10 year olds is 29 inches and 18 ounces, and the most popular size for 11 to 13 year olds is 31 inches and 20 ounces. Do the math on both and you get the same answer: drop 11. It's the rare drop weight that serves as a legitimate choice across the entire 8 to 13 youth window, which is why so many players spend multiple seasons in one.

 

Which players should swing a drop 11?

 

Solid, established youth hitters. If your player is 7 to 10 with a season or two under her belt and average or better strength, drop 11 fits. If she's 11 to 13, drop 11 sits comfortably inside her age group's typical -10 drop to -12 drop range. It's the natural next step for a player moving up from a drop 12 or drop 13, and the last stop before the heavier drops that high school hitters use.

 

How do I know if it's too heavy for her?

 

Watch her swing; if her hands drop, her barrel lags, or her mechanics fall apart late in practice, the bat is winning. Bat speed drives performance, so when you're torn between drops, choose the lighter one. Please: never size up for growing room.

 

Will a drop 11 be legal in her league?

 

Yes, with the right stamp. Certified drop 11 fastpitch bats are used everywhere youth softball is played, including leagues and travel tournaments sanctioned by USA Softball, USSSA, NSA, ISA, PGF and Alliance Fastpitch. Match the certification mark on the bat to your league's rules and she's good.

 

Where should I buy one?

 

Right here, and we'll tell you why with a straight face. LongballBats.com carries the deepest drop 11 fastpitch selection we know of, with brand new bats from Easton, DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, Rawlings, Mizuno, Marucci, Axe Bat, Warstic, Dudley, Anderson Bat Company and Soldier Sports. Best drop 11 fastpitch bat, best fastpitch bat for a 10 year old, best youth fastpitch bat for travel ball - whatever brought you here, we stock it.

 

Since 2016, backed by over 100 years of combined baseball and softball experience, we've answered these exact questions for thousands of families. Ask us yours! Tell us her age, height, current bat and league, and we'll name the right drop 11 for her swing.

 

Browse our drop 11 fastpitch bats now. This is the drop most players remember as the one where hitting got fun.

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