Preventing Wooden Bats From Breaking
Wooden bats are a staple in baseball, softball and cricket. They provide a classic feel, a consistent sound and a natural feel. However, they can also be fragile and can break easily. In order to ensure that your wooden bat can last for years, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to help prevent it from breaking.
Choose the Right Wood
When it comes to wooden bats, not all woods are created equal. Some woods are harder than others, which means that they are less likely to break. Maple bats, for instance, are known for their durability, while ash bats are known for their flexibility. Depending on the type of player you are and the type of performance you are looking for, you will want to choose the right wood to match your needs.
Check For Damage
Before you use a wooden bat, you should always check it for any signs of damage. Look for any cracks, chips, dents or any other signs that the bat may be weakened. If you find any damage, it is best to either repair it or replace it before you use it.
Proper Storage
When you are not using your wooden bat, it is important to store it properly. You should always store it in a cool, dry place away from any moisture or extreme temperatures. This will help to ensure that your bat does not become warped or cracked due to the environment.
Warm Up Before Use
Before you use your wooden bat, it is important to warm it up. This will help to make sure that the fibers in the wood are more flexible and less likely to break. To warm up your bat, you can either wrap it in a towel or leave it in a warm place for a few minutes.
Avoid Pressure
When using a wooden bat, it is important to avoid putting too much pressure on it. This means swinging the bat too hard or hitting the ball too hard. Doing so can cause the wood to become brittle, which can lead to it breaking.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can be very damaging to wooden bats. If you are playing in cold temperatures, you should avoid using your bat until you are in a warmer environment. Likewise, if you are playing in a hot environment, you should avoid leaving your bat in the sun or in a car for too long.
Keep The Grip Dry
The grip on your bat is the most vulnerable part of the bat. To prevent it from becoming wet or slippery, you should always keep it dry and clean. You can use a towel or a paper towel to wipe off any sweat or dirt that may have accumulated.
Keep It Clean
It is important to keep your bat clean to prevent it from becoming brittle or warped. You should use a soft cloth and some mild soap to clean the bat and then dry it off with a towel. This will help to keep the wood from becoming dry and brittle.
Use The Right Balls
Finally, it is important to use the right type of balls when you are using your wooden bat. Softballs and cricket balls are much softer than baseballs, which means that they are less likely to cause damage to your bat.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your wooden bat lasts for years. Choosing the right wood, checking for damage, proper storage, warming up before use, avoiding pressure, avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping the grip dry, keeping it clean and using the right balls are all important steps to help prevent your wooden bat from breaking.
Wooden bats, wood, damage, storage, warm up, pressure, temperature, grip, clean, balls