When choosing a slow pitch softball bat (sticks), there’s a lot of things that you might like to consider: bat material, length, weigh etc. You then need to correlate these items for your build and preferences because unfortunately slow pitch bats usually are not always one-size-fits-all. Let’s go into the important points to have a right choice for you.

There are several places where a person can get slow pitch softball bats. There’s a wide selection of retail stores that sell them. They can be available at sporting goods outlets, and even many big box stores who have a sporting goods section have these items in stock. Walking into a retail location to get this item is the best situation for people that are not certain what bat will be best for them. They’ll be able to grip them and get a feel for the bat to find out if it is the right one before they buy it.

For those who understand what works best for them, they can look online for purchasing their bats. You’ll find great deals available online when buying these bats. It is important to make sure that the website that you’re using to purchase your bat from has a good return policy. This way you will not be stuck with a bat that doesn’t feel completely right when batting.

The time to buy your slow pitch softball bats really depends on your needs. For individuals just getting started with a season ahead of them will want to look for a bat that works well for them. They should begin looking before they go to their practice as it can be helpful to get a feel for the bat. Some individuals can feel self-conscious with others watching them do something the first time.

If you’re not constrained by having to have a bat right away to play with, then hold off until the season is over. This can help you to save money as many store will put their items on sale or clearance to allow for other seasonal items or newer models that will be coming out for next season. They are just as good as the newer bats, but can save you money.

The best way to make sure that the slow pitch softball bats you are looking at is right for you is to try them out. Picking up the bat and giving it a few test swings in the aisle can go a long way towards helping you find the best one. When taking your test swings make sure that you have enough area for this.

Once an athlete gets a feel for a certain bat size and weight, they will be able to find other bats that work well for them. Quite a few players like to have a few bats on hand while playing. This can help when a bat gets damaged so that the game can continue.

A common reason why cricket bats start to crack and deteriorate in its playability is that it hasn’t been prepared correctly. When a thunderbolt of a delivery hits the cricket bat, the ball is sure to damage the bat. Therefore, it is important that your brand new cricket bat is prepared correctly and carefully. There are 3 major areas for bat care: ‘oiling’, ‘knocking in’ and ‘protective facing’.

- Oiling:

Oiling the cricket bat is important so when the knocking in process occurs, the bat doesn’t crack. The oil makes the bat more supple, decreasing tension so that the bat doesn’t crack. Raw Linseed Oil should be used to oil your cricket bat. Using only a teaspoon of Raw Linseed Oil, rub the oil all over the cricket bat (except over the splice of the bat). When the first light coat of oil is applied, the bat should be left horizontally overnight. Another light coat of oil should be applied to the bat. Leave the bat in the same position overnight. It is important not to over oil the bat.

- Protective Facing:

This is optional to you but it is highly recommended. A protective adhesive sheet should be applied to the bat. Most bats actually come with this sheet so at first, the whole oiling step applies once the sheet is removed. The protective sheet just protects the bat from the huge impact of the cricket ball. This protective sheet is optional but it is advised that it is used for the first year of use. Then it should be taken off and oil applied to the bat.

- Knocking In:

This most important process in preparing your cricket bat and it is also the lengthiest process. Using a wooden mallet, light taps of the cricket bat should be made. Starting in the middle of the bat, lightly tap the bat and then work towards the edges. After a while, the tapping of the bat should gradually become a little bit harder. This process takes a while. 4-6 hours is generally how long it takes but it can take longer. It is important to keep checking the bat to see whether any dints are occurring. If they do, reduce the power of your knocks.

Once this is done, it’s time to take the cricket bat down to the nets. It is important to start out with soft shots and then gradually getting into harder, more powerful shots after a few net sessions. Throw-downs with an old cricket ball is recommended so that no dents and seam marks occur. After a couple or few net sessions of throw-downs, you can move onto facing some bowling with an old ball. It is important to keep checking the bat to make sure it isn’t being damaged. After a session or two, some harder balls can be faced so it is able to face the hard cricket ball in a game.