How to Break in a Composite Baseball Bat

Composite bats are the newest technological breakthrough in the baseball world, using modified materials to create a whiplash motion through the hitting zone as well as an increased trampoline effect on impact. But the effect of the composite material depends on the fibers' ability to flex; for optimal performance, the bat must be broken in with hundreds of hits.

Instructions

1. Take a lot of batting practice. The impact of the ball against the bat is the best way to break it in (with the exception of bat-rolling, which is often considered illegal).

2. Hit real baseballs. Do not hit rubber batting cage balls: only genuine leather-covered balls will help the bat.

3. Have someone pitch to you, if at all possible. Doing soft-toss or hitting off of a tee will not give you the same amount of energy transfer that hitting a pitched ball will.

4. Make sure the weather is warm when you hit, since composite bats can break more easily in the cold. At least 65 to 70 degrees is optimal. Keep the bat stored in a warm area as well.

5. Rotate the bat between hits so that the impacts are distributed over multiple axes. At least six to eight different angles are necessary to ensure that you are breaking in your bat evenly.

References

• Baseball bat guide