How to Use a Mallet on a Softball Bat

Use a mallet to get a better performance out of your softball bat.

Using a mallet on a composite softball bat can optimize its performance. According to Dan Russell, Ph.D., an associate professor at Kettering University in Flint, Mich., studies have shown that once a composite softball bat is broken in, it performs with more power. The process of breaking the bat in actually stretches some of the aluminum fibers on the barrel of the bat, making it more effective when it comes in contact with the ball.

Things You'll Need

• Softball bat
• Rubber mallet
• Towel

Instructions

1. Lay the softball bat barrel on a folded towel.

2. Steady the handle of the softball bat with your non-dominant hand.

3. Strike the barrel of the softball bat with the mallet, using your dominant hand.

4. Repeat this process up and down the barrel of the bat.

5. Rotate the softball bat. To ensure that the mallet is used on all sides of the barrel, continuously rotate that bat after striking the entire length of the barrel. Repeat this process until the softball bat has been struck at least 500 times.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies sell a softball mallet. The softball mallet is made of a softball with a handle sticking out of it. This can also be used in place of a rubber hammer to effectively optimize the softball bat.

References

• Kettering University: Do Accelerated Break-In Techniques Really Work?
• Big Dawg Bat Rolling