How to Break in a Composite Bat

Once they're broken in, composite bats outperform aluminum bats.

Consumers who buy composite bats are paying a premium for the increased performance associated with composite models when compared to aluminum alloy bats. According to the Washington State University Sports Science Laboratory, hits from a composite bat are approximately four percent faster than from a comparable aluminum model. However, in order to fully achieve this potential, a composite bat must be broken in first.

Things You'll Need

• Composite bat
• Baseballs or softballs

Instructions

1. Hit live batting practice using real baseballs or softballs.

2. Hit with a full swing and follow through.

3. Rotate the bat a quarter turn after each hit so every side of the bat is used evenly.

4. Move towards home plate gradually as you hit. As you do this, make contact further down the barrel of the bat.

5. Listen to the sound of the ball as it hits the bat. Gradually, the sound will become less muffled and begin to sound like a loud rifle shot. Adjust your stance and rotate your bat to account for parts of the bat that still sound dull.

6. Hit approximately 200 pitches, or until the bat has an even sound regardless of where you make contact.

Tips & Warnings

• Research from Washington State University states that a composite bat performs the best after it has been used for 500 to 1,000 swings. Take this into consideration when using your bat in practice, as you want your best hits to occur in games.

• Break in your composite bat on a warm day. Composite bats can become damaged if they are used in temperatures below 65 degrees.

• Dimpled practice balls will not break in a composite bat properly and could damage your bat. If you can't find a pitcher who is willing to help you, you can use a pitching machine that throws real baseballs or softballs at full speed.

• Do not hit your composite bat against the dugout fence, trees or other objects.

• Some companies offer "accelerated break-in" services, which may include bat rolling or barrel compression. Check with your league before you pay for these services, as many of these techniques are considered "bat doctoring" and are banned.

References

• Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats: How Bat Modifications Can Affect Their Response (PDF)
• Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats: Do Accelerated Break-in Techniques Really Work?
• Baseball Corner: Baseball Bat Guide