Get a Grip and Use These Materials for Traction on Your Baseball Bat
If you want to knock the ball out of the park, then getting a good grip on your baseball bat is of the utmost importance. Learning the proper way to hold the bat and getting comfortable in that position is only half the battle. Once you have that perfect grip, you have to be able to keep it, and you have to be able to grip that bat in comfort over and over again for practice. There are several materials out there that will help you get the best traction and most comfortable grip on your bat.
If you are playing with a metal bat, chances are your bat comes with a built-in handle grip. Some grips are made of leather and synthetic leather, and some grips are made of rubber. Rubber grips absorb shock better than leather grips do, but leather and synthetic leather bat grips are stickier, giving you a tighter grip. Whatever the material the grip is made of, it is also possible to buy a bat with a cushioned grip, to absorb even more of the shock from slamming the ball.
If you are playing with a wood bat or a metal bat that does not have a built-in handle grip, you can still increase your traction by using grip tape. There are tons of different brands and types grip tapes on the market, ranging widely in price. Whichever brand of grip tape you use; there are a few features you should look for in any grip tape. First, the tape should be moisture absorbing, so sweaty hands can maintain their grip on the bat. The tape should have tapered edges so that it sits smoothly on the bat, and it should have adhesive on the bottom and the sides, so the grip take does not role, pull apart, or fray. Additionally, look for padded tape to give you some shock absorbency.
A new kind of grip tape is hitting the marketplace; tape made of elastomer rubber. The tape feels like gel to the touch, and has no compression set, so it will bounce back into shape after each use. Another bonus of this kind of tape is that it will not dry out, like some kind of tapes. It should last the entire life of the bat.
Once you have chosen your perfect grip tape, you need to wrap your bat handle properly. First, you must make sure your bat is dry and clean. If it is not, rub it with a little alcohol and dry it with a soft cloth before applying the tape. Next, take your roll of tape and cut the starting piece at an angle. Hold the angled edge of the tape perpendicular to the base of the bat handle and begin wrapping the bat in a spiral motion. Overlap the edges of the tape by about one-quarter of an inch the entire way up the handle. Remove the paper from the back of the tape as you apply it. It is important to make sure you pull the tape as tightly as possible during the entire process. When you have wrapped the handle to your desired length, secure the ends of the tape with the finishing tape that comes with your grip tape.
Grip tape comes in a variety of colors and even print designs. Some leagues have rules about the color or design of grip tape used, so make sure you check any regulations your team may have before you purchase your tape. When your tape begins to peel or fray, or if it gets wet, it is time to replace it. The tape should peel off your bat relatively easily, but you will probably need to clean off residual adhesive from the handle before you apply new tape. Alcohol or mineral spirits will work well for this job; never use paint thinner or nail polish remover, as they will remove the stain from your bat. Once you have your new grip tape in place on your bat, you’re sure to be hitting them out of the park in no time!
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