When my daughter started playing 10U fastpitch softball, one of the challenges we quickly noticed was her grip on the bat. It wasn’t that she didn’t have the strength or determination—she had both. But she struggled with maintaining a comfortable grip, and it affected her swing. Whether it was sweaty palms during the game or just the wrong feel, her grip was often too tight or too loose, and it made her swings less consistent.
As any parent with a young athlete knows, it’s about more than just the physical game—it’s about building confidence and making sure they feel comfortable in every part of the sport. So, I set out to help her find the perfect grip that worked for her.
The Struggle with Grip
My daughter has small hands for her age, and it’s common for young players to feel a bit awkward when holding the bat, especially with the variety of bat sizes out there. We noticed that she was gripping the bat too tightly at times, causing tension in her arms and wrists. On the flip side, when she wasn’t gripping tightly enough, the bat would slip, leading to missed contact and frustration.
The V-Grip Solution
After some research and a few trial-and-error attempts, I introduced her to the classic V-grip. This grip is popular for its balance between control and power. It’s simple—she places her top hand on the handle, forming a “V” with her thumb and index finger, while the bottom hand mirrors it. This allowed her to have a secure but relaxed grip, which helped with both control and swing speed.
The key for her, though, was not just how she gripped it, but how relaxed she kept her hands. As soon as I told her to think of holding the bat like she was holding a bird—firm but not too tight—she started to get the hang of it.
Adding Grip Products for Extra Comfort
After a few games, she also mentioned how her hands would get sweaty, and that sometimes it made it harder to hold onto the bat. So we decided to add some grip accessories to her bat. Here are three products we found particularly helpful:
Lizard Skins Bat Grip:
This grip is soft, durable, and offers great tackiness without being too sticky. It gave her better control and comfort during her swing. The cushioning also helped reduce the vibration in her hands.
Franklin Sports Bat Grip Tape:
This grip tape was affordable and gave her a firmer hold, even when her palms got sweaty during practice. It’s easy to apply, and the grip stays tacky for the whole game.
Rawlings Pine Tar Stick:
For extra grip in hotter conditions, the Rawlings pine tar stick worked wonders. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t make the bat overly sticky, so she could maintain a solid grip while keeping her hands dry.
Why This Matters
For me, it wasn’t just about fixing her grip; it was about watching her confidence grow. As her grip improved, so did her swing. She started making better contact with the ball, and it felt like the bat became an extension of her. Watching her hit those solid line drives at practice after finding her grip was one of the most rewarding moments for me as a parent.
Final Thoughts:
Every young player is different. Some may prefer a looser grip, others a tighter one. My advice is to experiment with different grips and see what feels best for your player. I’ve learned that it’s not just about “holding the bat” right—it’s about creating a natural connection between your hands and the bat, so they can swing confidently and comfortably.
If you’re facing a similar issue with your child, I’d suggest starting with the basics of the V-grip, adding some grip tape or pine tar, and encouraging your player to focus on relaxing their hands during their swing. It’s a small adjustment, but it can make a huge difference in how they feel in the batter’s box.
