If you want your baseball bat to last a long time, you need to take care of it.You should replace your grip as soon as possible.The process of taping your bat takes a few minutes, but is worth it.It will help you hit the ball with a strong grip and extend the life of your bat.
Step 1: Decide which tape you want to use.
Pick out the material you want your tape to be made out of and then choose the color you would like.If you want to prevent your hands from slipping when you use the bat, consider tapes with the ability to absorb water.There are many kinds of tapes.Plastic tapes don't absorb water.It is illegal for most league play to use shiny electrical tape.
Step 2: You should gather your materials.
If you or your family already have taping materials for your bat, you shouldn't go to the store to buy new ones.Take a look around your house to see if you already have any of the following materials: a utility knife or scissors, a magic marker, bat tape, or tennis tape.
Step 3: You can acquire anything you don't have.
If you didn't find the materials around your house, you'll have to buy or borrow them.Take a look at your budget to figure out how to get what you need.You can purchase materials that you don't already have at your local hardware store or sporting goods store.If you're short on money, ask a team member or coach if they have extra supplies you can borrow.You can choose less expensive materials if you cannot afford them.
Step 4: If necessary, take off the tape.
Remove any old tape from your bat.Take the tape off.Fresh tape is important for the lower layers.The tape should adhere to your bat as much as possible.
Step 5: If necessary, remove any remnants.
If you are using a wooden bat, you should use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper.Make sure you remove as little wood as possible.If you are using an aluminum bat, you should use a specialized solvent.If you want to remove the remnants of your bat, you can pour a small amount onto a rag and rub the area.If you like, you can wear latex gloves.
Step 6: The bat should be marked.
If you want to tape your bat, make sure you check the rules of your league.You could be disqualified from the league if you don't follow the rules.The magic marker can be used to make a small mark on your bat.Some prefer 8 inches while others prefer 12 inches.Hold the bat in your hand and make a decision.
Step 7: The bat needs to be secured.
Make sure the bat is in a safe place.A friend can hold the bat for you or you can place it between your legs.Make sure you don't tighten your bat too much.
Step 8: Wrap your bat with tape.
Press the tape to the bottom of the bat and begin taping upwards.Many players prefer a 45 degree angle because it helps them grip the bat better, but you can choose to wrap the tape at a different degree.It's a good idea to leave space between the tape and the larger tape.Depending on your preference, wrap your bat around 8 to 12 inches.Wrap the end of the tape around the bat.
Step 9: Wrap your bat with a second layer of tape.
Press the tape to the bottom of the bat and begin taping upwards, though in the opposite direction as your first piece.The spaces that you left in the first piece should be filled by this second piece of tape.Attach the end of the tape to the bat by cutting it at an angle.Many players prefer this because it helps them hold the bat better.
Step 10: An appropriate grip should be found.
To test the tape on your bat, hold it as if you were in the batter's box and ready to hit.It is important to learn how to properly hold your bat.Close your hands around the bat handle and place it across the base of your fingers.If you are a right-handed hitter, your left hand should be below your right.If you are a left-handed hitter, your right hand should be below your left hand.Place your hands in a circle to align them.Stay loose and don't try to hold the bat.
Step 11: Get into a proper stance at the plate.
You can find some space to swing your bat outside.If you can't make it to the ballpark, use a makeshift home plate.Stand with your body on the plate.Keep the bat pointed up by placing it over your shoulder.Make sure your feet are not shoulder width apart.Place your hips, knees, and shoulders on the plate.You should slightly bend your knees.
Step 12: Take a few swings.
If you want to hit a ball, swing your bat as if you were hitting it.If you want to test your bat in a realistic situation, you should bring it with you to practice or have a friend pitch balls to you.Place your weight on your legs.It will slightly raise your foot.Take a small step with your front leg.Make sure you twist your whole body.When you swing, make sure to follow through completely.You will lose a lot of hitting power if you stop short.With your hips pointing forward, extend your arms.As necessary, make any changes to your tape.