Sorry if this has already been discussed. My 7-year old has always used a standard barrel bat. However this year, the coach is pushing for use of a big barrel bat. My son has always hit the ball ok, although with not much power...though I attribute this to his lack of swinging all the way through. He has used another kid's big barrel several times, but he just doesn't seem to hit as well with it (alot of swing and misses). I was planning on getting him a big barrel, but wanted to get some opinions first. I assume the swing and miss issues can be overcome with time. Any of you other dads have any experience with big barrel vs. standard bat you could pass on to me? At this age, is there really an advantage with big barrel, vs. what he's already use to?

TIA

My son used both, but tended to like the smaller barrel better.

The advantage of the big barrel bats - pre bbcor days - was a much larger sweet spot. My casual observation is that the sweet spot advantage isn't nearly as great.

My recommendation would be to have him swing the heaviest bat he can swing comfortably.

Good luck!

I recently went through the exact same experience with my son...

He ditched his old bat and decided to go with another thin model (bought him a good Easton on sale). Someone I trust referred me to a hitting coach and after a few lessons my boy was hitting better than ever.

Turns out he e wasn't finishing with his back shoulder. His shoulder never made a full turn. Once he built this habit he gained confidence and started swinging harder, and became a reliable, powerful hitter.

Sounds like a similar situation.

Did said hitting coach have an opinion on big vs small barrel?

No he did not. He said try both and go with what works.

Right. I think I'll borrow a big barrel from a friend and have my son try it out for awhile. Thanks for the feedback guys.