If you play high school baseball, listen up. New rules for the 2012 season require high school baseball players to use BBCOR-certified bats when they step up to the plate. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has updated its standards to match the NCAA’s bat rules, so all non-wood bats must be certified by the Ball-Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR). Basically, BBCOR reduces the “trampoline effect”—the “bounciness” of the ball off the bat—thus slowing the speed of line drives, forcing hitters to be more accurate and swing harder, and protecting pitchers.

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Pick up a fresh pair of cleats to go with your new bat. The Reebok Pro Cooperstown Low Zig is lightweight and breathable, and it’ll make you stand out.
Here’s a look at some of the best BBCOR-certified bats on the market:

Mizuno MZC62 Wood Composite Mizuno’s advanced engineered wood composite bat uses multiple pieces of maple to facilitate maximum performance and enhance durability. Price, $92; mizunousa.com	Mizuno Classic Bamboo This wooden bat has a sanded handle for better grip. Its exceptional durability will appeal to hitters looking for a product with an extended lifespan. Price, $78; mizunousa.com
Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Named after the site of the College World Series, this bat features one-piece construction and a stiff handle, allowing for more barrel flex and giving players increased pop at the plate. Price, $150; slugger.com	Louisville Slugger TPX Exogrid 2 This bat uses a scandium alloy, which the brand says is extremely responsive. The TPX Exogrid 2 also features Power Disc Technology, two discs inside the barrel that promote peak performance. Price, $310; slugger.com
DeMarini CF5 Built to reflect the principle of geometric perfection, the CF5 is made of a new composite that imitates the structure of crystals—one of the strongest and most stable compounds on earth. Price, $400; demarini.com	DeMarini Voodoo DeMarini’s Voodoo could send pitchers into a trance. Featuring patent-pending Taper Ring technology, which adds weight close to the taper of the bat, the Voodoo gives hitters a gargantuan sweet spot. Price, $300; demarini.com
Rawlings 5150 Alloy Rawlings’ 5150 bat is made using metal-forming techniques that optimize balance and power, resulting in more durability for hundreds of swings. Price, $225; rawlings.com	Rawlings 2012 Machine The Machine has an approved alloy barrel design and technology for enhanced barrel flex, helping batters generate more power with each cut. Price, $345; rawlings.com