Learn
What is a Quality At-Bat (QAB) in Baseball?
A quality at-bat (QAB) is a plate appearance where the batter competes effectively — regardless of the outcome. A hard line drive that's caught? That's a QAB. A walk after an 8-pitch battle? QAB. A sacrifice bunt that moves a runner? QAB. An easy popout on the first pitch? Not a QAB. The stat measures the quality of effort and approach, not just whether the player got a hit.
What Counts as a Quality At-Bat
Different coaches use slightly different criteria, but the most common QAB definitions include:
- A hit (any hit counts)
- A walk (BB) (patient plate approach)
- A hit-by-pitch (HBP) (got on base)
- A sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly (moved a runner or scored a run)
- An at-bat of 8+ pitches (even if it ended in an out — competing)
- Hard contact (a line drive or hard ground ball, even if caught)
- Moving a runner up (productive out, even without a hit)
- An RBI on any play (produced a run)
The exact criteria can be customized for your team. What matters is that QAB captures plate discipline, competitiveness, and smart at-bats — things batting average misses entirely.
Why QAB Matters More Than Batting Average
Batting average only rewards hits. A kid who hits a soft roller through the infield gets credit. A kid who smokes a line drive right at the shortstop gets nothing. Over a short youth season (15-20 games), batting average is heavily influenced by luck.
QAB rewards the process — the approach, the effort, the competitive at-bat. It's a better development stat because it measures what the batter can control, not what the defense does with the ball.
At every age from 10U through high school, QAB is the stat that best captures whether a player is improving as a hitter. Full guide to coaching with QAB →
QAB Benchmarks
| Level | Solid QAB% | Strong QAB% |
|---|---|---|
| 10U-12U | 40-50% | 55%+ |
| 13U-14U | 45-55% | 60%+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track QABs?
Score games in Rizzler and tag each at-bat as a QAB or not. Over a season, the QAB percentage calculates automatically. QAB stat definition →
Should I share QAB data with my players?
Yes — at every age from 10U up. QAB is the rare stat that's always encouraging. Even when a player goes 0-for-3, if they had 2 QABs, you can point to that as progress. Using stats without overcoaching →
Read Next
How to Create a Baseball Lineup — Step by Step
LearnAre My Team's Stats Private in Rizzler?
FAQFielding Stats: Defensive Numbers Explained for Coaches
StatsHow to Build a Batting Order for 8U Baseball
LearnLittle League Substitution Rules — Re-Entry, Free Subs & More
RulesPlaying Time Fairness Across Your Little League
For Leagues
