You only need the most basic equipment to play softball, but you will need a glove. Softball gloves can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes and used in various positions on the field to prevent you from injuring yourself while you catch a hard grounder or line drive. You may be asking yourself, “How to size softball gloves?” The position that you or your child are playing will determine the size of the glove that you should get.
What is the difference between slow-pitch and fast-pitch gloves? What are the differences between softball gloves based on position? What are the advantages of different web styles and how do they work? These questions will be answered by the Wazoo Sports softball glove.
Decide which position you will be playing
Infield
This glove is designed for softball. It has five fingers and a deep pocket that allows you to quickly catch large softballs. They are available in sizes 9″-10″ for youth and 10.5″-11.5″ for adults.
Shortstop
These players are somewhere in the middle and need gloves that can be used to throw fast and handle ground balls. Both softball and baseball gloves have similar characteristics. The main difference is that softball gloves are typically longer and more spacious to accommodate a larger softball. The function of gloves is simple: catch a ball. However, the way your gloves are made can make a big difference in your performance and your game quality.
Catcher
This glove is not designed to allow you to insert your fingers individually. The glove has thick padding in the palms as well as reinforcements that help to withstand the constant pounding of a pitcher’s throws. A catcher’s glove for softball is perfect because it can withstand the constant pace of catching pitcher’s throws.
First base
This glove is similar to the catcher’s mitt but does not have finger channels. A first base glove, on the other hand, has a thinner padding and more length to catch infield throws. The pocket is shallow, which allows for quick retrieval of the ball.
Second base
To quickly switch from catching to throwing, a second baseman will need a smaller glove.
Third base
These players need larger gloves to be able to grab quick hits at the “hot corner” quicker.
I don’t know
You may be unsure of the position you will play or you might anticipate playing a certain role. Utility Or Roaming It’s best to choose a multi-purpose, general glove for your player and not ones that are too specialized, such as a catcher’s, first base, or first base mitt. It would be a good idea to get a middle infield glove. Some gloves can even be marketed as utility gloves, which can be used by both infielders and outfielders.
How to size softball glove?
When choosing the right glove for a player, it is important to consider his position and age. For younger players, there are youth-sized gloves that allow for better control. A large glove is not the best way to help your child develop their skills and can even cause injury. For outfield players, larger gloves are better for catching the ball in flight. Infield players require smaller gloves with deeper pockets to allow them greater control and faster throws. Softball players minimum 6 years. The glove size between 9-10 inches is sufficient for most positions. However, a glove between 10 and 11 inches is best for older people. 7 to 9 Also applicable to all positions. All ages of players 10-14 Infielders might be able to fit with 11.5 to 12.5, while the outfielders could choose from 12 to 13. For players who are 15 and above, infielders might wear a 12-13, while outfielders could use a 12.5-14. For exact measurements by age and position, please refer to the below-sizing chart.
Parts of a Softball Glove
Each component of a softball glove has a purpose. Knowing the anatomy of a glove can help you to meet your needs on the pitch. Let’s take a closer look at what parts make up a softball glove.
- Webbing: Ball control is a matter of how your glove’s web design looks. There are two types of webs: open and closed. Depending on your preferences and position, you will choose which one to use. Pitchers like a closed web for hiding their pitches, while fielders prefer an open web.
- Pocket: Pockets are similar to the web and help with ball control at impact. Infielders prefer to have a shallow pocket while outfielders prefer a deeper pocket.
- Back: The space in the back for your index finger is called “the back”. Both open and closed backs are available. For greater hand and wrist flexibility, open backs offer more space. A closed-back, on the other hand, has a smaller hole to provide stability.
- Finger stalls: The openings in a glove’s glove that allow you to use your fingers are called finger stalls.
- Palm: For impact protection, padding is placed underneath your leather glove’s palm.
- Heel: The heel protects your bottom with the glove.
- Adjustment of the wrist: A wrist adjustment allows for a perfect fit. There are many styles available, including D-ring fasteners and buckle systems, lace adjustments, and hook-and-loop fasteners.
Materials
Your glove’s material can have an impact on its feel and durability. These are some of the most common materials:
- Synthetic: Popular among youth players. It is easy to use synthetic gloves right after purchase.
- Cowhide and pigskin: These standard leathers are medium-weight to heavy. These leathers are more durable than premium leathers, and they’re great for younger players.
- Kip leather: A lightweight type of cowhide. This material is very popular with youth players because it allows for mobility and ranges of motion.
- Leather in full-grain: Pro Series gloves are made from full-grain leather. These gloves require a longer break-in period, but they offer superior performance as well as durability.
- Steerhide leather: Steerhide is used as the heaviest material in softball gloves. These gloves can be difficult to break in but are durable and strong.
Additional considerations
Adjustment of the wrist
Some gloves have this feature. The wrist adjustment keeps the glove securely in place. This may be a buckle or Velcro.
Padding
The padding of a glove’s palm will vary depending on its position. The catcher usually has the thickest padding. To reduce the sensation of palm shock experienced by most players, gloves may be more padded these days than they were in the past.
How should a softball glove fit?
Your ability to catch and transfer the ball from your glove to your hand is dependent on how it fits. Measuring from your index finger to your wrist and measuring in inches. The glove should fit snugly. You should choose the size that fits you best and not one you feel you could grow into.
The mitts of the catcher will be the largest in circumference. The first baseman’s mitts, on the other hand, will be the longest. For easier transfer of the ball from their glove into their hands, infielders will prefer a shorter length.
