How to Choose a Fastpitch Softball Glove

Player holding a softball glove

Having the correct fastpitch softball glove is essential to playing your all-time on the field. Whether you're new to softball or looking to improve your functioning, our guide to choosing a softball glove offers info about sizing, glove types, and more to aid you find the correct glove for your adjacent game. From measuring your glove to choosing the right webbing and glove features for your position, you lot'll acquire the most important factors to consider earlier you buy a softball glove.

Choose a Softball Glove

When choosing a glove for softball, information technology'due south important to make sure you are ownership a glove designed specifically for fastpitch softball. Baseball gloves have a smaller pocket designed to fit baseballs, while softball gloves have a deeper, shorter pocket to brand catching the larger softball easier. Especially when playing competitively, having a glove designed for softball is essential to minimize drops, speed up transfers, and maximize take hold of radius.

Find the Right Softball Glove Size

The first step in choosing a softball glove is finding the right glove size. The length of a softball glove is measured from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. If you want to measure your mitt for the verbal size of the softball glove you'll need, use a flexible measuring tape to find the distance betwixt the tip of your index finger and the offset of your wrist.

Kids' Softball Glove Size Chart

Since young players frequently play several positions, the most important consideration should be finding a glove that fits well and feels comfortable. Cheque out our table below to discover recommended sizes for young softball players!

Age Glove Size
8 & Nether ix"–11"
9 to 13 10"–11.5"

High School & Developed Glove Size Chart

Older players that play a defended position will want a glove amend tailored to the specific plays they'll need to make. For example, outfielders oftentimes prefer a slightly longer glove to make running catches easier, while infielders might cull a shorter glove for more efficient fielding. Our table below gives the recommended glove size for loftier school and developed players based on position:

Position Glove Size
Infield & Pitcher 11.five"–12.5"
Outfield 12.5"–13"
1st Base of operations 12"–13"
Catcher 32.5"–34.5"

Softball Catcher's Mitt Size Chart

Softball catcher's mitts are measured differently from regular gloves. You'll discover that most catcher's mitts range in size from 32–34.five inches. This is because they are measured by the mitt'southward circumference rather than its length. To discover the correct softball catcher's manus for you, check out our nautical chart below!

Age Mitt Size
eight & Nether 30"–32"
9 to 13 31"–32.5"
Loftier Schoolhouse 32.five"–34.v"

Softball Glove Webbing & Position

Side by side, you'll desire to consider the webbing of your softball glove. The webbing is the design of the pocket, and each webbing type offers a different benefit for each position.

Softball glove webbings: Two-piece, I-web, H-web, and trapeze webbing

Pitchers will desire to choose a softball glove with a basket spider web or a ii-piece spider web . Both these styles help conceal the ball to disguise your pitch and offer more flexibility for communicable quick infield drives.

Infielders should consider gloves with an I-spider web or H-web . Both these webbing types are named because their pattern resembles the corresponding letter. I-web gloves and H-spider web gloves are ideal for infielders since their flexible, open webs brand it easier to transition from catching to throwing for quick double-plays.

Outfielders should choose a glove with a deeper pocket, since this will brand catching fly balls much easier. The most pop styles of softball gloves for outfielders include H-web and trapeze webbing . H-web gloves have an open up pocket that makes it easier to see fly assurance, while the deeper pocket of gloves with trapeze webbing makes information technology easier to catch and control the brawl.

First Base of operations players should await for showtime base mitts . Kickoff base mitts, like catcher's mitts, exercise non take fingers, helping players secure the brawl more easily. The rounded edges act like a funnel, helping guide the ball to the pocket for a secure catch. This also makes it easier to scoop upwards speedy grounders and grab errant throws.

1st base softball mitt

Catchers accept an like shooting fish in a barrel selection of glove since softball catcher's mitts are designed specifically for the position! When choosing a softball catcher'south mitt, it's virtually important to ensure the glove feels comfortable on your hand. Y'all tin can as well discover some mitts with a picayune actress padding to aid take the sting out of fast pitches.

softball catcher

Whether you're playing competitively or just learning the game, having the right softball glove is essential to assist you stay comfy and play your best. Make sure to consider the size and type of softball glove you lot'll need based on your age and position. Then you'll be ready to hit the field and have some fun! If you'd like more than personalized communication for you or your softball thespian, stop past your local SCHEELS and talk to one of our softball experts.

Looking for more helpful tips on choosing the correct softball gear? Check out our softball bat buying guide and our expert's picks for the best softball cleats of the year !