*Please Call / Text 602-384-7277 or email natalie.undergroundbatsinc@gmail.com if you would like to purchase any Wilson gear*
*Please Call / Text 602-384-7277 or email natalie.undergroundbatsinc@gmail.com if you would like to purchase any Wilson gear*
Fast & Easy Support
By Noon Arizona Time
Fastpitch softball gloves are designed with specific sizes that match a player’s age and field position. The right glove can make the most important difference in how you play and feel on the field. These gloves tend to be larger and longer than baseball gloves to handle a softball’s bigger size.
Size plays a crucial role in picking the perfect softball glove. Young players aged 5 to 8 usually need gloves between 9 and 11 inches. Players between 9 and 14 years old need bigger gloves that measure 10 to 12 inches. High school players and adults should have infield gloves that extend no more than 1½ inches past their fingertips. Most gloves in this age group measure between 11.5 and 13 inches. The player’s position also determines the ideal glove size. Infield gloves typically range from 9 to 12.5 inches, while outfield gloves measure between 9 and 13 inches.
This piece will teach you how to select the perfect fastpitch softball glove. You’ll learn about proper sizing for different ages and positions, compare key features, and discover ways to keep your glove in top shape. This information helps both beginners and seasoned players pick the best glove that matches their style and requirements.
The right fastpitch softball glove can make or break your fielding performance and comfort throughout the season. Your choice needs careful thought about several factors. Let’s look at what you should know before buying one.
Your game type – fastpitch or slowpitch softball – should guide your glove selection. Fastpitch gloves use stronger leather that stands up better to wear and tear. Your position on the field also matters. A smaller glove (11.75-12.5 inches) helps infielders transfer the ball quickly. Outfielders need larger gloves (12.5-13 inches) with deeper pockets.
Your glove’s material makes a big difference. Beginners will find synthetic gloves ideal because they’re soft and easy to close. These gloves need no break-in time and cost less too. Leather options like cowhide and premium steerhide last longer and perform better, but you’ll spend more time breaking them in.
A well-fitting softball glove is vital to play your best. Measure from your index finger’s tip to where your wrist begins in inches. The glove should feel snug – pick one that fits now rather than something to grow into.
Fastpitch gloves have smaller wrist openings and tighter finger stalls that work well with a female athlete’s hand. You’ll know your glove fits right when you can close it fully and your thumb touches your last finger after breaking it in.
Players often pick the wrong size glove. Large gloves make catching and gripping hard, while tight ones limit movement. Many players skip the break-in process, but leather needs time to soften and shape to your hand.
Players sometimes forget about position-specific needs. First base mitts help scoop balls from dirt. Catcher’s mitts need extra padding. Utility gloves work well for multiple positions.
Smart players do their homework. Reading reviews and getting advice from coaches or experienced players are great ways to learn about different brands and models.
Your age and position determine the right size fastpitch softball glove. A proper fit will boost your fielding and make you comfortable on the diamond.
Fastpitch softball glove sizing follows clear age-based guidelines. Players under 7 years need 8-10.5 inch gloves for infield positions and 9-11 inch gloves for outfield. Young players aged 8-10 should use infield gloves between 10.5-11.25 inches, while their outfield gloves should measure 10-12 inches. Players aged 11-13 require larger gloves that measure 11.25-12 inches for infield and 11.75-12.5 inches for outfield. Adult and high school players need 11.5-12.5 inch infield gloves and 12-13 inch outfield gloves.
Quick ball transfers and faster plays require infielders to use smaller gloves (11.75-12.5 inches). Outfielders need larger gloves with deeper pockets, usually 12.5-13 inches, which help catch fly balls and extend their reach. Each position’s specific sizing matters because infielders need quick transitions while outfielders require extra catching surface.
Catcher’s mitts differ from regular gloves as they’re measured by circumference instead of top to bottom. Youth players use catcher’s mitts ranging from 31-33.5 inches, and adult fastpitch softball players need 32.5-34.5 inch mitts. First base mitts come with wider catching surfaces that measure 12-13 inches for fastpitch softball players. These specialized gloves secure the ball with deeper pockets.
Young players can choose from several quality options. Easton’s Ghost Flex series has ultra-soft Hog Hide leather that breaks in easily. Mizuno’s Finch series comes with Power Close Technology that helps young players close their gloves better. Louisville Slugger’s Diva series provides 10.5, 11, and 11.5-inch models with soft leather palms and mesh backing for quick break-in. Rawlings Storm series delivers softball-specific pocket designs with all-leather shells.
Knowing the features of fastpitch softball gloves helps you pick the perfect one that matches your playing style and position.
Different web designs serve specific purposes on the field. I-Web patterns come with a vertical leather strip and two horizontal bars. These create shallow pockets that work great for infielders who need quick ball transfers. H-Web designs feature two vertical leather posts joined by a horizontal strip. Players love these versatile gloves for both infield and outfield positions. Basket webs create tightly woven patterns that keep the ball hidden – a pitcher’s perfect choice. Outfielders catching fly balls prefer trapeze webs. These have a leather strap with interlaced lacing that creates deeper pockets.
Beginners find synthetic gloves easier to use. These affordable options need no break-in time. Leather gloves come in different quality and durability levels. Cowhide and pigskin strike a good balance between performance and cost. Full-grain leather lasts longer but needs more time to break in. Serious players often choose premium steerhide for its strength, though it needs extensive breaking in.
Players aged 5-8 need youth fit gloves that feel snug yet comfortable. Standard fit gloves come with traditional dimensions made just for softballs. Players get better control with tapered fits and their narrower hand stalls. Growing players can benefit from adjustable fit gloves with velcro straps.
Pocket depth affects how you field the ball by a lot. Quick ball-to-hand transfers make shallow pockets ideal for infielders. Running catches become easier for outfielders with deeper pockets that keep the ball secure.
Players with smaller hands appreciate the adjustable wrist straps in fastpitch gloves. These gloves have tighter finger stalls than baseball gloves, which helps players close them better.
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Your fastpitch softball glove’s life and performance will improve with proper maintenance. You need the right techniques to break in, preserve, and store your glove – a vital piece of your equipment.
Playing catch regularly remains the quickest way to break in a new fastpitch softball glove. Start by working the padding – twist the thumb and pinky toward each other to loosen the hinges near the heel. A light coating of glove oil will soften the leather, but never saturate it. Put a softball in the pocket, secure it with rubber bands, and let it rest for a day. The perfect pocket forms after you play catch repeatedly.
A small brush helps clean off dirt and dust from your glove after each use. The pocket keeps its shape better when you store a softball in it while not using it. Older gloves with loose pockets need their laces tightened – start working from the part farthest from the loose end.
Your glove needs a climate-controlled environment – never leave it in your garage or car trunk. Store it flat on its palm or up on its fingers with a softball in the pocket so it won’t flatten. The leather stays pliable if you pull out the glove weekly during offseason and throw a ball into it a few times.
Your glove needs conditioning only when it shows signs of dryness. Regular players should apply conditioner every 2-3 months to maintain flexibility. The offseason requires a light coat before and after storage. Water absorption means you need to cover the entire surface with conditioner as the water evaporates.
Think over replacement when the leather becomes dry, cracked, and loses flexibility despite conditioning. Watch for flattened or damaged padding that no longer protects your hand. A misshapen glove with a shallow pocket that won’t secure the ball or ongoing problems with loose laces and structural issues signal time for a change.
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The perfect fastpitch softball glove choice ended up being about your specific needs as a player. This piece covers everything in selecting, sizing, and maintaining your glove. The right size depends on your age and position – infielders need smaller gloves for quick transfers while outfielders get better results from larger gloves with deeper pockets.
Your choice of materials makes a big difference. Synthetic options give beginners affordability and ease of use, but leather gloves deliver better durability and performance as skills advance. It also helps to know that different web designs serve unique purposes based on your field position.
Good care makes your glove last longer. A properly broken-in glove, stored correctly during off-seasons and conditioned as needed, keeps its shape and works well for many seasons.
Your glove should feel like a natural extension of your hand on the field. Time spent finding one that fits well and matches your position will boost your game performance remarkably. A cracking leather or flattened padding tells you it’s time for a new glove. Get your gear upgraded and improve your swing at undergroundbats.com. The right equipment gives you confidence to step onto the field and make every play count.
Glove size depends on age and position. Youth players (5-8 years) typically need 9-11 inch gloves, while high school players and adults use 11.5-13 inch gloves. Infielders generally use smaller gloves (11.75-12.5 inches) for quick ball transfers, while outfielders prefer larger gloves (12.5-13 inches) with deeper pockets.
To break in a new glove, start by working the padding and applying a light coat of glove oil. Place a softball in the pocket, secure it with rubber bands, and let it rest for a day. Then, play catch regularly to form the perfect pocket. Remember, never saturate the glove with oil.
Synthetic gloves are softer, more affordable, and require no break-in period, making them ideal for beginners. Leather gloves, while needing more break-in time, offer superior durability and performance. Premium leather options like full-grain and steerhide are popular among serious players for their exceptional strength.
Condition your glove only when it shows signs of dryness. For regular players, apply conditioner every 2-3 months to maintain flexibility. During the offseason, apply a light coat before and after storage. If your glove gets wet, condition it as the water evaporates to prevent damage.
Consider replacing your glove when the leather becomes dry, cracked, and loses flexibility despite conditioning. Other indicators include flattened or damaged padding that no longer protects your hand, a misshapen glove with a shallow pocket that doesn’t secure the ball well, or persistent problems with loose laces and structural issues.
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