Choosing the Right Softball Glove for a Young Player
A softball glove is personal. Players get attached to their gloves, break them in over many seasons and often remember their first one for life. For a young player, though, the most important thing is fit. A glove that is too big, too stiff or too heavy makes catching harder and can discourage a child from playing. Here is how to choose well.
Softball and baseball gloves are different
Fastpitch softball gloves are designed for a larger ball and often have a slightly different shape than baseball gloves. Many fastpitch gloves also have a narrower hand opening, designed to fit the hands of girls and women more comfortably. Buying a softball-specific glove usually leads to a better fit for softball players.
Size matters
Glove size is measured from the top of the index finger along the palm to the center of the heel. Youth softball gloves are typically smaller than adult gloves, and a young player should not use a glove designed for an adult. Common general ranges are:
- Younger players, around ages seven to nine, often use gloves in the range of roughly ten to eleven inches.
- Players around ten to twelve often move up to roughly eleven to twelve inches.
- Teen players usually use twelve inches or more depending on position.
These are general guidelines. The best way to choose is to try gloves on. The player should be able to open and close the glove with control, and the glove should not slide off the hand when held upside down.
Position-specific gloves
At young ages, a general utility glove is fine for most players. As players get older and settle into positions, gloves become more specialized:
- Infielders usually prefer slightly smaller gloves with shallow pockets for quick transfers.
- Outfielders often use larger gloves with deeper pockets to secure fly balls.
- First basemen and catchers use special mitts designed for their positions.
For a young child still trying different positions, a utility glove is the better choice.
Materials
Gloves are made from synthetic materials, softer leather or high-quality leather. Synthetic and soft leather gloves are lighter and easier to close, which makes them good choices for young players who do not have much hand strength. Higher-end leather gloves are more durable but stiffer and take longer to break in.
For most young players, a lightweight, easy-to-close glove is more important than a premium material.
Breaking in a glove
A new glove needs to be broken in. The best method is simply playing catch. Many players also work glove conditioner into the leather sparingly and store the glove with a ball in the pocket, wrapped with a band or string. Avoid shortcuts such as soaking the glove in water, putting it in an oven or microwave, or driving over it. These can damage the leather and shorten the glove's life.
Caring for the glove
Keep the glove out of hot cars and away from heaters, which can dry out the leather. Wipe off dirt after use and let it air dry if it gets wet. Apply conditioner occasionally, especially at the start of each season.
Do not overspend
Young players outgrow gloves quickly. A reasonably priced glove that fits well is better than an expensive glove that is too big. Save the premium gloves for when your player is older and their hand size has settled.
If you are unsure what to buy, ask your child's coach. They see dozens of gloves every season and can point you toward a good fit.