Selecting the Correct Fastpitch Softball Glove and Softball Catchers Mitt
There are lots of choices with fastpitch softball gloves today. It may be very confusing to choose the best glove for you with all the current sizes, styles, materials and models now available. Fastpitch softball gloves generally have a larger pattern (length) when compared to a baseball glove because the ball is much larger. A deeper pocket is generally designed into the softball glove as well. Akadema, one of the very most exciting new fastpitch glove manufacturers, designed several Women's and Girls fastpitch softball gloves with smaller finger slots. With these gloves, the distance between your thumb and index finger is shorter to allow for the smaller hand.
One particular important thing to understand is that you should not buy a glove that your child can “grow into”. The fastpitch glove must fit correctly and be the appropriate length (this is generally referred to as the pattern size of the glove) to enable the players to develop correct fielding mechanics and not cheat by having a larger glove. The correct fitting softball glove will also help the beginning player really feel more confident since the glove will be comfortable on the players hand and therefor easier to control and won’t keep slipping off. Remember, a six or eight year old child has a pretty small hand and not as strong as those 14+ year old players.
Start your decision by deciding exactly what position(s) you usually play. This will help you figure out the size or pattern of the softball glove you should choose. Almost all kids play a number of positions on the field, so a utility glove would be the better choice for beginners. Below is a quick view chart to get you started off.
Glove Size ----- Softball Position
13.5 inch --------- Outfield
13 inch ----------- Outfield/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12.75 inch ------- Outfield/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12.5 inch -------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12 inch ----------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield
11.75 inch ------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield/Youth 13 and 14 year old
11.5 inch -------- Youth/ 10, 11, and 12 year old
11 inch ----------- Youth/ 9 Year old
10 - 10.5 inch ---- Youth/ 7 and 8 year old
9 - 9.5 inch ------- Youth/ 6 year old
Certain positions require a softball glove with a particular webbing. Check out the list below for common webbings you'll find for each position:
One particular important thing to understand is that you should not buy a glove that your child can “grow into”. The fastpitch glove must fit correctly and be the appropriate length (this is generally referred to as the pattern size of the glove) to enable the players to develop correct fielding mechanics and not cheat by having a larger glove. The correct fitting softball glove will also help the beginning player really feel more confident since the glove will be comfortable on the players hand and therefor easier to control and won’t keep slipping off. Remember, a six or eight year old child has a pretty small hand and not as strong as those 14+ year old players.
Start your decision by deciding exactly what position(s) you usually play. This will help you figure out the size or pattern of the softball glove you should choose. Almost all kids play a number of positions on the field, so a utility glove would be the better choice for beginners. Below is a quick view chart to get you started off.
Glove Size ----- Softball Position
13.5 inch --------- Outfield
13 inch ----------- Outfield/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12.75 inch ------- Outfield/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12.5 inch -------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/First Base Mitt/Utility - Plays Mostly Outfield Some Infield
12 inch ----------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield
11.75 inch ------- Middle Infield/Pitcher/3rd Base/Utility - Plays Mostly Infield Some Outfield/Youth 13 and 14 year old
11.5 inch -------- Youth/ 10, 11, and 12 year old
11 inch ----------- Youth/ 9 Year old
10 - 10.5 inch ---- Youth/ 7 and 8 year old
9 - 9.5 inch ------- Youth/ 6 year old
Certain positions require a softball glove with a particular webbing. Check out the list below for common webbings you'll find for each position:
- Middle infielders, first base, and some outfielders – open web that allows for quicker transfer to throwing hand
- Pitchers, third base, and some outfielders – closed web that provides more support for outfielders and shields ball in pitchers glove
Determining Your Fastpitch Softball Glove Type
1. Middle Infield - This is your 2nd base and Short Stop positions. These positions cover a lot of ground and have to do it quickly in fastpitch softball. Nearly all middle infielders like to use 11.75 to 12.5 inch gloves. Once again it is a personal preference. Most women will go with a 12 inch glove. Read more on Middle Infield Softball Gloves
2. Pitchers - Pitchers throughout competitive softball typically like a slightly larger glove. Pitchers softball gloves are usually in the 11.75 inch to 12.5 inch range, with most fastpitch pitchers using a 12 inch glove. Read more on Fastpitch Pitcher Glove Sizes
3. Outfielders - Fastpitch softball outfielders usually prefer a larger glove. Most like to use 13 inch models. Some use a smaller glove in the 12.5 inch range. Read More on Fastpitch Outfield Glove Sizes
4. First Base - First baseman can use either a mitt or a regular fielders glove. If this is your primary position, invest in a good 1st base mitt. Read more on Fastpitch Softball First Baseman Gloves
5. Third Base - Most third base players prefer a smaller size glove. Fastpitch players like to go with a 11.75 to 12.5 inch glove. Most women use a 12 inch glove. Read more on Fastpitch Softball Third Base Glove
6. Catchers - Most fastpitch softball catchers mitts are either 33.5 inch to 34.5 inch. Most of the mitts are in the 34 inch size. This depends on your preference and how strong your hand or the size of your hand. Read more on Fastpitch Catchers Mitt Size Chart
7. Youth Gloves -The biggest mistake in selecting a fastpitch softball glove for a new or young player is that parents buy a glove that is too big, hoping the player will grow into it. Read more on Youth Softball Glove Size Chart
2. Pitchers - Pitchers throughout competitive softball typically like a slightly larger glove. Pitchers softball gloves are usually in the 11.75 inch to 12.5 inch range, with most fastpitch pitchers using a 12 inch glove. Read more on Fastpitch Pitcher Glove Sizes
3. Outfielders - Fastpitch softball outfielders usually prefer a larger glove. Most like to use 13 inch models. Some use a smaller glove in the 12.5 inch range. Read More on Fastpitch Outfield Glove Sizes
4. First Base - First baseman can use either a mitt or a regular fielders glove. If this is your primary position, invest in a good 1st base mitt. Read more on Fastpitch Softball First Baseman Gloves
5. Third Base - Most third base players prefer a smaller size glove. Fastpitch players like to go with a 11.75 to 12.5 inch glove. Most women use a 12 inch glove. Read more on Fastpitch Softball Third Base Glove
6. Catchers - Most fastpitch softball catchers mitts are either 33.5 inch to 34.5 inch. Most of the mitts are in the 34 inch size. This depends on your preference and how strong your hand or the size of your hand. Read more on Fastpitch Catchers Mitt Size Chart
7. Youth Gloves -The biggest mistake in selecting a fastpitch softball glove for a new or young player is that parents buy a glove that is too big, hoping the player will grow into it. Read more on Youth Softball Glove Size Chart