Difference between revisions of "Choose a Softball Glove"
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===Searching for Mitts and Gloves in General=== | ===Searching for Mitts and Gloves in General=== | ||
#Visit a brick-and-mortar store. Whether you plan on purchasing your mitt or glove online or in-store, go to a local sporting goods store first. Test the fit and feel of various brands and models in person to ensure that you’re buying the right glove for you. | #Visit a brick-and-mortar store. Whether you plan on purchasing your mitt or glove online or in-store, go to a local sporting goods store first. Test the fit and feel of various brands and models in person to ensure that you’re buying the right glove for you. | ||
| − | #Know the difference between a glove and mitt. Gloves separate your fingers from each other for greater dexterity. Mitts omit this feature due to their heavy padding; even if they did separate your fingers, the thicker padding would make it harder for your fingers to move independently of each other.<ref>http://softball.isport.com/softball-guides/how-to-choose-a-softball-glove</ref> | + | #Know the difference between a glove and mitt. Gloves separate your fingers from each other for greater dexterity. Mitts omit this feature due to their heavy padding; even if they did separate your fingers, the thicker padding would make it harder for your fingers to move independently of each other.<ref name="rf1">http://softball.isport.com/softball-guides/how-to-choose-a-softball-glove</ref> |
| − | #*Browse gloves if you’re an outfielder, pitcher, or second- or third baseman, or a utility player.<ref | + | #*Browse gloves if you’re an outfielder, pitcher, or second- or third baseman, or a utility player.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Browse mitts if you’re a catcher or first baseman.<ref | + | #*Browse mitts if you’re a catcher or first baseman.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Familiarize yourself with various adjustments. Learn the difference between velcro, D-ring, lace, and buckle adjustments. Decide which one you prefer.<ref | + | #Familiarize yourself with various adjustments. Learn the difference between velcro, D-ring, lace, and buckle adjustments. Decide which one you prefer.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*'''Velcro''': loosens or tightens your glove quickly with minimal fuss.<ref | + | #*'''Velcro''': loosens or tightens your glove quickly with minimal fuss.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*'''D-ring''': allows you to adjust your glove's fit by pulling on one lace.<ref | + | #*'''D-ring''': allows you to adjust your glove's fit by pulling on one lace.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*'''Lace''': uses multiple laces to change your glove's fit.<ref | + | #*'''Lace''': uses multiple laces to change your glove's fit.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*'''Buckle''': uses a clasp to secure your glove's fit.<ref | + | #*'''Buckle''': uses a clasp to secure your glove's fit.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Choose a material. Buy a glove or mitt made from synthetic materials for younger players who expect to grow out of their current size, since these tend to be cheaper. For more durability over longer use, invest in a leather glove or mitt. To break your glove or mitt in more quickly after purchase, opt for treated leather that has been pre-conditioned for this purpose.<ref>http://www.baseballmonkey.com/baseball-softball-glove-buying-guide</ref> | + | #Choose a material. Buy a glove or mitt made from synthetic materials for younger players who expect to grow out of their current size, since these tend to be cheaper. For more durability over longer use, invest in a leather glove or mitt. To break your glove or mitt in more quickly after purchase, opt for treated leather that has been pre-conditioned for this purpose.<ref name="rf2">http://www.baseballmonkey.com/baseball-softball-glove-buying-guide</ref> |
| − | #Assess the cost. Avoid the cheapest mitt or glove available, since the price usually reflects the quality of craftsmanship. At the same time, resist grabbing the most expensive one automatically. Choose the right glove for you, which may or may not be the highest priced item.<ref | + | #Assess the cost. Avoid the cheapest mitt or glove available, since the price usually reflects the quality of craftsmanship. At the same time, resist grabbing the most expensive one automatically. Choose the right glove for you, which may or may not be the highest priced item.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Choosing a Mitt=== | ===Choosing a Mitt=== | ||
#Choose the right mitt for your position. Browse mitts that are specifically designed for either catcher or first baseman. | #Choose the right mitt for your position. Browse mitts that are specifically designed for either catcher or first baseman. | ||
| − | #*Catcher’s mitts are the biggest; their circumference typically exceeds 30 inches.<ref | + | #*Catcher’s mitts are the biggest; their circumference typically exceeds 30 inches.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*First baseman’s mitts resemble gloves, with less padding and more length than a catcher’s mitt.<ref | + | #*First baseman’s mitts resemble gloves, with less padding and more length than a catcher’s mitt.<ref name="rf1" /> Adult sizes range from 12-13".<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Test the fit. On your way to the mitt section, grab a ball and bring it with you. Judge your ability to grip it securely through all that heavy padding. | #Test the fit. On your way to the mitt section, grab a ball and bring it with you. Judge your ability to grip it securely through all that heavy padding. | ||
| − | #*For younger first basemen, especially aged 10 and under, be sure they are able to close the mitt. If this is too difficult, use an infielder’s glove instead.<ref | + | #*For younger first basemen, especially aged 10 and under, be sure they are able to close the mitt. If this is too difficult, use an infielder’s glove instead.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Judge the weight. Although all mitts will feel heavy in comparison to gloves, avoid buying a mitt that feels too heavy. Be sure that the mitt’s weight does not impede your ability to transfer the ball to your free hand for a quick throw to your teammates.<ref | + | #Judge the weight. Although all mitts will feel heavy in comparison to gloves, avoid buying a mitt that feels too heavy. Be sure that the mitt’s weight does not impede your ability to transfer the ball to your free hand for a quick throw to your teammates.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Choosing a Pitcher’s Glove=== | ===Choosing a Pitcher’s Glove=== | ||
| − | #Choose a size. Although there’s no preferred glove-size for pitching, be sure to select one that’s large enough for you to hide the ball from the batter. <ref | + | #Choose a size. Although there’s no preferred glove-size for pitching, be sure to select one that’s large enough for you to hide the ball from the batter. <ref name="rf1" /> Bring along someone who knows the game to stand in for the batter. Pose for them to see whether or not they can tell what sort of pitch you’re about to make. |
| − | #*Adult sizes for pitchers range from 11.5-13".<ref | + | #*Adult sizes for pitchers range from 11.5-13".<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Choose a closed web. Avoid gloves with open webbing when pitching, since these may offer the batter a glimpse of your grip on the ball.<ref | + | #Choose a closed web. Avoid gloves with open webbing when pitching, since these may offer the batter a glimpse of your grip on the ball.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Judge the comfort. Know that, as a pitcher, you will be making catches continually throughout the game. Be sure your hand is well protected from so many impacts.<ref | + | #Judge the comfort. Know that, as a pitcher, you will be making catches continually throughout the game. Be sure your hand is well protected from so many impacts.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Judge the weight. Avoid gloves that feel too heavy. If you like every other feature of a particular glove, check with a sales rep or the manufacturer to see if the same design is available in alternate, lighter materials.<ref | + | #Judge the weight. Avoid gloves that feel too heavy. If you like every other feature of a particular glove, check with a sales rep or the manufacturer to see if the same design is available in alternate, lighter materials.<ref name="rf2" /> |
===Choosing an Infielder’s Glove=== | ===Choosing an Infielder’s Glove=== | ||
| − | #Choose a size. Opt for a smaller glove. Ensure a quicker ball-to-hand transfer for fast plays after catching the ball.<ref | + | #Choose a size. Opt for a smaller glove. Ensure a quicker ball-to-hand transfer for fast plays after catching the ball.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Adult sizes for infield positions range from 11.5-13".<ref | + | #*Adult sizes for infield positions range from 11.5-13".<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Choose an open back. Pick a glove whose design leaves the top of your wrist uncovered. Allow yourself greater flexibility.<ref | + | #Choose an open back. Pick a glove whose design leaves the top of your wrist uncovered. Allow yourself greater flexibility.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Choose between open and closed webs. If you’re a third baseman, go with a closed web, which offers greater support for the harder balls you’re more likely to catch in your position.<ref | + | #Choose between open and closed webs. If you’re a third baseman, go with a closed web, which offers greater support for the harder balls you’re more likely to catch in your position.<ref name="rf2" /> For other infielders, opt for an open web instead for quicker ball-to-hand transfers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Choosing an Outfielder’s Glove=== | ===Choosing an Outfielder’s Glove=== | ||
| − | #Choose a size. Opt for a longer glove. Avoid the extra steps and costly seconds that it might take to catch fly balls or make diving catches with a short glove.<ref | + | #Choose a size. Opt for a longer glove. Avoid the extra steps and costly seconds that it might take to catch fly balls or make diving catches with a short glove.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Adult sizes for outfield positions range from 12-15".<ref | + | #*Adult sizes for outfield positions range from 12-15".<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Choose a closed back. Pick a glove whose design covers all of your hand for greater support. Sample a closed-back glove that offers a hole for your index finger to protrude from the glove for additional support and judge whether your prefer this option or not.<ref | + | #Choose a closed back. Pick a glove whose design covers all of your hand for greater support. Sample a closed-back glove that offers a hole for your index finger to protrude from the glove for additional support and judge whether your prefer this option or not.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Choose a closed web. Opt for the additional support that a closed web offers when catching fly balls and line drives.<ref | + | #Choose a closed web. Opt for the additional support that a closed web offers when catching fly balls and line drives.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Choosing a Utility Glove=== | ===Choosing a Utility Glove=== | ||
#Choose a size. If you're going to be switching between infield and outfield positions, pick a size as Goldilocks would: not so long that it would impede quick ball-to-hand transfers, but not so short that it would make catches in the outfield too difficult. | #Choose a size. If you're going to be switching between infield and outfield positions, pick a size as Goldilocks would: not so long that it would impede quick ball-to-hand transfers, but not so short that it would make catches in the outfield too difficult. | ||
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*Place a softball in the glove when you're not using it to help shape the pocket. | *Place a softball in the glove when you're not using it to help shape the pocket. | ||
*Soften the leather of your glove by applying glove oil to it. | *Soften the leather of your glove by applying glove oil to it. | ||
| − | *Children aged 12 and up should use adult sizes. Sizes for children younger than that may vary according to age and the child's build.<ref | + | *Children aged 12 and up should use adult sizes. Sizes for children younger than that may vary according to age and the child's build.<ref name="rf2" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
