Softball Gloves: Finding the Perfect Glove

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Softball Gloves:
Finding the Perfect Glove

Many parents will agonize over the perfect bat, but choosing the right softball gloves? A good glove will outlast a bat every time if the correct glove is chosen initially.

There are two key things with a glove: Choosing the right size and breaking the glove in properly. Follow the link to find out how to break the glove in properly. On this page, we will focus on getting the size right.

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One of the things that I frequently saw with younger players is that they came to practice with what amounted to a peach basket. The glove was WAY too big for her. The thinking was she would grow into it eventually. What was far more likely is that she would get frustrated and give up on this "stupid" sport. The size of the glove, besides age, is dictated by position she will play. Generally speaking, the infielder will want a glove that is 12.5" and smaller, while the outfielder's glove is 12.75" and larger. A youth size glove is generally between 9" to 11". Infielders glove need to be smaller for quick transfer of the ball from the glove hand to the throwing hand. A larger glove could foul that transition.

To find the size of the glove, it is generally emblazoned on the glove. To be sure, you can measure from the tip or the middle finger of the glove through the inside of the glove to the heel of the glove.

A mitt is different from a glove because it does not have the fingers like gloves do. The mitt allows for better control of the ball, hence the reason you have a first base mitt and catcher's mitt, two positions that handle the ball regularly. Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference and range from 31 to 34 inches, with youth mitts ranging from 31 to 32 inches. For your first baseman, the mitts range in size from 11" to 13", with youth sizes being 11" to 11.5".

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The better gloves are made from leather. Some gloves are also made from treated leather which aids the break-in period. You will also find gloves made from synthetics. If your young player is just learning and not really committed, this may be okay as it is lighter and cheaper, but be aware that it is not likely to withstand a lot of playing.

Below are links to pages that will help you find the right glove, once you know the size you want to get. These pages will allow you to comparison shop across the entire Internet and provide you with the best price Shopzilla can find. There will be a section that will show you a selection of gloves, or you can click on the link underneath the selection to get a full search. You can modify the search by adding in the glove size once you get to the Shopzilla page to get a more refined search.If you prefer a particular company's gloves, click that link. Otherwise, click the fastpitch softball gloves link to find a search across all manufacturers. You will also find a link to find catcher and firstbase mitts.

Fix That Glove

If you are like me, you hate to give up on something unless you know that it is beyond repair, especially like a dear and trusted friend like my softball glove. Why not try and repair it first before taking the plunge into buying and breaking in a new one? Don't know how to fix it? Well, here is just the e-manual to help you Fix That Glove

Fix That Glove!!! will walk you through step by step and top make the needed repairs. Fix those dry and broken laces to make your old friend as good as new.

Note: If you came looking for batting gloves, follow this link.

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