Softball

Softball Glove

Gloves, like the hands they fit, come in a variety of sizes. Softball gloves also are geared to fit both the position you play and the level of your game. Keep these factors in mind when you decide which style, size, features and materials best suit your game.

• Generally larger both in the pocket and length to help players handle the larger ball
• If you play both baseball and softball, and you only want to buy one glove, select a softball glove

First base

• Also resembles a mitten, but has less padding than the catcher's mitt
• It is longer to help the first baseman field throws from infielders
• A shallow pocket allows the first baseman to quickly retrieve the ball from the mitt

Infield

• A five-fingered glove with a shallow pocket
• A youth size is between 9 - 11 inches
• Adults 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch is the typical baseball size
• Softball infielder gloves have a deeper pocket to accept the bigger ball
• Second basemen need a smaller glove to help make those quick throws while still having control
• Shortstops use something in the middle for grounders and quick throws
• Third basemen need a larger glove

Outfield

• Usually sized at 12 to12 1/2-inches for adults, about 11 inches for children
• A deeper pocket to handle balls hit high in the air
• Longer length to give as much reach as possible
• If you plan to play several positions, find a glove that provides the most control for a variety of outfield positions

Youngsters/Beginners

• Youth models are smaller to help kids maintain control
• Avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that you'll grow into
• Kids under the age of 8 should stick with a glove from 9 to 11 inches
• Kids from 8 to early teens, consider an 11-inch glove
• Beginners also benefit from the added control that they get from smaller gloves

High School/ Adult

• Outfielders need 12 to 12 1/2 inch gloves with deeper pockets
• Infielders need smaller gloves (10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inch) with shallower pockets for better control and quicker ball transfer
• Pitchers can go with a slightly larger glove than infielders but still need a small enough glove for fielding and throwing quickly
• Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket to help field the bigger ball

Softball Bat 

There are some standard rules of thumb in selecting the appropriate bat length. The charts below offer some guidelines based on age and weight and height:

Age

Using your age as a guide, use the chart below to determine the bat length that fits your body.

Height and weight

• Height and weight are usually better ways to determine what bat length may work best for you
• Once again, use the height and weight chart to give you a general idea of the length of bat that fits your body

Determining the Right Bat Weight

• Most bats are weighted in ounces
• Manufacturers have done a great job in balancing the bat's weight to its length
• Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -4, -6, etc.
• This basically means a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces
• Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style
• It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
• Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both the heft and swing power
• Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing
• Younger players, too, should consider that a lighter bat increases control, great for singles hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury