by Guest Author Brad Henks
Have you seen the little girl out there at second base fumbling around trying to make a play on the softball when her glove keeps falling off her hand? Maybe you remember something like that happening to you when you were just starting out in fastpitch softball or baseball. It was frustrating and kind of humiliating. Made you think you were a bad ball player.
In this article I am going to tell you about the many different sizes of softball gloves. I will explain how to know which one is the best softball glove for you and why you should use that size and style.
One thing we as parents need to remember is that for a kid that is brand new to the game of fastpitch softball, we should give them the proper tools to learn the game. I don't mean you have to go out and buy them that awesome new Pro model glove that costs $259. You just need to make sure they have a glove that fits their little hand. But you can always sell it if they decide to give up on softball.
So What Size Does She Need
Glove sizes for the youngest kids are gonna be in the 10 inch to 10.5 inch pattern size. It probably won't matter which position she plays either. Get a glove she likes. They even make them in Pink and Purple now. Make sure she can put her hand into the glove easily, and that it stays on. If it falls right off, try to find one that has smaller finger slots or one with a velcro strap on the wrist.
OK, I'm Ready for Comp Ball
So, now your little girl has grown up and has really taken a shine to this game of fastpitch softball. She was able to learn and almost master the mechanics of fielding and throwing the ball. Now she is ready to move into travel ball or competitive softball. She thinks she needs a position specific softball glove?
What Size for My Position?
Most fastpitch softball catchers mitts are either 33.5 inch to 34.5 inch. I see most in the 34 inch size. It kind of depends on your preference and how strong your hand or the size of your hand. Fastpitch catchers mitts are also generally made with smaller finger stalls to fit a young ladies hand better. Baseball catchers mitts run a little smaller - in the 32.5 inch to 33.5 inch range. Youth catchers mitts can be smaller - in the 31 inch range.
Pitchers
Pitchers in softball usually like a slightly larger glove pattern. Generally in the 12.5 inch to 13 inch range, with 13 inch being most seen. Pitchers like to be able to hide the ball while getting the grip for the pitch. It also gives them a little more protection from that hard shot up the middle. Many pitchers like a glove with a beehive web - a kind of solid web. Some prefer the more open web. Again, it is a preference and by the age of 13 or 14 they are starting to have an opinion on everything.
Choosing the correct softball glove size for all the positions is what we all need to know. If you want to understand all the styles, types, patents and sizes.
FIND OUT MORE
If you want to find out more about correctly sizing your new softball glove you'll find many more tips and facts about softball glove sizes. There are also many different sizes and types of softball gloves available to you.
You will find the benefits of correctly sizing your softball glove.
http://www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Henks
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