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Softball players need to catch and hold on to the ball, which makes the baseball glove an important piece of equipment. If you want to play softball, you'll need a good softball mitt. There are many mitts available, and this guide will help you select a softball glove that is the right style, length and web design.



  1. 1
    Find softball mitts online, in sport stores and retail shops.
    • When choosing a softball mitt, you don't have to buy the most expensive one, but if you are going to use it often, you shouldn't buy the cheapest one, either.
    • A good softball glove may be an investment that will last for years.
  2. 2
    Determine what type of mitt you need. Usually, softball players are assigned to a specific position, such as catcher, outfielder, pitcher, first base or infielder.
    • Choose a catcher's mitt if you play catcher. You will need a glove with thick padding because you have to catch a fastball. Comfort is important when you select a softball glove, and you don't want a heavy catcher's mitt because you need to retrieve the ball from the mitt and throw it quickly.
    • Pick an outfielder's mitt if you play outfield. Softball players in the outfield require a mitt with a deep pocket and a long glove to catch fly balls and grounders. Outfielder gloves range from 13 inches (33.02 cm) to 14 inches (35.56 cm) long so that when outfielders have to dive or run for the ball, the extra length gives them better reach.
    • Select a pitcher's mitt if you are a pitcher. When you are choosing a softball mitt for the pitching position, you need a comfortable glove that's large enough to hide the ball, so that the batter can't see what type of pitch you are preparing to throw.
    • Choose a first baseman's mitt if you play first base. Softball players that play first base require a mitt that has a shallow pocket so you can retrieve the ball from the mitt and throw it quickly. You will also want a longer mitt to assist you in catching balls from infielders.
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    • Pick an infielder's mitt if you play shortstop, second base or third base. Select a softball glove with a shorter length and a smaller pocket so you can get the ball from the glove and into your throwing hand quickly and efficiently.
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    Decide if you want an open or closed back mitt.
    • An open back mitt exposes the top of your wrist. Softball players who have positions in the infield often opt for an open mitt.
    • A closed back mitt completely covers your hand and may have a hole for the index finger so you may keep it outside for more support. Outfielders generally prefer this style.
  4. 4
    Determine what type of adjustment you want on your softball mitt. When choosing a softball mitt, you may select a Velcro, D-ring, lace-up or buckle wrist adjuster.
  5. 5
    Select an open or closed web for your mitt. When choosing a softball mitt, the web design is a matter of personal choice.
    • Pitchers like closed web mitts because it allows them to hide the ball, and many outfielders like a closed web because it gives more support.
    • Infielders like open web mitts because it provides better ball handling for quicker mitt to hand transitions.

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    • If you are a new softball player, select a utility glove. A utility glove may be used in the infield or outfield. If you continue with the sport, you may buy another glove when you are certain of your position.
    • 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.

    Article Info

    Categories: Softball

    In other languages:

    Español: elegir un guante de softball, Português: Escolher Luvas de Softball, Русский: выбрать перчатку для софтбола

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