If you plan on playing any softball there are not many pieces of equipment you need. One thing that will help your game is a pair of softball gloves. Basemen and catchers almost always wear gloves because even though the game is softball the ball will still be coming at quite fast speeds. This can cause a burning on the hands and by the end of the game; you may not even be able to grab the ball at all if you have gone barehanded the whole time.
The basic softball gloves fit in between the thumb and forefinger. They cover the palm and back of the hand but leave the fingers open. This protects your hand but keeps your fingers open for grabbing and catching the ball.
Consider first what type of gloves you should be getting. There are women’s gloves, men’s gloves, youth gloves and children’s gloves. Obviously, you can determine which category you fall into. Youth includes young adults from the ages of 10-19.
Before you buy your gloves, you need to get the right measurements. You typically need to do this while in the store. Bring a measuring tape with you and start by measuring a glove starting at the top of the index finger and making your way down to the bottom of the glove. Most softball gloves go by inches so this is the measurement you should be using.
Once you know the size of a pair of mitts, you can determine whether or not they will fit your hands properly. You need gloves that are snug but not so tight that they are cramping your hands.
Another important consideration is the style of glove. There is the conventional open back, which most people are used to, but then there are also closed back gloves available. Which are you more comfortable with wearing? What position will you be playing? Answering these questions will help you figure out which style would work best for you.
The closed back gloves typically come with an adjustment option so you can fit them properly to your hands.
When buying gloves for softball be sure to look for pockets as well if you prefer to have them. Some softball players prefer pockets while other like gloves without them. Again, it all depends on you and what you are comfortable with. You may find that you have to try different gloves on to compare, especially if you are just now getting into the sport and not sure what you are looking for.
Once you have your gloves you should break them in. You can do this by wearing them around and especially if they are leather, this will be important. For leather, there are leather conditioners that help to soften up the material. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, just until they feel softer and easier to put on. You are not going to do too well with rock hard softball gloves that you can hardly catch anything with.
The bottom line is that anyone can find the right pair of softball gloves if they just give it a chance. These all are the most important features to look for on a pair of gloves. Shop at a reputable store and talk to the salesperson there about the different gloves they are offering. They should be able to give you a much better description on each style of glove and help you find the right pair.
There are some softball players who do not even wear gloves. It is completely up to you but most have a much better game with gloves because it gives their hands something to grip with.