What's the difference in softball gloves?

Baseball and Softball glove models are designed differently to accommodate the size of the game ball. For example, a baseball is only 9 inches in size and a baseball glove is designed to catch and hold that size, whereas a softball could be 11 or 12 inches, so these gloves have a larger pocket.

Is there a difference between softball gloves?

FASTPITCH VS SLOW PITCH GLOVES

Slow pitch players, especially catchers and pitchers, may prefer a larger glove to accommodate the size of the ball. Meanwhile, the best fastpitch softball glove will need a strong leather to adapt to wear and tear.

What are the different types of softball gloves?

• Infield. In fastpitch, infielders typically want to wear a 11.5”-12.5” glove. ...
• Outfield. Outfielders need a bigger pocket to secure fly balls. ...
• Catchers. For those who make the decision to venture behind the plate, a catcher's mitt is a necessity. ...
• Pitcher. Pitchers should use an 11.5-12.5” glove. ...
• Slowpitch.

What type of softball glove do I need?

For softball players, 6 years and under, a glove size between 9 and 10 inches may do for all positions; a glove size between 10 and 11.5 is ideal for ages 7 to 9, also for all positions. For players ages 10 to 14, infielders may fit with 11.5 to 12.5, while outfielders can opt for 12 to 13.

Is there a difference between slow pitch and fast pitch softball gloves?

PITCHER'S GLOVES

In slow pitch, there's only one pitch — under hand and slow. In fastpitch, there's much more variation, creating a pitcher's need to hide his finger placement on the ball. Using a mitt with closed webbing is designed to help keep the style of pitch hidden from the batter.

Can a baseball glove be used for fastpitch softball?

Baseball gloves can be used for softball. Outfield baseball gloves are better suited for softball because they have more surface area to catch the softball. Infield baseball gloves do not have the surface area to handle the large softball.

Can I use a softball glove to play baseball?

Although it's possible to play baseball using a softball glove, traditionally, it's not recommended. You can probably get by with using a softball glove if you play baseball recreationally or just for fun, but at a more serious level of competition, it puts you at a disadvantage.

What is the difference between infield and outfield softball gloves?

Outfield gloves are larger than infield gloves to enable more range and reach in the large space being covered. These gloves have a deeper pocket, and usually have an H-web or a Trapeze web. Softball gloves tend to have pockets that are very deep to catch the larger ball.

Is 12 inch glove good for softball?

The standard size for a baseball infield glove is 11.25 to 12 inches, and 11.5 to 12.5 inches for softball.

What is a good size softball glove?

Because the softball is 11″, you will typically see fastpitch infielder gloves ranging between 10″ and 11.5″ for youth players and roughly 11.5″ and 12.5″ for players ages 13 and older. If you play slow pitch softball, your glove size will be bigger because the ball is 12″.

What size first base glove do pros use?

A typical first baseman's mitt will be between 12″ and 13″. Make sure to not oversize the mitt, however, as you want to be able to control it during play.

What size softball glove should a 12 year old use?

Youth baseball, ages 8 to 12: 10- to 12-inch glove. Youth softball, 8 to 12: 10.5- to 13-inch. Baseball, ages 13 to 18: 11 inches and up. Softball, ages 13 to 18: 11.5 inches and up.

How do you measure for glove size?

To ascertain your glove size:

1. Pass a tape measure around the widest part of your hand - usually over your knuckles, excluding the thumb.
2. The result, in inches, is your glove size - e.g. if your hand measures 7 inches, you are a glove size 7.
3. If you are between two sizes, round down to the lower of the two.

What size softball does 12U use?

The ball for 12U fast-pitch is 12 inches and 11 inches for 12U slow-pitch. Base paths are the standard 60 feet for both versions of the game, but pitching distance is 40 feet for fast-pitch and 46 feet for slow-pitch.

What size glove does a 14 year old need?

Most players in the 13-14 year old age group will do well with an 11.25 to 12-inch for infield players to 12 to 13-inch glove for outfield players. Some smaller players will be more comfortable with an 11-inch infield model or an 11.5-inch outfield model.

Is it bad to use an infield glove for outfield?

To best do their job, infielders and outfielders need gloves with different size, pocket depth, and webbing. So if you're wondering if an infield glove can be used for the outfield, we wouldn't recommend it.

What type of glove should I get?

Fit: Choose a glove that fits snugly. Do not purchase a glove too big for your hand, as it could hinder your performance. Feel: Your glove should be stiff enough to give strength yet offer the flexibility to provide control and quick response. Style: Choose a look and color that fits you.

Can you play outfield with a first baseman's glove?

Official rules of softball rule 3 section 4 state, that only the first baseman and catcher may use mitts, but any player can use gloves. Thus, you can't use a first base mitt in the outfield. The difference between a mitt and a glove is that mitt's don't have fingers separated, as gloves do.

Can men use softball gloves?

Ultimately, it makes no difference if a softball glove was originally meant for a man or a woman. If it fit securely on your hand, and you feel confident fielding the softball, then use it.

Can you use a baseball first base glove for softball?

While there is no rule against playing slowpitch softball with a baseball glove, we would not recommend buying a baseball-specific model to play primarily slowpitch softball with. Now if you already have a baseball glove and are just looking to recreationally playing slowpitch, no need to worry, you'll be just fine.

What size glove Should a 11 year old use?

Find glove size based on age

A 7- or 8-year-old needs a glove that is 10 1/2 to 11 inches. A 9- to 12-year-old needs a glove that is 11 to 11 1/2 inches. A high school-aged child normally wears a glove between 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches.