How to Choose a Softball Glove? | Are Slowpitch and Fastpitch Need Different Gloves?

Last Updated on May 16, 2023

When it comes to how to choose a softball glove, it might need clarification for many reasons. Because you might think of both slowpitch softball and fastpitch softball to consider the facts. But you know what? There are only a few different considerations to be confused with both slowpitch and fastpitch softball gloves.

By the way, you will primarily consider some facts like the build quality, materials, construction, sizes, prices, and other essential facts for choosing your glove. Along with these, you might look for some additional things as well.

However, as a youth baseball coach, and former professional baseball player, I have some precise experience picking the best gloves for both baseball and softball. Here I will help you to pick the best softball glove based on your needs. 

What Is the Difference Between Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball Gloves?

Figure 01: Fastpitch vs Slowpitch Softball Gloves

Before getting to the point, we need to be clear about the differences between fastpitch and slowpitch softball gloves. Because they have little differences that may impact choosing the type of glove. Here you got to go. 

Catcher’s Mitt

The main difference between the fastpitch and slowpitch glove is the catcher’s mitt. In fastpitch softball, pitchers are allowed to wind their hands spinning around like windmills. The spin of the hand creates the momentum of creating motion that increases the pitching speed. 

The throwing speed in fastpitch softball may go as high as sixty miles per hour. Since fastpitch is played at a faster speed with pitching, the mitts used in the game need to be more specialized like those used in baseball.

On the other hand, as a slow pitch, softball is played with a slower pitching speed. Because pitchers have to release the ball underarm without any hand spinning, unlike fastpitch. The pitcher just steps forward to the rubber and throws the ball underarm.

As the verdict comes, slowpitch softball catchers can use any type of gloves, like utility or fielding gloves. 

Additional Read: How To Break In A Catcher’s Mitt

Pitcher’s Mitt/Glove

There are no variations in pitches in slowpitch softball. Therefore, there is no need to conceal the grip or the ball hand in any way. But different grips and throwing styles are used in fastpitch softball. You have to make sure the batter can’t see how you’re holding the ball.

In this case, a closed web glove is preferred for fastpitch pitchers. 

Buying Guide- How to Choose a Softball Glove?

A glove should be considered for at least 3 to 4 years as it’s an expensive investment. So, softball players who want to pick the best-matched glove for them must consider some essential facts before buying the glove. 

Here I will share some basic facts about what you should consider choosing the right and best softball glove. 

Pricing

You might wonder why the pricing is at the top of your consideration! Yep, you are seeing it right. Pricing should be the foremost consideration when you go for the glove you desire. Basically, in my opinion, you should first study the glove pricing, then set a price range you will go to. 

Check what is available in your price range. Make sure you are spending the right amount of money on the right glove that will give you the best value for money. 

When you consider a glove made entirely of leather, the price will, of course, be more. On the other hand, if you are considering using synthetic material, you can expect the price to be much cheaper than that of leather.

Material of Glove

Baseball or softball gloves are made of mainly two types of materials- leather and synthetic material. Leather, you know, is expensive. There are different types of leather too. You will find full-grain leather, keep leather, Japanese kip, Steerhide, etc., as the primary materials of baseball gloves. 

Figure 02: Types of Leather

You should choose the leather type base on your budget as well. Here is a glance at the leather type to understand which glove use which leather. 

Full-Grain Leather- The natural grain of leather sustains in the full-grain processed leather. As a result, full grain is comparatively heavier and stiffer. But they are durable enough. Mid-level gloves use full-grain leather. Full-grain leather takes some additional time to break in. After entirely broken in, you will find it comfortable, long-lasting, and great in performance. 

Kip Leather or KipSkin- Kip leather is one of the premium leather types used in luxurious gloves. Also, Japanese kip is highly premium than others. Normally, kip leather is lighter than full0grain leather, which helps the fielder to transfer the ball from the glove’s hand to the other hand. It also takes less time to break in.

Premium Steerhide- Another high-quality kind of leather is called premium steerhide. The leather comes from the mature steer’s rear shoulder, where it was harvested. It has a very rough and rugged appearance, and it is long-lasting.

In addition to this, it takes a longer period of time to break in, and it does really have a longer lifetime.

Synthetic materials, on the other hand, may be produced at a lower cost than leather.  Additionally, synthetic is ready for gameplay. You only need to buy synthetic gloves, break them in, and start playing.

But, the synthetic glove is just recommended for recreational use, or too little kids just started the game. 

You May Also Like: Wilson A2000 Softball Glove Series Review 2022 |Pro Stock and SuperSkin Leather

Construction Quality

Figure 03: Different Construction Quality

A baseball or softball glove is constructed with several parts. Each part has its own aspects. Especially in softball gloves, there is no chance to compromise the quality of any of the glove parts’ construction.

Here are different parts of a softball glove described briefly for better understanding. 

i. Softball Webbing

Softball webbing is, in simple words, the receiver of the ball. You also can say the basket of the glove is where the ball first contacts while catching it. Among other parts, the web of the glove must be constructed with the sturdiest feature since it faces the most violent(!).

There are mainly two categories of webbing used- open and closed. They are also designed with various designs. 

If you are only a fielder, open webbing is recommended for you. Pitchers prefer closed as they need to hide their grip from the hitters. 

ii. Glove Pocket

The glove pocket may be found right underneath the web. When the ball is grabbed by the web, it is immediately transferred to the pocket so that control may be maintained. The pocket is the connection between the thumb and the fingers that enables a player to exert control over the ball.

Shallower pockets help the fast transformation of the ball, whereas deeper pockets give more reliability to hold the ball well. If you are an infielder, you need to pick a shallower pocket, and the deeper pockets are for outfielders. 

Additional Read: Why Do Girls Play Softball And Boys Play Baseball (Sexism Or Law)

iii. Heel

The heel is the lower part of the glove just above the wrist. It protects your hand’s bottom part. The heel must be studied and tough to withstand shock for a long time. 

iv. Back of the Glove

The back of the glove has a cutout that allows you to keep your index finger free. When compared to open designs, closed ones have a more restricted backspace. You choose the optimal one that corresponds to your preferences.

v. Palm

The palm is just below the fingers, which are foam-padded. It absorbs the shock and gives comfort to catching the balls. 

vi. Wrist Adjustment

Wrist adjustment is the part at the bottom that allows the glove to fit perfectly. It includes lace, D-ring, or a buckle to adjust the glove on your hand. 

Softball Glove Webbing

If you think about how to choose a softball glove or just hear the name glove, you must have heard the “web.” Webbing is one of the most critical aspects of gloves.

Webbing is also determined based on the fielding position as well. Here are the facts about the baseball glove web to determine which one is perfect for you. 

i. Catcher’s Mitt Webs

Basically, a catcher’s glove is called a catcher’s mitt. Two types of catcher’s mitts are mainly designed for catchers- Half Moon and One-piece. 

One-Piece: The name shows the aspect. The one-piece glove is a piece of leather crafted into a glove without breaking or divided into any spare parts. 

Half-Moon: In the half-moon web, basically, a tight pocket is there. The visibility of the glove is a little.

Figure 04: Different Types of Softball Glove Webbing

ii. Fielding and Pitching Glove Web

There are a lot of web designs for fielders. They are as follows. 

Basket: The basket webbing in gloves is used mostly by pitchers. Basket is a closed web design that helps pitcher to hide their grip from the hitters. 

I-Web: I-web is one of the most popular web designs where the web is shaped like “I.” It is an open web, which infielders use in most cases. The I-web gloves basically have shallower pockets for fast transferring of the ball.

H-Web: The H-web, much like the I-web, is fashioned like the letter “H.” The H shape on the web is created by using two leather strips. Both infielders and outfielders use it often, making it one of the most prevalent web designs overall. There is sufficient pliability in the H-web.

Cross Web: Two leather strips create a cross, an open webbing that gives maximum visibility. 

Trapeze Web: Trapeze web pattern holds the deepest pockets. It is mainly used by outfielders, which gives too much reliability to put the ball into the pocket. 

Modified Trap: The modified trap might be utilized for a variety of different positions. The strip on the site provides an extra layer, giving the glove greater structure and depth.

iii. First Base Web

First-base gloves are mainly designed with several webbing. They are as follows. 

Single Post: Two horizontal leather strips make a pattern across a single vertical strip. It is one of the most popular ones among the first basemen. 

Dual Bar: Two horizontal bars form a pocket in dual bar webbing. 

Modified H-Web: Modified H-web adds an extra top piece of leather strip to enhance the radius of the pocket. 

Here are the webbing facts for softball gloves by positions at a glance to give a quick overview. 

Position of Player	Web Type	Web Design	Pocket Preference	Padding Recommendation	Back
Catcher	Closed Web	Half Moon/One Piece	Deep/Mid-deep	Extra Padding needed	Player’s preference
Pitcher	Closed Web	Basket/Modified Trap	Deep	More recommended/Player’s preference	Player’s preference
Infielder	Closed/Open	I-web/H-web	Shallow	Extra padding needed	Open
Outfielder	Open Web	H-web/Trapeze/Cross/Modified Trapeze	Deep	Player’s preference	Open
First Base	Open web	Single Post/Dual bar/ Modified H-web	Deep	Extensive Padding needed	Player’s preference
Shortstop, Second Base and Third Base	Open web	H-web/I-web/Cross	Shallow	More recommended	Player’s preference

Choose From Mitt and Glove

There are differences between softball mitts and gloves. Gloves have separate finger designs that separate all fingers from each other. On the other hand, mitts are normally one-piece construction of glove use designed for withstanding more shocks. 

Basically, catchers and first basemen use mitts. Also, there are a few differences between the catcher’s mitt and the first baseman’s mitts. 

On the other hand, other fielding positions- outfielders, second and third baseman, pitchers, and utility players use gloves.

Fitting of the Glove

Fitting has a big purpose of being served. Loose fitting or tight fitting will give you hassles in playing. You must check the glove fit you snugly. 

The fitting is crucial for catching the ball and transferring it. You should follow the manufacturer’s glove size chart before purchasing your glove. Here is a common softball glove size chart that fits most cases. You can follow this to get an idea of what size will fit you most. 

Age Group	Infielder	Outfielder	First Base	Catcher	Pitcher
7U	8 to 10.5”	9 to 11”	11.5”	29.5 to 30”	8 to 10.5”
10U	10.5 to 11.5”	10 to 12”	11.5 to 12”	30 to 32”	10.5 to 11.5”
13U	11.25 to 12.5”	11.75 to 12.5”	12 to 13”	31 to 32.5”	11.5 to 12.5”
14 and above	11.5 to 12.75”	12 to 14”	12 to 13”	33 to 35”	11.5 to 14”

Weight of the Glove

You should check the weight of gloves as per your comfort level. Great build quality with premium leather might go wrong when it weighs a lot, and you can’t wear it all day long. You have to get comfortable wearing it. So, check for lightweight gloves. 

The weight of the glove has a direct bearing on how comfortable it is. Additionally, comfort is determined by a number of factors, such as the padding, the quality of the leather, etc. Check that the gloves include all of the necessary components so that you can wear them comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to break in a Softball glove?

A softball glove could be broken in different ways. Among them playing with gloves for a certain time, using the steaming method, warm water methods, and wrapping the glove for a certain period. Among them, the hot water method is the most popular and effective.  

You might find the most effective ways to break in a softball from our guide on how to break in a Wilson A2000 glove. 

Is a 14-inch glove too big for softball?

Basically, softball players (above age group 10) use glove sizes ranging anything from 11” and more. In most cases, As softball is bigger in size, gloves smaller than 11.5” are not preferred, though a minimum of 12” is perfect in most cases. 

On the other hand, a 14” glove is not a bigger one in many cases, rather it’s a necessary one for outfielders. 

Is a 12-inch glove big enough for softball?

For softball adult players, a softball glove ranging from 11.5” to 13” is standard. 12” size the average size for most cases. 

Final Verdict

Since the softball glove is one of the top-most needed components of the game, you must pick the right one based on your needs. That is why it’s a must-learn how to choose a softball glove. Without a proper knowledge base, this might drive you to a wrong decision. 

By the way, make sure the glove is value for money. Also, don’t compromise the quality and construction. Comfort is another big factor to keep in mind. By all means, as webbing is a big factor, make sure which one fits you the most. 

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