If you are starting softball, be prepared to invest in equipment. The purpose of softball equipment is to keep you safe and to help you develop and improve your skills. While you should buy new safety equipment, you can buy most of the other equipment used at a second-hand sporting goods store if you are looking to save money. Before purchasing any equipment, find out what your league's specific equipment requirements are.
Safety Equipment
It is mandatory for softball players to wear a helmet while batting and running the bases in both practice and play. A helmet can prevent a serious head injury. While some teams provide helmets, you may want to consider buying a new helmet for hygiene purposes and to ensure a proper fit. Some leagues may require you to wear a face mask, chin strap or both, for added protection and stability. To comply with the latest safety standards, buy a helmet and face mask that have the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) seal of approval on them. The NOCSAE is the organization that sets the safety standards for athletic equipment. In addition to a helmet and face mask, you may want to consider buying a mouth-guard to protect your teeth while at bat and in the field.
Batting Equipment
While some teams provide bats, you might want to consider buying your own to use outside of scheduled practices. Softball bats vary in length, weight and material. Check with your league to get a list of approved bats. While batting gloves are not necessary, they can give you a better grip on the bat and prevent blisters from intense batting practice. To play catch or to practice batting, you should buy a few softballs. The circumferences of softballs are either 11 inches for slow pitch or 12 inches for fast pitch.
Fielding Equipment
Every player needs her own glove. The type of glove you should get depends on what position you play. While there are generic softball gloves, there are some specifically designed for infielders, first-basemen, outfielders, pitchers and catchers. In general, softball gloves have a larger pocket than baseball gloves since the ball is bigger. Softball gloves can be made of leather or synthetic materials. Leather gloves are usually more expensive, but are more durable.
Personal Equipment
Usually, a uniform is provided for you and may include a hat or visor, jersey, pants or shorts and socks. It is your responsibility to get softball cleats. As opposed to street shoes, cleats provide the necessary traction to run on dirt and grass. Cleats are available in plastic, rubber or metal. Typically, metal cleats are not permitted due to the high likelihood of injury occurring. If you already have soccer cleats, check with your coach to see if they will be acceptable. You may want to consider getting sliding shorts and a sliding pad. Worn under your uniform, sliding shorts are usually spandex with built-in padding to protect your thighs from being scraped up when sliding. A sliding pad is worn over your uniform and can be pulled up to protect your knee and shin. Once you have purchased all of your equipment, you might want to buy an equipment bag to store it all in for easy travel.
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