The Amateur Softball Association recommends the use of proper softball equipment to protect youth players from injury as well as to allow youth players to perfect their skills. While softball equipment may vary from league to league based on skill and age level, youth softball players should invest in a variety of equipment. The best softball gear is the gear the allows players to safely enjoy the game of softball.
Batting Helmets
Batting helmets must be worn by all players whether they are playing slow or fast pitch softball. Helmets protect a player's head while they are batting as well as when they are running bases. Base runners are often vulnerable to head injuries because they have their backs to fielders as they run the bases. All youth players must have chin straps for added security of the helmet. Helmets come in small, medium and large sizes. It is important to wear a helmet that properly fits your head to prevent the helmet from falling off as you run.
Gloves
A multiple types of softball gloves are available. Gloves are designed specifically for catcher's, first base players and for fielders. A catcher's glove is designed without fingers. These gloves are bigger and have more cushion than fielder's gloves to protect the catcher from hand and finger injuries. First base gloves are also made without fingers. It is important to remember that catcher's and first base players have the option of wearing a traditional fielder's glove as well. A fielder's glove is worn by players in the outfield and infield. Outfielder's gloves tend to be longer since players are most often catching fly balls. Infielder gloves tend to be shorter and allow for more control.
Catcher's Mask
A catcher's mask is vitally important in protecting the faces of catchers. All youth softball catchers must wear face masks. Face masks are made of metal and have a throat protector. The catcher's mask should fit properly. Many masks come with adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit. Catcher's should also be able to see properly when wearing a catcher's mask. If the mask is obstructing the view of the catcher, chances are the catcher's mask is too big.
Softballs
Softballs are vitally important in practices and in softball games. Softballs come in two sizes. Softballs are 11 inches for slow pitch and 12 inches for fast pitch softball. It is important to remember that softballs are not actually soft. They are very similar to baseballs but are a few inches larger in size. Youth players need to be away of this fact. When working with youth who are new softball players, there is such thing as a safety ball. A safety ball is a softer form of a regular softball, which decreases the likelihood of injury while practicing or playing.
Other Equipment
Softball players require a large variety of equipment. Equipment includes cleats, uniforms, mouth guards, catcher's helmets, softball bats, shin guards for catchers and bases.
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