New catching gloves are stiff and difficult to manipulate. It makes fast-moving balls harder to catch because the glove cannot flap closed over the ball as quickly as needed. That's why it is essential to break in a glove before taking it out on the field. Breaking in a new glove is easy and quick.
Step 1
Cover the glove in baby oil. You don't need to soak the glove, just cover it with a thin layer and let the oil seep into the glove. The oil helps soften the leather, making it more malleable and easier to open and shut.
Step 2
Heat the glove in the oven. Some players heat their gloves in microwave ovens, but this can often overheat your glove and cook the leather. The best way to heat a glove is to preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, turn it off, and let the glove rest in the cooling oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also leave the glove in a hot car, preferably in the sun.
Step 3
Store a ball in the glove, and use a rubber band to keep the glove shut. This forces the glove to form a pocket fitting the ball and helps flex out the leather. Plus, storing a ball in the glove even after the glove has been broken in helps the leather retain its shape.
Step 4
Use the glove. No matter how much you oil, bake or shape the glove, you need to give yourself time to adjust to the new glove's feel in your hand. Use a new glove during practice -- once it's completely broken in, you'll be more than ready to use it on the field.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil
- Oven
- Rubber band
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