Posts Tagged ‘glove’
How to Break in a Softball Glove
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010How to Break in a Softball Glove
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010The Best Fit Softball Gloves
Sunday, November 14th, 2010The game of softball is one that is richly filled with tradition, superstition and ritual. Like baseball players, when softball players takes the field they are likely to have many routines that help them to stay focused and maximize their abilities on the field and in the batter’s box. The glove that a softball player chooses to use has much to do with these rituals and is a particularly important part of the game for them.
Brands matter when it comes to a softball glove. Whether a player chooses a Wilson or a Mizuno the quality of the softball glove chosen has a great deal to do with the playe’s ability to do his job. Making a diving catch can depend entirely on the softball gloves the players choose. The webbing and the fit somehow empower the player to make plays they otherwise would not feel confident to attempt. Ask any player and you will find that their brand is the best to them and that it is one of the important factors in their performance.
Rawlings softball gloves manufacturer understands the importance of fit. With nearly 200 designs for their glove, they have a fit for everyone. They have a wide variety of the traditional six-stitch webbings and full fit webbings as well as some unique designs like the Double Trap, six-finger glove. They have gloves for slow pitch and fast pitch softball, catcher’s mitts and custom long webbings for outfield gloves. Rawlings makes gloves for every level of competition too. Starting prices for league level gloves run about $23. For competition style gloves the best gloves can run as high as $200, but that is not just a price tag, it is a quality assurance.
Some players however, cannot find the right fit with Rawlings even with so many cuts and opt instead for Mizuno Softball Gloves. Mizuno has set its niche market in the traditional styles. The piecrust webbing is standard in all mitts but that does not mean they do not have variety. From catcher’s mitts to first baseman’s gloves they have specialized in the gel inserts that absorb shock and mold to fit the players catching hand. Mizuno takes pride in designing gloves that fit from the inside out. Many hard training softball players choose their gloves for the customized fit that they want on the field. And while recreational players might not give it as much thought, they enjoy the same unique feel that comes when you put one of their gloves on.
The author has spent a lot of time learning about softball glove and other related topics. Read more about cricket shoes at Vincent O’Neil’s website.
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Kids Softball Drills – Fun Drills for Beginning Players
Saturday, November 6th, 2010Start with the Basics
These kids softball drills teach the basics — hitting, running, throwing, and catching — in fun, simple ways that beginners will understand and enjoy!
Don’t Miss
This hitting drill emphasizes making contact with the ball and correct placement of the bat once the batter has hit the ball. You will need a tee, a ball, a bat, gloves for each player, and a hula hoop.
Divide the team into two sides. Fielders will play as usual. Batters take turns hitting from the tee, focusing on making solid contact with the ball. Once they have hit the ball, they must toss their bat into the hula hoop on the ground next to home base before they can run to first. If the player misses the ball or knocks the tee over, it’s a strike. After three strikes, the player is out. The player is also out if they don’t place their bat in the hula hoop before running to first.
Red Light/Green Light
This kids softball helps beginners get used to running with a glove and ball in their hands. Each player will need a glove with a ball in it. Have the players form a line facing the coach, who is about 60 to 90 feet away.
The drill begins when the coach turns away from the players and yells “green light.” The kids run toward him/her as fast as they can, making sure to hold on to their balls. Periodically the coach will yell “red light” and spin around. If the coach sees any of the players moving after he/she has called “red light,” those players are out. The first player to get close and tag the coach out wins.
Hit the Coach
This is a fun beginning softball drill to teach throwing accuracy. The kids form a line facing the coach, each one holding a small foam ball or other type of soft ball.
When the coach says to begin, the kids all try to hit him/her with their balls while the coach tries to avoid getting hit. The kids can run to retrieve their balls after they have thrown them, but they must throw from the starting line. Once the coach has been hit three times, the kids get to make him/her do something silly, like a dance or animal noise.
Look Up
This softball drill for kids teaches beginning players to catch fly balls in the outfield. When first learning softball, many kids are afraid of looking up to catch the ball. This drill will ease them into feeling comfortable catching from below.
This drill requires small foam balls and as many tall people (coaches, assistants, or parents) as possible to stand next to the kids and drop the balls over their heads. The kids look up with their hands raised and try to catch the balls. At first they should use both hands and no glove to get used to catching with both hands. Eventually they can move on to using gloves.
And if you’d like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:
http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web’s #1 resource for kids softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.
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Originally posted here: Kids Softball Drills – Fun Drills for Beginning Players
A High Quality Softball Catchers Mitt – What to Look For
Sunday, October 17th, 2010A softball catcher’s mitt is the type of a glove which is heavily padded and is used by baseball and softball catchers, as well. The mitts are used by catchers who are positioned in the catching position and never used for any other position. A catcher’s mitt, which is bigger when compared to a standard softball glove, has a large pocket. In addition, it is only meant to be used while catching a ball or receiving throws in order to get a batter out. If you are planning to buy a softball catcher’s mitt, first you should consider is the size that you need. The average measurement for a catcher’s mitt is 32 – 33 inches. Youth mitts usually have smaller wrist openings and finger stalls than the adult softball catcher’s mitt.
The catcher’s mitt should always adjust to one’s hand and fit snug. The next important thing would be the quality of the catcher’s mitt. The same way other types of gloves are made out of various types of materials, hence the catcher’s gloves work out the best if it is made out of full leather. Commonly, the catcher’s mitts, which are made out of soft leather, wear out very fast.
The very next thing will be one to differentiate the features that come with the catcher’s mitt. Always remember that catcher’s mitt should feature very thick padding along the palm. In the case of softball, usually the softball catcher’s mitt comes with lesser padding and a larger pocket for the larger ball. Some especially made models of softball catcher’s mitts use different new technologies in order to protect your hand better and improve catching, as well.
While choosing a catcher’s mitt, it is also important to know that the padding must not interfere with the catching ability. The price of a softball catcher’s mitt is higher than other normal gloves. One can either purchase a softball catcher’s mitt online or buy at a retail store where one gets the advantage of trying the mitt on.
However, there is a big difference between gloves and mitts; gloves have fingers and mitts don’t. It is important to stress that the first base and catcher are only positions which use mitts.
Another big temptation when choosing a youth glove is not to buy too “large” glove. There are many people who think that “he/she will grow into it”. Get the right size and avoid needless pain.
First base mitts which are especially made for softball have measurements between 12 and 13 inches. They are usually have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt with little or no padding in the palm or finger area. For youth players they are made from 11 to 11.5 inches.
Furthermore, catcher’s mitts have a thick around the circumference of the mitt with thick padding in the finger area and less padding in the palm area. Above all, the modern catcher’s glove being more flexible and evolving towards a first base mitt look alike as the quickness of the ball to hand transfer for a catcher is critical.
You can have your mitts with open and closed webs. Open web is the choice of middle infielders, first baseman and some outfielders. It helps them to get the ball out of the glove faster. Therefore, closed web is the choice of pitchers, third base and most outfielders. They like the additional support that a closed web provides.
Softball catchers mitts and other softball sports equipment:
http://softballcatchersmitt.net
http://catchermitts.net
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See original here: A High Quality Softball Catchers Mitt – What to Look For
Fastpitch Softball – Basics on How Its Done & Fastpitch Softball Pitching Equipment
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010The game of softball is often confused with the game of baseball and many are often lead to believe that if one plays baseball one can play softball too. Before one discusses what softball pitching is all about it would be worth while to just have a glimpse of some of the differences. Softball as a game has its roots in the game of baseball. In softball the numbers of innings are limited to seven; the ball is thrown underhand and played on a smaller ground. The game of softball has been attributed to George Hancock and since then this game has become increasingly popular. Today it is played in countries all over the world.
Pitching a softball requires quite a bit of practice. It’s not just about throwing the ball but instead requires proper hand and body coordination before the ball is pitched.
The whole idea of softball pitching concentrates around the pitchers body position with respect to the pitchers plate, the gripping of the ball in the hand and the proper positioning of the foot. A full understanding of these positions will help a softball pitcher perform better.
While pitching a softball the weak foot is usually placed at the end of the back of the pitch plate with the feet placed apart at around shoulder length. The arms are kept at the sides and the back heel is lifted in the air. This gives more strength to the front foot and greater balance. The weight can be shifted to the back by rocking the arms in a backward position. The arm is now brought forward with the ball in the glove such that the ball remains hidden from the batter. Rotating the ball in the air in the vertical direction and moving it in a circle the ball is released from the hip position. The action finishes by looking at the direction of the catcher. This is the essence of softball pitching where the main softball equipment with respect to the pitcher is the ball and the gloves.
However, there is fast-pitch softball also known as fast pitch or just fastpitch. This term refers to a form of softball played by women, though male and mixed fast pitch leagues also exist. They commonly start at the age of 6 and play it through the college. The International Softball Federation recognizes three pitch speeds: fast pitch, medium pitch and slow pitch. The fast pitch is considered as the most competitive form of softball. This form of softball was played in Olympic Games from 1996 till 2008.
Softball equipment helps a player to perform at the highest level possible. It is important that bats, gloves, cleats, apparel and more, are top notch in performance, quality, and durability at an affordable price. Nokona as a main manufacturer of softball equipment offers great quality and affordable prices. They make bat bags, softball knee leg guards, catcher gear and accessories (such as Nokona wrist saver, Nokona palm saver, Nokona classic glove conditioner, leather lacings, leather bags, NGM Nokona glove mallet).
Nokona athletic company provides softball players with quality gloves. They come in following series, Buffalo. Buckaroo, Classic Combo and Walnut Classic. They also use a wide range of materials to get the best results. Therefore, Buffalo and Classic Combo are made of American range bison, the leather which provides soft and sturdy at the same time. More over, Buckaroo is combination of kangaroo and cowhides to form lightweight gloves. At last, but not least important Nokona built its reputation on famous Walnut ‘crunch’ leather. For fastpitch, in their rich array they included series such are Catcher’s mitts, Elite and Youth.
Fastpitch softball pitching equipment
http://fastpitchsoftballpitching.org
http://softballbaseballequipment.com
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Read more: Fastpitch Softball – Basics on How Its Done & Fastpitch Softball Pitching Equipment
The Perfect Mitt – Which Softball Mitts Are Great For Which Positions?
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010The first thing to consider when you go out looking for the perfect softball mitt is the position of the player who will be using it. This is essential because different positions have different tasks. And they require their accessories to do different things for them. If you are still struggling with your softball mitts, and is having trouble telling a catcher’s mitt from an infielder’s glove, the descriptions below will definitely help.
Strictly for catchers
The most distinctive feature of catchers’ mitts is that they do not have fingers. They are also heavily padded, so they can better protect your hand from the impact of the speeding ball. These types of mitt are also relatively more sturdy and durable because they are built to withstand all the action, and also keep the hand from getting too much trauma from ball landings. The catcher’s mitt has closed webbing, and features a smaller pocket so you can easily take the ball out.
First base only
First base mitts look just like catchers’ mitts because they don’t have fingers as well. The only difference is that they have less padding. They also have a wider but shallower pocket so it’s easier to get the ball out of the mitt. The typical size is 13 to 14 inches, and the webbing is open so it’s easier to trap the ball within the pocket.
Pitcher perfect
Pitchers’ gloves have a closed webbing to allow the player to keep the softball hidden while he tunes up his grip before the next pitch.
Infield
The gloves that infielders use are typically smaller than average and with a shallower pocket so it’s easier to take the ball out and throw it to the person approaching the base. Many infielders are more comfortable with open webbing, although some third basemen will go for closed web mitts for better support during hard hits.
Outfield
Outfielders’ gloves are typically the longest and biggest types, sometimes spanning at least 12 inches. The size is required because the players need to be able to catch fly balls.
Learn more about picking a good softball mitt at http://softballmitts.org/
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See the original post: The Perfect Mitt – Which Softball Mitts Are Great For Which Positions?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking in Your New Softball Mitt
Monday, October 4th, 2010There’s nothing like the feel and grip of an old softball mitt to help you win a game. The problem is, when the time comes that your mitt has to be retired and replaced with a new one, the fresh new mitt just don’t feel the same. That’s because, just like a new car, your new softball mitt has to go through the process of breaking in before it’s going to ‘fit like a glove’ on your hand.
How do you do this? Follow the steps below and your new softball mitt will be as good as old in no time!
Step No. 1: Work the mitt with your hands. Pull on the mitt with your hands to loosen up the leather. Soften up the fingers by bending them forwards and backwards. Do this for as long as twenty minutes.
Step No. 2: Get a bottle of shaving cream and apply this onto the palm area and the fingers of your mitt. For best results, use a brand that’s formulated with lanolin as this works its way through the leather. Do the rubbing for about five minutes, then do the same for the inside of the mitt.
Step No. 3: Get a softball and put this inside the mitt pocket. Position the mitt fingers so that they are holding the ball, with the thumb wrapped over the rest of the fingers. Using a belt or a piece of rope, secure the mitt around the ball and leave it for about 12 hours.
Step No. 4: Put it to good use. Play catch with your friends or siblings in the field or the yard. Make sure to put a great distance between you and the thrower for best results.
Step No. 5: Use your catching hand to hold the glove, and the other hand to hold a bat. Use the bat’s fatter end (also called the “barrel) and hit the mitt pocket with this. Do this repeatedly for about ten minutes.
By following these suggestions and understanding that it will take a little bit of time before your new mitt feels just like a second skin on your hand. That hand that you’re sure to raise above your head often in victory!
Learn more about picking a good softball mitt at http://softballmitts.org/
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