Softball
Equipment Recommendations
and Guidelines 

Every player will need at a minimum: 

1. Glove 

2. Cleats

3. Batting Helmet with Face Mask 

Optional: 

1. Bat Fielding Mask. 

You can often find acceptable used gear on any re-sale website. 

Glove 

Don’t buy a baseball glove.  Softball players require gloves that are slightly longer in length and deeper in the pocket than baseball glove to help field the bigger ball. 

• Youth gloves are smaller to help kids maintain control (avoid the urge to buy a bigger glove that she will grow into. 

• Leather gloves are the preferred material 

• Buy a glove that is comfortable on the hand applicable to the size of the girl. 

Basic Guidelines: 

• 6U  glove size 9-11 inches 

• 8U  glove size 10-11 inches 

• 10U glove size 10.5-12 inches 

• 12U and above glove size 11.5-13 inches 

Cleats 

Softball (and baseball) have one unique feature to look for that makes them different than soccer shoes….the toe cleat.  Softball shoes have a toe cleat at the very tip of the shoe that soccer shoes do not have.  This helps players get better traction in quick starts.  Players in 12U and below must wear plastic cleats.  Players in 14U division may wear metal cleats.  Soccer cleats may be worn for all age groups.   

Helmets 

All helmets must have face mask and have a NOCSAE certification stamp.  Never use a helmet that is cracked, deformed or the interior padding has deteriorated.  It is recommended to use a face mask that is marked for softball only.  This gives a larger viewing area. 

Softball Bats

Bats Can be shared but highly recommended.  Do not go out and buy a unbelievably expensive bat. 

DON’T BUY A BASEBALL BAT! The barrel of the bat should have a ASA/USA Marking.  It gets very confusing with bat length/bat weight options.    There are many opinions on what brand/size to get.   

• Weight: It is best not to purchase a bat that is too heavy for your player.  Rather than growing into the bat, the player will develop bad habits that will be difficult to correct later on, not to mention poor self-esteem because the overly heavy bat keeps the player from successfully hitting the ball.  As for weight one rule of thumb is for the player to hold the bat in one hand (which ever is the top hand on the bat) and extend it out fully holding this position for at least 8-10 seconds.  If the player can’t do this the bat is too heavy.  If in doubt about two bats, always better to error on the side of the lighter bat.