Most people who participate in sports are conscientious about the type of equipment they use to play the game as they know that good, solid gear will help improve their playing abilities. One of the most important items for a softball player to acquire is a quality softball mitt.
Softball mitts are often referred to as softball gloves, and there is no difference between the two terms. These mitts are constructed to fit your fingers within individual slots and help players to scoop up balls off the infield or shag high hit fly balls. Different positions will use different types of gloves, as outfielders will require a glove with a deep pocket, while infielders prefer a shallower pocket to allow for an easy transition to the throwing hand.
There are also differences in the types of mitts used by first basemen and catchers. A first baseman’s mitt usually measures about 12 to 13 inches in size. Its design includes a stiff thin padding all around the border of the mitt, but exclusive of padding within the regions of the palm and finger. A softball catchers mitt is specifically built with a thick pad around the perimeter and in the palm area so that the glove can withstand the speed when the pitcher throws the ball without causing some pain to the catcher’s hand. Modern mitts are constructed with a large but shallow pocket to be able to catch a ball easily, but allow for flexibility in quickly transferring it to the other hand for fast paced throws to other basemen when needed.
You can acquire softball mitts and gloves in different materials according to your personal taste, but it’s important to take into account the feel of the glove and its quality and durability in construction. Leather has long been the main preference of choice as it is the most comfortable and easiest to control in regards to flexibility of the product. Leather that is treated also offers a softer texture and greater resilience.