What Size Baseball Glove Should a 15 Year Old Use?
Baseball is a beloved sport that has been around for centuries. With its popularity, playing the game correctly and safely is essential. One of the most important pieces of equipment when playing baseball is a glove. A glove allows a player to grip the ball securely and reduce the risk of injury. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a glove for a 15 year old player, such as size, material and webbing.
Size is the most important factor when choosing a glove for a 15 year old player. If the glove is too small, it will be difficult for the player to grip and catch the ball. On the other hand, if the glove is too large, it can be difficult to control and maneuver. The size of the glove should also be determined by the position the player will be playing.
Size Guidelines for Position Players
- Catcher: A catcher’s glove should be between 33-35 inches in circumference.
- Infield: An infielder’s glove should be between 11-12.5 inches in circumference.
- Outfield: An outfielder’s glove should be between 11.5-13 inches in circumference.
- Pitcher: A pitcher’s glove should be between 11.5-13 inches in circumference.
Material
The material of the glove is also a factor when choosing a glove for a 15 year old player. Leather is the most popular material for gloves due to its durability and flexibility. Leather also requires a break-in period, which helps to form the glove to the player’s hand for a custom fit.
Webbing
The webbing of the glove is also important to consider when selecting a glove for a 15 year old player. Webbing is the pattern of stitching that connects the palm, thumb and fingers of the glove. It is important to consider the webbing of the glove because it affects the pocket size of the glove and the flexibility of the glove.
Types of Webbing
- H-Web: The H-web is a popular webbing pattern that is used by infielders and outfielders. It has a single bar running down the middle with two additional bars that run across the thumb and forefinger. This webbing pattern creates a deep pocket and provides excellent ball control.
- Trap-Eze Web: The Trap-Eze web is a popular webbing pattern used by infielders and outfielders. It is an H-web pattern with an additional crossbar that runs between the thumb and forefinger. This webbing pattern creates a larger pocket and provides excellent ball control.
- I-Web: The I-web is a popular webbing pattern used by pitchers. It has a single bar running down the middle with two additional bars that run across the thumb and forefinger. This webbing pattern creates a shallow pocket and provides excellent ball control.
Breaking in the Glove
Once the proper size and webbing have been selected, the glove must be broken in. Breaking in the glove is an essential step in the process of selecting a glove for a 15 year old player. Breaking in the glove helps to form the glove to the player’s hand for a custom fit.
Methods for Breaking in the Glove
- Oil: Oil can be used to help break-in the glove. The oil helps to soften the leather and make it easier to form the glove to the player’s hand.
- Glove Mallet: A glove mallet can be used to help break-in the glove. A glove mallet is a tool that is used to soften and shape the glove.
- Playing Catch: Playing catch with the glove is a great way to break-in the glove. This helps to form the pocket of the glove and make it easier to grip and catch the ball.
Selecting the Right Glove for a 15 Year Old Player
When selecting a glove for a 15 year old player, it is important to consider the size, material and webbing of the glove. The size of the glove should be determined by the position the player will be playing. The most popular material for gloves is leather due to its durability and flexibility. The webbing of the glove should also be taken into account as it affects the pocket size of the glove and the flexibility of the glove. Once the proper size, material and webbing have been selected, the glove must be broken in. Breaking in the glove helps to form the glove to the player’s hand for a custom fit.
Conclusion
Selecting the right glove for a 15 year old player is essential for a successful and safe game of baseball. The size, material and webbing of the glove should all be taken into account when choosing a glove. Once the proper size, material and webbing have been selected, the glove must be broken in to form the glove to the player’s hand for a custom fit. With the right glove, playing baseball can be a fun and rewarding experience.