How to Determine the Softball Glove Size for a Child

Choosing the proper softball glove size for a child is important. If you choose the wrong size it can affect how well the child plays the game, and even discourage her from wanting to play at all. It is not hard to properly fit a child's softball glove; just follow these tips.

Choosing a size

Go to a sporting goods store or a store with a wide selection of softball gloves. The store should have youth or child sizes. These typically range from 11 to 15 inches in size.

Decide whether your child needs a softball "glove" or "mitt." If your child plays first base or catcher, he will need a mitt, which does not have fingers. The mitt will provide stiffer padding in the center and be longer, which allows for better catching when the child is crouched down, as these players often are. The glove has fingers, which provides steadier support for catching balls in the air as outfielders would need to do.

Choose a thin, stiffly padded mitt between 11 and 12 inches long for first base players. Choose a thickly padded (with thin padding in the center palm) mitt about 31 to 32 inches long for catchers. Always try the mitt on your child, and if you have any questions do not hesitate to locate a sales person to help you.

Select a glove that is 9 inches for infield positions and 11 inches for outfield positions if the child is 8 years old or younger. Select a glove that is 9-12 inches for infield positions and 11-12 inches for outfield positions if the child is between the ages of 9 and 13. If your child is in high school, look for glove sizes between 10-1/2 and 11-1/2 inches for infield and 12 to 12-1/2 inches for outfield positions.

Try all gloves on your child for the proper fit. A glove that is too large can cause the child to be clumsy with the ball or interfere with proper training. The child cannot "grow into" a glove; she must get the proper size glove to play well. If you have questions, locate a sales associate for help.

Tips

If still unsure what size glove to buy, ask your child's coach for help. Have your child try on some of the other children's gloves see which one fits and feels best.