Does your young softball player dream of making that amazing diving catch or throwing a laser to first base? Getting the right gear makes all the difference in chasing those dreams. For fastpitch softball players just starting out, the glove can feel like the biggest mystery. You see so many gloves, and they all look different! It’s tough to know which size is right, which pocket depth will work best for catching fast pitches, and how much money you should actually spend.
Choosing the wrong glove means fumbled balls, sore hands, and frustration on the field. We know parents and players want a glove that fits perfectly right away, one that doesn’t feel like a brick, and one that lasts through the season. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great youth fastpitch glove.
Keep reading, and you will learn the essential features to look for, how to measure for the perfect fit, and our top recommendations for gloves that will help your player feel confident every time they step onto the dirt. Let’s find the glove that helps your young star shine!
Top Youth Fastpitch Softball Gloves Recommendations
- DESIGNED AS A UTILITY GLOVE FOR INFIELDERS, OUTFIELDERS OR PITCHERS this 12 inch youth fastpitch softball glove with Basket Web design will have any young player making plays all over the field
- DESIGNED FOR YOUTH SOFTBALL PLAYERS AGES 4 TO 11 this glove is easy to use and perfect for kids just starting to learn the game
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ALL-LEATHER SHELL AND PADDED FINGER LININGS - designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort for young athletes with growing hands
- SURE CATCH TECHNOLOGY allows players to quickly and easily close the softball glove as soon as they put it on for the first time
- BASKET WEB PATTERN AND SOFT SHELL designed specifically to fit softballs lets players scoop up grounders and grab fly balls with confidence
- -A GREAT UTILITY STARTER GLOVE: This Sure Catch Basket Web youth softball glove has been designed to make plays all over the field.
- -FOR PLAYERS AGE 4 - 11: This glove is easy to use and perfect for young athletes just starting to learn the game
- -DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: A durable, lightweight design that includes an all-leather shell and padded finger linings designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort for young athletes with growing hands.
- -SURE-CATCH TECHNOLOGY: Rawlings’ Sure-Catch technology allows players to quickly and easily close the baseball glove as soon as they put it on for the first time. The basket web pattern and soft shell designed specifically to fit softballs let players scoop up grounders and grab fly balls with confidence.
- -100% FACTORY BREAK-IN: This Sure Catch Basket Web youth baseball glove has a game-ready feel right out of the box thanks to the 90% Rawlings factory break-in
- YOUTH FASTPITCH SOFTBALL PATTERN | Designed to fit the entry-level female athlete
- EASY-TO-SQUEEZE | Flex Notch Closure System makes the glove easy to close for beginner players
- LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL | Soft genuine pigskin leather combined with embossed Hyperlite synthetic creates a lightweight glove that is easy to control
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST STRAP | Lock Down wrist strap allows for easy adjustment to find the perfect fit
- STYLE | 12" Right-Hand Throw H-Web
- Jennie Finch model: inspired by feedback from Jennie Finch
- Full grain leather palm/pigskin back: for great durability
- Butter soft palm liner: PU palm lining for increased durability, feel, and comfort
- Air Mesh back: increases flexibility & breathability
- Right hand Throw= worn on left hand, left hand Throw= worn on right hand
- BUILT FOR SOFTBALL | Fastpitch-specific patterns designed for small hands and the fastpitch game
- QUALITY MATERIALS | Game-Ready Diamond Pro Steer USA Leather
- EASY PLAYABILITY | Flex Notch Closure system makes the glove easy to squeeze
- A PERFECT FIT | Quantum Closure System comes with adjustable back for a secure fit
- A SHAPE THAT LASTS | Rolled leather welting provides a durable shape and shortens break-in time
- Wilson 2026 A500 Siren 12" Infield/Pitcher Fastpitch Softball Glove - Right Hand Throw, White/Seafoam/Purple
- 12” youth fastpitch glove with top grain leather and a snug Quick-Fit Wrist
- Rolled Dual Welting: Goes beyond a mere cosmetic effect, as it’s integrated into the liner of each infield, outfield and pitcher's model, offering better support and helping your glove hold its shape better over time
- Quick Fit Wrist: Elastic system adjusts to hug the wrist
- Top Grain Leather Construction: Durable, lightweight feel
- FASTPITCH FIT: Customized with a narrower opening designed to provide premium performance for the softball player
- ADJUSTABILITY: Made with an adjustable wrist strap to tighten or loosen the glove to the players liking for ultimate confidence on the softball field
- DURABILITY: Crafted from thick, premium synthetic leather designed to mimic the performance and durability of a true leather mitt without the long break-in period
- HAND FORMED POCKET: The hand formed pocket provides maximum comfort and a responsive feel to prevent drops and errors
- NOTE : Left Hand Throw = glove worn on right hand to throw with the left; Right Hand Throw = glove worn on left hand to throw with the right
- DESIGNED FOR YOUTH SOFTBALL PLAYERS, this R9 12 inch youth fastpitch softball glove features a pattern approved by elite fastpitch players, and a Basket web design that forms into a perfect pocket
- IDEAL FOR SELECT PLAYERS AGES 10+
- SOFT, DURABLE ALL-LEATHER SHELL is designed to be game-ready
- ADJUSTABLE PULL-STRAP CLOSURES allow for custom fit and improved performance on any hand size
- PADDED THUMB LOOP, REINFORCED PALM PAD, AND FINGER BACK LINERS protect your hand and create a soft, comfortable fee
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Youth Fastpitch Softball Gloves
Finding the right softball glove for a young player makes a huge difference. A good glove helps kids catch the ball easily and feel confident on the field. This guide will help parents and players choose the best youth fastpitch softball glove.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters Most
Youth fastpitch gloves usually range from 10 to 12 inches. Smaller hands need smaller gloves for better control. A 10 or 10.5-inch glove works well for infielders like second base or shortstops. Outfielders need a bit more reach, so look at 11 to 12-inch models. Always measure the player’s hand to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Pocket Depth and Web Style
The pocket is where the ball lands. For young players, a slightly deeper pocket helps secure the ball. The web is the netting over the glove opening. Infielders often use gloves with an I-Web or H-Web. These webs allow for quick transfers to throw the ball. Outfielders generally prefer a Closed Web or Basket Web. These styles offer more coverage to snag fly balls.
Break-In Time
New gloves are stiff! Look for gloves labeled “pre-oiled” or “game-ready.” These require much less work before they are ready for play. A glove that is too hard to close will frustrate a young player.
Important Materials in Glove Construction
Leather Quality
The material determines durability and feel. Full-Grain Leather is the highest quality. It lasts a long time but needs significant break-in time. Oil-Tanned Leather is softer right away and works well for beginners. Avoid synthetic or vinyl gloves if the player plans to play seriously for more than one season; they wear out quickly.
Lacing and Padding
Strong rawhide or leather lacing holds the glove together. Check the laces for tight weaving; loose lacing means the glove will fall apart sooner. Good gloves include extra padding in the palm area. This padding protects the hand from stinging impacts when catching hard-hit balls.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Indicators
High-quality gloves feature precise stitching. Neatly sewn seams show careful manufacturing. Also, look for reputable brands known for making softball equipment. These companies often use better patterns designed specifically for the fastpitch softball size.
Quality Reducers
Cheaply made gloves often use thin synthetic materials. These gloves feel floppy or too stiff in the wrong places. If the glove feels heavy or bulky, it slows down the player’s reaction time. A poorly constructed glove sacrifices protection for a lower price.
User Experience and Use Cases
Comfort is Key
A comfortable glove means more playtime. Ensure the wrist opening adjusts easily. Many youth gloves use Velcro or adjustable straps instead of traditional lacing for a fast, secure fit. If the glove doesn’t feel right immediately, the player might avoid using it.
Position-Specific Needs
A young pitcher might prefer a glove with a closed web to hide their grip from the batter. A first baseman needs a mitt, which is different from a standard glove; it has more padding and a larger area to scoop throws. Match the glove style to the position the child plays most often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Youth Fastpitch Softball Gloves
Q: What size glove does a 10-year-old need?
A: Most 10-year-olds use a glove between 11 and 11.5 inches, depending on their hand size and if they play infield or outfield.
Q: How long does it take to break in a new glove?
A: A game-ready glove might take only a few days of light tossing. A stiff, high-quality leather glove could take several weeks of consistent use.
Q: Should I use glove oil or conditioner?
A: Yes, use a small amount of approved glove oil or conditioner occasionally to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Q: What is the difference between a softball glove and a baseball glove?
A: Softball gloves are generally larger and have deeper pockets than baseball gloves because the softball is larger than a baseball.
Q: What is the best web type for a beginner?
A: An I-Web or H-Web is usually best for beginners because they help teach quick ball transfers.
Q: Can I use a baseball glove for fastpitch softball?
A: While you can, a true softball glove offers a better fit and deeper pocket for the larger softball.
Q: What does “pre-oiled” mean?
A: Pre-oiled means the manufacturer has already treated the leather to make it softer and easier to form the pocket.
Q: Are synthetic gloves okay for practice?
A: Synthetic gloves are okay for very casual play or T-ball, but they do not offer the durability needed for regular league play.
Q: How should I check if the glove fits my child correctly?
A: Have your child put the glove on, close it over a ball, and shake their hand vigorously. If the ball stays put, the fit is good.
Q: Do youth gloves need special padding?
A: Yes, youth gloves should have adequate palm padding to absorb the shock from catching a fastpitch softball, which can sting small hands.