Sunday, January 13, 2013

Buying Quality Youth Baseball Equipment

By Charlotte McBride


Finding quality youth baseball equipment is a matter of personal choice. There are several standard pieces of equipment, including the glove, bat, shoes, and batting glove. Other devices help with training environments like batting practice. As you begin your search, make sure you consult the local league rules for any specifications or requirements.

The fit of the glove is more important than the name brand. There are several quality name brands on the market to select. As your child tries the various gloves, make sure the fit is snug but not overly tight. Since they are made of leather, they will stretch some. If your child will be wearing a batting glove inside the glove, be sure to test the fit using the batting glove.

Bats are no longer made to last for years. In the past, a bat was designed to last through several seasons. Similar to the glove, the bat should be sized according to the child's needs. Using a longer bat with the hopes they will grow into it will encourage the children to develop bad form. These bad habits can cause difficulty in later years. Usually, the local coach or league office can provide advice on the size needed based on your child's age.

Batting gloves have become popular in youth leagues. This is an area of personal choice and league rules. Most will allow them to be worn, but it is best to check. Make sure they fit and provide a decent grip.

Using weights builds strength. Bat weights can help develop the power swing. They should not be used when actually hitting balls. Speed can be developed by practicing with ankle weights. In both cases, when the weights are removed the child is able to utilize the strength built with the weights to run faster and swing harder.

Finding the right shoes is as important as choosing the best glove. You will want to check with the league to make sure what type of spikes are allowed. Otherwise, the shoes should fit well so they do not slip as they run around the bases. Ill fitting shoes can also cause the development of physical problems such as shin splints.

Other training devices can be used to develop skills. Batting trainers are the most popular training device. These help with hand eye coordination. Most are adjustable and should be set to the approximate strike zone of the player. As you browse a sporting goods store you will find other training tools that help with other areas. You may want to consult with the coach for advice on what will be helpful based on the position your child will play.

Youth baseball equipment can be used to improve the player's game. Buying items that are too big will cause problems when the child is younger. Sometimes, less expensive versions are better in the beginning. In the teen years, the growth begins to slow and equipment sizes will last for multiple years. In all cases, the equipment should be maintained to make it last as long as possible.




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