Choosing Quality Youth Baseball Equipment

By Charlotte McBride


Buying the right youth baseball equipment can take a toll on the budget if you do not plan ahead. There are some obvious pieces that are needed, but skill building items can be used at home to give your child an advantage when he or she takes the field. Part of your planning should include checking local league requirements to make sure you are aware of any special requirements.

Younger children will grow out of the materials faster than older youth. For this reason, you should place fit over brand recognition. Using gloves that are too big make it difficult for the child to learn the necessary skills. Buying a glove that fits helps them focus on the skill rather than trying to keep the glove from falling off his or her hand.

Bats are not made to last several seasons. Years ago, they were made to last for a long time. Buy a bat similar to what will be used in actual play. Avoid buying a bat that is too long with the hopes of making it last as your child grows. This develops bad form when the child is younger. As they grow up, they will find it much more difficult to change their form. The league office or coach can advise on the size that is most appropriate for your child.

Many youth leagues are now allowing kids to use batting gloves. This is a personal choice for both the parents and child to make. Professionals are seen using them all the time and they can help with bat control. Often, the glove grips will wear, causing them to be smooth. This makes them less effective than a bare hand grip. If they become worn, they should be replaced.

Weights help with strength building. Bat weights are made to increase the power swing development. These are not designed to be used when hitting balls. However, when simply practicing the swing, they can help develop the strength used to hit hard and have better bat control. When the weight is removed, they will be able to have much better control over the lighter bat.

The shoes are just as important as the glove. Check with league rules to find out if metal, plastic, or any spikes are allowed before spending money on shoes. The shoes should fit snugly so they can provide better control as the child sprints around the bases. Bad or worn shoes can cause shin splints or other injuries.

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.

Quality youth baseball equipment will improve the skills used in the game. Gloves and bats that are over-sized can cause problems by developing the wrong form during practice. Less expensive items can be used in the early years to make sure they fit. When the child reaches an age where growth has slowed, you can begin obtaining the items that are higher quality to be used for many years.




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