The Softball Starter Pack - Everything You Need to Train Like a Pro
The Softball Starter Pack - Everything You Need to Train Like a Pro
If you want to reach the elite levels of softball, you'll need the right equipment. Bownet® is here to help youth players get started or aspiring players plug the holes in their gear bag. While some items may be obvious, all of them are just as important. Here are the 10 best softball gear items that you should have in your equipment bag for every practice or game.
Softball Balls - This is the most important piece of equipment. No just any ball will do, though. A regulation softball is either 11 or 12 inches in diameter and also may have slightly different construction depending on the league. Bownet has slowpitch and fastpitch softballs for NFHS, USSSA and training purposes.
Softball Bats - You should always have at least one bat in your arsenal. A softball bat is thinner than a baseball bat and has a more tapered handle. On average, they're about 34 inches long. When standing the bat upright against your leg, the top end should reach mid-hip.
Softball Training Nets - The right portable net can provide extra training options and safety on the field. They also make it possible to practice in more places. You can get a hitting net, fielding net, protection barrier, backstop and much more.
Softball Cleats - A good pair of cleats or spikes will help you run, jump and slide on grass or mud without losing your footing. Women's softball cleats have plastic molded studs while spikes have metal studs; choose whichever is more comfortable and effective for you.
Softball Turf Shoes - When you can't play or practice on natural grass, a set of turf cleats is the way to go. This footwear has a special nub pattern designed for getting a grip on artificial turf fields. They also prevent damage to the playing surface.
Softball Gloves - Depending on the position you play, you will need a glove or a mitt. Regular softball gloves have individual fingers and minimal padding for pitchers, outfielders and most infielders. A softball mitt is larger and has more padding to protect the hands of catchers and first basemen.
Softball Bags - Equipment bags allow players to store and carry all their gear. Options range from small backpacks to carry gloves and jerseys to giant duffle bags that hold a road trip's worth of supplies. Specialty bags are available for ball buckets, bats, catchers equipment and more.
Softball Uniforms- Wearing the right clothing allows you to Train Like a Pro. Softball pants are reinforced for physical activity and come in high-rise or low-rise designs. They typically come in pinstripe, piped or solid-color designs. Most softball jerseys are made of polyester mesh fabric for breathability and cooling.
Softball Pitching Machine - A automatic pitching machine such as the Blast Pitch Machine lets you work on your hitting skills in the backyard or set up a solo hitting station at practice. The adjustable features allow for consistent, accurate pitches. Pair your machine with a Bownet hitting net or backstop for maximum effectiveness.
Softball Helmet - Helmets are required when batting to help prevent serious head trauma. They're made of plastic with a foam inner that spreads out impact forces. You can also add a softball face mask to further protect your face from injury.