Saturday, October 8, 2011

How To Pick The Right Baseball Gear

By Athena Hunter


As with any sport, the gear you use when playing baseball can make a real difference. Many types of baseball equipment, such as the glove, have to be perfectly suited for each player, as well as the position, or it won't be possible to play your best. You will also need a bat that is the right size and weight for your swing and your build. Here is a closer look at some of the important factors to consider when getting your baseball gear.

One of the most fundamental pieces of gear needed to play this game is a baseball glove. The kind of glove needed will depend on the position you play when in the field. If you play first base, you need a special type of glove that's larger than average, without separations for the fingers, so you can easily catch and scoop up balls thrown at you from a variety of angles. An outfielder's glove is longer so it's easier to catch fly balls, on the other hand. In order to hide the style of pitch from the batter, pitchers use a glove with closed webbing. Catchers use wide gloves with extra padding to help them withstand the impact of fastballs and other pitches for an entire game.

You need to take very good care of your baseball glove which is one of your main accessories. Be sure to use an oil or conditioner to keep your glove clean and protected from the elements. It's best to use a product specifically designed for conditioning gloves because using something that is too harsh can wear down the leather. Your glove should be stored in a cool, dry place when you're not using it. Exposure to heat isn't good for leather and you also want to avoid dampness. The laces on your glove will have to be replaced every so often, so inspect them to make sure they're not broken or getting brittle.

Aside from your uniform, you always want to pick clothing that's loose fitting and that keeps you comfortable. If your uncomfortable for any reason, such as being cold, damp or restricted by your clothing, this can adversely affect your quality of play.

A batting tee is a piece of equipment that is often considered essential for those who want to improve their hitting skills. Consider a tee for any age player as an effective tool for teaching swing technique or hitting performance. You only get to bat so many times during a game, or even during team practice, which is why it's so important to get in additional batting practice in your spare time. It might seem like a tedious task to practice repetitively but this is one of the most essential skills of this sport and something you'll be happy you put the effort into. Be sure that you are setting this equipment up so that it mimics the swing you'll use in regular play.

When you choose baseball gear, you want everything to be ideal for your needs, and also conform to your league's rules. Depending on the position you play, you have to choose gear such as your glove very carefully to make sure it's suitable. The kind of baseball gear you prefer depends on many factors, and you should always pay attention to how well it performs so you can decide if perhaps changes are necessary.




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