Girls Softball Equipment - Protection And Practice

Uniforms aside, girls softball equipment comes in two basic categories: protection and practice. While the softball practice gear is ultimately optional, the protective gear is a necessity and should be purchased first. The girls softball protective wear that needs to be acquired are: batting helmet, knee guards, and slider shorts.

Due to a new ASA rule implemented in January of 2005, all softball batting helmets need to come equipped with a faceguard. This essential softball gear can be added to the helmet but both must have the NOCSAE seal of approval.

Knee guards are not required in all softball leagues but they are highly recommended gear as they not only protect the shins and knees but also provide added support. Knee guards made out of Neoprene tend to afford the best protection and the additional cost is usually minimal. In addition to knee guards, softball players should also invest in a pair of slider shorts as this gear will help protect the hips and thighs when sliding.

Softball Practice Gear - The Pitching Machine

Everyone loves batting but the problem always seems to be that most softball players don’t get enough swings at the bat normally to make any dramatic improvements. Although pitching machines can be costly investments, these pieces of softball equipment can be all the difference between advancing in the tournament or ending the season early. Two-wheel pitching machines capable of tossing softballs can generally be had for around $450 and some of them can even toss curve balls! When not trying to improve batting, another great piece of practice equipment to buy that will increase endurance is the running chute. This inexpensive but useful piece of gear can be had for around $40.

Again, the protective gear is needed to even get onto the field while the practice equipment is what will keep the team on the field during tournaments. For the best selection and prices on both practice and safety gear, shop online as retailers have lower overhead than traditional retailers.

Also see; Softball Team Equipment

Softball Equipment