Softball -Equipment

• Bat - This what you'll use to hit the softball. Bats come in a lot of different lengths and weights and you have to choose one that suits you best. Most softball teams use metal bats so keep that in mind when choosing a bat. As your batting improves, you can use heavier bats because your swing will become stronger
• Helmet - You wear this while batting to protect your head. At first you might this it's unessacary, but make sure you wear it because you'll definitely be glad you did when a ball bounces off your bat into the air and lands on your helmet.
• Glove (see picture) - This is used while you are in the field. If you don't use a glove it'll hurt when the softball - that isn't exactly soft - slams into your hand. Make sure you choose a glove to be worn on your hand that you don't throw with. At first it might seem hard to catch with your non-dominant hand, but you'll get used to it quickly.
• Shock Absorbment Gloves - These gloves are worn while batting. Once you learn to hit the softball, you'll start to hit the ball harder and harder. When this happens you'll start to feel the impact in your hand and it'll create a tingling sensation in your hand which is somewhat avoided if you wear these.
• Face Mask (see picture) - The face mask is worn when you're in the field. Some fielders choose not to wear them, but my advice is that you do because you never know when a ball will come straight off the bat right for your face - or when you're gazing at the clouds and the ball decides to head in your direction.
• Softballs (see picture) - There are different size softballs, with diameters of 10 - inches, 12 - inches, and 16 - inches. Softballs are bigger than baseballs and if you have problems throwing and catching them at first that's normal, but it'll feel normal after a while. Different leagues use differnet sized softballs, but you can practice at home or at a park with any size.
• Sliding Pants - These are used once you learn how to slide into the the bases. This skill isn't usually learned right away and you have to get used to the game first, but sliding pants are always a little extra padding in case the ball flies into your leg or you trip and fall.
• Cleats (see picture) - Cleats are used because you play on a clay field and regular tennis shoes slip easier and make it harder to run because they don't grip as well. It's also good to have cleats because then you don't mess up your regular sneakers and they don't turn orange. Just remember to take another pair of shoes to change into after practice so you don't leave a trail of orange behind.
• Softball Uniform (see picture) - This will most likely be provided by your team but for practice you can buy a pair of softball - or baseball - pants from a sporting store and just wear a comfortable shirt.
• Bag - This isn't required but it's a good idea so you can carry all of your equipment together and at one time. Any bag works, but sporting stores have special bags that have compartments for your hemlet and bat, and some even have wheels so you can easily pull your equipment without struggling to carry your heavy load.
• Drink - A drink isn't anything special, it's just highly advised so you don't become dehydrated. It's important that you drink plenty of fluids before and after practice. You could bring a simple water bottle, a canteen with ice and a drink, or a sports drink, just as long as you have something to quenche your thirst.