Sunday, January 18, 2009

Softball equipment

If you are tyro in fastpitch softball then we have to make this thing clear: Fastpitch softball is not baseball. However, fastpitch softball equipment is pretty much the same as baseball equipment. Fastpitch softball as you may have heard is packed action, faster and more involving than baseball. If you miss one move, you miss the game.

Girls are especially fascinated by this sport, starting from 5 years old you can find them rehearsing on softball fields and playgrounds with catchers equipment softball, as slow and fast pitch bats, gloves, sneakers, helmets, jackets, belts, faceguards, knee protectors, caps, T-shirts, shorts, long socks and cool fastpitch bags. Who said that full-action sports are for men only?

Softball and equipment have a special relationship, due to the fact that besides the talent and physical preparation of the athlete, it does require special equipment to protect the player from the aggression of the air that cuts as a knife for the speed and harshness of the movements he/she has to make, specifically for face masks, gloves and bats, who are the main elements of fastpitch softball.

Umpire softball equipment is one of the leading brands in America specialized in fabricating gear and apparels for this sport. Since this is a sport mostly practiced by women, the designs of the equipment elements follow are according to women’s physical features. Fro instance, gloves are light weighted, hand-crafted with small-finger stalls and a grasp wrist system that fits exactly to the wrist. So, if you were thinking in giving or buying your daughter a regular baseball glove: think again.

As for helmets and faceguards they come in resistant but still light plastic contoured according the size of women’s heads, to protect the face, nape and teeth against ball or bat hits.

Other important protective element are the knees short and long knee protector that come with foam pads, moisture wicking lining and an open back to eliminate binding, which give more comfort and security to the player when moving on the ground.

As you can see, fastpitch softball equipment has to be specially adapted to the anatomic characteristics of players, which are mostly women, so using the same equipment as men or as baseball players is not feasible due to the nature of the game. Fro security and movement optimization, looking for the right equipment is a must.

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