Should you buy a 12-inch softball glove or a 13-inch softball glove?

Buy 12-inch softball glove or 13-inch softball glove. That is the question. Now, let’s see if we can find an answer that works for everyone. This question comes up a lot on forums and in the field. No one seems to know what size girls softball gloves to buy. Let’s take a look at the options.

Almost every day I see a question about the size of the gloves. Girls’ softball gloves have evolved over the years and there are so many options now that it’s sometimes hard to choose.

Parents want to make sure they order the right size for their daughter’s position and physical size. They also usually don’t want to have to buy another one for at least a couple of years.

Fastpitch softball, or fastpitch softball as my friends up north call it, is a really fast game. Not just the launch. Although that’s where the name comes from, of course. But the dynamics of the fastpitch softball game are impressive. Shorter basic paths, closer throw distance compared to baseball makes everything happen much more quickly and dynamically.

For that reason, there are now different sizes of gloves available. They mainly differ by position. Infielders tend to like a smaller glove and outfielders tend to like a longer glove. So what do you do if you play both?

Field gloves come in a few styles, there are those for the mid-infield, usually in the 12.5 to 13 inch size with 12.75 or 13 being the most commonly used size. This size is small enough for the player to have quick hand movement, but large enough for him to catch the flying balls that often hit him.

There are many players, such as third basemen, who prefer a shorter glove. That’s where the 12-inch softball glove is used the most. I see some shortstops who also wear 12-inch gloves. The 12-inch glove is still big enough to grip the full-size 12-inch softball, but smaller and lighter to help make those ultra-fast plays early on. You know, when you’re playing tag and she throws a hard line straight at your head.

Outfielders generally like the 13-inch glove, and some kids will choose an even larger 14-inch glove. However, in my opinion, that is too much of a glove for most female fastpitch softball players. A lot of guys who play softball love that really big glove. But of course they usually have bigger hands to fit that big glove.

The largest 13-inch softball glove is truly multipurpose and works for inside and outside. He’s big enough to catch that overhead fly to deep center, but small enough to make those quick plays at 2nd base.

Many times it also comes down to the size of the child who is going to wear the glove. I have seen about 18 Gold players wearing 10.5 inch gloves. Now, that girl was the smallest size, so she had small hands. Therefore, she was comfortable with a really small glove.

For most kids just starting out. Those who are between 10 and 12 years old, the 12-inch glove would be a very good option. Your search for a 12-inch fastpitch glove should lead to several options. Be sure to look for one that is designed for women.

Women’s softball gloves or girls’ softball gloves will have smaller fingers. They will be closer together and a little shorter. That makes the glove more manageable on smaller hands. Several will have adjustable wrist straps to fit the wrist snugly for comfort and control.

Find a ball glove made from Steerhide, Kip, or just make sure it’s real leather, which will last for years to come. It is likely to grow before it wears out. You may have to pay a little more for it, but it will be worth it in the long run.

If you need a beginner softball glove, choose the 12-inch softball glove. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose or booster glove, choose the 13-inch softball glove.