Choose the Right Size Tee Ball Glove for Your Child’s Hand
Buying a tee ball glove for your young aspiring baseball player can be an exciting time. With so many options on the market, it can also feel overwhelming to find the perfect mitt. When sizing a tball glove, fit and adjustability should be your top priorities. The glove needs to be snug but not restrictive on your child’s hand for optimal comfort and control. Follow these tips to select the ideal glove size for tee ball success this season.
First and foremost, take measurements of your child’s hand size. Use a soft measuring tape to determine the length and circumference around the palm. Compare these measurements to sizing charts from reputable glove brands to identify the closest fit. Most tee ball mitts range from 8 inches to 10 inches. An 8-inch glove is best for very young players with smaller hands, while 9 to 10-inch mitts suit kids ages 5 to 8 with average hand sizes.
It’s crucial to match your child’s dominant hand to the correct glove. Right handed throwers need a left hand glove, and lefties need a right hand mitt. This allows proper catching technique with the dominant hand tucked inside the pocket. Closed web gloves with solid leather between the thumb and fingers are ideal for beginners learning proper catching mechanics. The closed web helps conceal the ball briefly to build confidence.
High quality leather construction brings extended durability, but also requires a decent break-in period. Stick with famous glove manufacturers like Rawlings, Wilson or Mizuno for buttery soft cowhide that forms perfectly to your player’s hand. Oil and massage the mitt regularly to hasten break-in time. Watch for high end features like padded palms and adjustable wrist straps for customized fit.
While performance is important, fun colors and designs provide visual motivation to get kids excited about using their new glove. Youth players love mitts in vibrant hues like red, blue, green or pink accented with bold patterns. A brightly colored glove makes it easy to spot on the field. Personalized name embroidery also adds a special touch.
Ensure a snug, flexible fit by trying the glove on your child before buying. The fingertips should rest smoothly against the ends of the mitt, without excess material bunching up. Slide a finger between the wrist and edge of the glove to test for a cozy fit. Straps across the back of the wrist allow further adjustments as needed.
Weight is another key factor. Young players struggle with heavy, rigid gloves that resist closure. Choose lightweight 5 to 6 ounce mitts made of soft leather that moves easily. Minimal padding also boosts flexibility and closure. Steer clear of plastic or vinyl gloves which lack pliability.
While price often reflects quality, moderately priced gloves around $30 offer suitable performance for beginners. Used or hand-me-down mitts also work well, allowing more position-specific gloves as skills progress. However, avoid tattered or worn out gloves with compromised integrity.
Monitor your child’s hand size as the season progresses. Fast growing kids may need to upsize several times a year to maintain the right fit. If the mitt starts feeling tight across the palms or fingers, it’s time to size up. A larger glove also helps build arm strength by providing more surface area.
With the right fit, materials and adjustability, a high performance tee ball glove tuned to your player’s needs gives them the tools to build confidence in the field. A properly fitted mitt combined with practice makes catching fly balls and stopping grounders easier. Use these glove tips to find the perfect match for your kids’ hands this tee ball season.
Key Glove Features for Tee Ball:
- 8″ to 10″ size range
- Adjustable wrist straps
- Lightweight 4-6 oz construction
- Soft, pliable leather material
- Closed web design
- Padded palm
- Vibrant, colorful accents
- Hand specific for throwing arm
Finding the Right Fit:
- Measure hand size
- Match to size charts
- Try gloves on in store
- Ensure snug but flexible feel
- Size up as hand grows
Consider an 8-Inch to 10-Inch Mitt for Most T-Ball Players
When it comes to tee ball, bigger is not always better when selecting the right sized glove. Though it may be tempting to buy a glove with some growing room, a properly fitted mitt is vital for your child’s fielding success. Focus your search on the 8-inch to 10-inch size range for the best fit for most tee ball players.
Tee ball is typically played between ages 4-8, so hand size varies. But most kids in the 5-7 year old range will be most comfortable with a glove between 8 and 10 inches. An 8-inch mitt provides a snug fit for smaller hands, while 9 or 10-inch gloves suit bigger hands while still being lightweight and maneuverable.
It’s important that your child’s fingertips reach all the way into the edge of the glove. Excess material bunches up and makes closing the mitt around the ball difficult. Watch your player try catching – if they have to squeeze their fingers to dent the pocket, size down.
Bigger is not always better in tee ball. An oversized glove may seem impressive, but can hinder proper technique. With a heavy, stiff mitt, kids compensate by using their body rather than developing hand-eye coordination. Stick to age guidelines for optimal control.
While a properly fitted glove should be cozy, make sure it’s flexible enough for easy opening and closing. Fingers and hand should move freely within the outline. Leather softens up after break-in, so focus on snugness over tightness when sizing.
Many brands now offer gloves in quarter inch increments, allowing you to zero in on the perfect match. Measure your child’s hand against sizing charts before purchase. If possible, have them try on mitts in store while wearing a batting glove to gauge true fit.
Some other factors to keep in mind when sizing a tee ball glove:
- Right hand throwers need left hand gloves
- Closed web gloves help conceal the ball in the mitt
- Adjustable wrist straps allow tweaking fit
- Soft, supple leather molds to the hand
- Break-in periods ease stiffness gradually
While your little leaguer may dream of an enormous 12-inch glove, remember that proper fit trumps size. Keep focused on an 8 to 10-inch mitt with snug fingers and flexible palm to help them gain confidence and skills in the field. Proper glove sizing is crucial for tee ball success.