Why Properly Sized Batting Gloves Are Essential for Youth Players
As a parent of an aspiring young slugger, you want to make sure you’re giving your kid every chance to succeed on the baseball diamond. And while skills training and practice are critical, having the right protective gear is just as important. When it comes to batting gloves for youth players, size matters more than you may think.
I learned this lesson first-hand when my son started little league. The standard one-size-fits-all batting gloves we bought him were way too big, making it hard for him to grip the bat properly. His swings were awkward and his hands got blistered from the gloves sliding around. It was clear those oversized gloves were hindering his ability to make solid contact. Once we sized down to a snugger pair of extra small (XS) youth batting gloves, his swing mechanics, comfort, and confidence improved tremendously. Proper fitting gloves made all the difference.
Here’s why taking the time to find well-fitted small or youth XS batting gloves is so important for young players:
Enhanced Grip and Bat Control
Oversized gloves can slip around in a kid’s hands, making it tough to control the bat barrel effectively. Extra small gloves that conform to your child’s hand size allow for superior grip and bat control. Their hands can tightly wrap around the bat knob without fabric bunching or sliding.
Maximizes Comfort and Dexterity
When gloves are too bulky or long, a youth player’s fingers can’t move freely. Their hands fatigue faster trying to swing a heavy bat with stiff, uncomfortable gloves. Properly fitted youth small batting gloves offer flexibility so their hands can move naturally into proper batting positions.
Absorbs Sting and Vibration
A snugger fit ensures padded palms and fingers line up to absorb the shock of mishits. Loose gloves lose some of their protective cushioning effect. Getting stung hampers confidence and mechanics. Youth XS batting gloves transfer less sting to small hands.
Stays in Place and Minimizes Blisters
Unlike loose gloves that shift around, extra small youth gloves stay put, eliminating painful friction blisters. Tightly secured gloves won’t peel off or get caught on the knob during their swing.
Facilitates Proper Development
Learning proper grip and swing fundamentals is vital for youth players. Ill-fitting gloves that are too clumsy promote using the wrong muscles or improper technique. Getting the right small batting glove size early helps build proper form.
While most brands offer a wide range of sizes for adults, youth batting glove sizing can be trickier to navigate. Here are some tips for getting the ideal fit:
Measure Hands Carefully
Don’t rely on age guidelines alone. Youth hand sizes vary greatly, especially once kids reach age 8 and up. Measure your child’s hand circumference just below the knuckles. Compare to size charts, erring on the snug size if in between.
Prioritize Dexterity
Make sure gloves allow free finger movement so they can grasp the bat correctly. Bulky palm padding can restrict motion. Focus on flexible, thin gloves that don’t limit mobility.
Mind the Wrist
Loose wrists lead to rollover on the swing. Secure wrist straps ensure proper fit and prevent excess glove movement.
Consider Growth Spurts
Buy a more snug fit if they are nearing a growth spurt. You want at least a season’s use before upsizing. But don’t size down too small just to save money.
Comfort Counts
If gloves constantly need adjustment or feel awkward, they are likely the wrong size. Proper fit should feel comfortable from first swing through the whole game.
While it may take some trial and error to dial in the perfect youth glove size, take the time to get the right fit. Don’t just grab the same size as last year without rechecking. Your young player’s progress depends on having batting gloves that enhance their abilities rather than hinder them. With game-ready extra small (XS) gloves, their breakout season is just a few good swings away!
Pay Attention to Your Child’s Hand Measurements When Selecting Gloves
In the quest for the perfect pair of extra small or XS batting gloves for your young player, their exact hand measurements are the most important factor. Youth batting glove sizes vary widely based on age, position, hand size and brand. The key is dialing in the gloves that match your child’s unique hand dimensions for optimal comfort and performance.
Rather than relying on the typical age-based glove sizing, take the time to carefully measure your kid’s hand size. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide:
Trace Their Hands
Have them place both hands on a sheet of paper with fingers spread wide. Trace the outline of each hand using a pen or marker. This creates a template of their exact hand shapes.
Measure Palm Width
Using a ruler, measure across the widest part of the palm tracing, just below the knuckles. Record the measurement in inches.
Measure Palm Length
Measure from the bottom wrist crease up to the middle fingertip on the tracing. Again, record the length in inches.
Measure Hand Circumference
With a soft measuring tape, wrap around the hand just below the knuckles to get the hand circumference. A snug but comfortable fit is ideal.
Compare to Size Charts
Consult individual brand’s size charts for gloves, comparing your measurements to recommended sizing. Sizes vary across glove manufacturers.
Try Them On
It’s ideal if your player can try on the specific gloves before purchasing to ensure proper fit. Testing grip and flexibility is key.
While taking the time to measure may seem tedious, it guarantees you order the right youth batting glove size rather than relying on guesses. A few millimeters can make all the difference in how gloves perform. Here are some fitting tips based on playing position:
Infielders
lean towards a slimmer, tighter fit for maximum bat control and responsive grip when fielding quick grounders.
Outfielders
often opt for slightly roomier gloves focused on flex and comfort for long innings.
Catchers
need sturdy wrist support and hand protection within their mitt, so precise sizing is critical.
Switch Hitters
may choose a slightly snugger fit on their less dominant hand for more control when batting opposite.
Don’t just assume your kid is a certain glove size based on last season or their age. Growing youth player’s hands change rapidly. Take measurements before each new season to ensure the right fit for their current hand proportions. The most expensive top batting gloves will hinder, not help, if improperly sized.
With the right youth small or XS batting gloves dialed to their current hand metrics, budding players can grip the bat with confidence. Their hands will be protected and able to perform at their peak. Use those hand measurements as your guide, not age charts. With the perfect fit, you’ll be cheering extra base hits all season long!
Focus on Flexibility and Dexterity in Extra Small or Youth XS Sized Gloves
As a parent of a young baseball or softball player, you want to make sure your kiddo has the right gear to succeed on the field. One key piece of equipment is a properly fitted batting glove. With the right fit, batting gloves can help improve grip, protect little hands, and boost confidence at the plate. But finding the perfect extra small or youth XS sized batting glove takes some detective work.
My son started tee ball at age 5 and moved up to coach pitch baseball at 7 years old. He has always been on the smaller side for his age, so I’ve learned first-hand the struggle of finding properly fitted gloves for his tiny hands. After years of trial and error with big box brands, specialty manufacturers, and every size from youth small to XS, we’ve finally dialed in the ideal glove. Here are my tips for factors to focus on and brands to consider when shopping for extra small batting gloves for your youth player.
Prioritize Fit and Flexibility
Many parents make the mistake of moving down to a youth small or XS glove simply based on age guidelines from manufacturers. But every player’s hand size is different, so don’t rely on age alone. My son has narrow palms and short, skinny fingers at age 8, while his teammate with thicker palms and longer fingers wears a youth medium at age 7. Start by having your player try on multiple sizes and brands, even if they seem too small at first glance.
Focus first on achieving a snug fit across the palm and finger lengths that don’t restrict motion. The glove shouldn’t be painfully tight, but you don’t want excess material bunching up either. There should be no gaps between the glove and hand, especially around the fingers. Prioritize brands and materials that are flexible and thin to allow free motion. Avoid stiff leather gloves even in small sizes. My son prefers soft synthetic blends that move with his hands.
Emphasize Grip and Breathability
Along with flexibility, grip and breathability are key components of a great youth batting glove. Tiny hands sweat just as much as adult ones, so moisture control is essential. Look for gloves with perforations across the fingers and back of hand to allow airflow. This helps regulate temperature and keep hands dry.
Grip is also critical to prevent the bat from slipping. Opt for smooth leather or synthetic palms rather than pebbled textures. Silicon grips across key contact points like knuckles and fingers provide extra friction. Adjustable wrist straps and wrap-around closures also help customize the fit for smaller hands and improve grip security.
Consider Specialty Baseball Brands
While big brands like Nike and Under Armour make extra small and youth XS gloves, I’ve found better luck with companies that specialize in baseball equipment. They tend to offer more size options to accommodate growing players. Some of my top recommendations include:
- Franklin: Offers adjustable RBI gloves down to youth XS with breathable spandex and thin Pittards leather palms.
- Mizuno: Durable V Flex youth gloves available in XS with flexible PowerLock technology.
- Rawlings: Several fastpitch and baseball glove options in youth XS through XL.
- Wilson: A2000 line comes in youth XS with hybrid leather/synthetic palms.
These specialty brands cost more than basic big box gloves but the extra investment is worth it for proper fit, comfort and adjustability from season to season. Don’t be afraid to size down and focus on flexibility when shopping for your little slugger!
Lightweight Construction Allows for Better Bat Control
As a baseball mom, I want my young hitter to have every advantage at the plate. Proper batting gloves are an important piece of that offensive puzzle. The right glove provides a better grip, absorbs sting, and boosts confidence. But for many kids, bulky gloves can hinder proper mechanics. That’s why I always look for lightweight construction when shopping for my son’s extra small batting gloves.
My 9-year-old has been playing since tee ball and is now on his first travel team. He’s always been on the smaller side and needs an XS glove. Many gloves marketed toward kids are hot, stiff, and bulky though. This excessive padding and rigid materials can restrict finger motion. So I’ve learned to prioritize lightweight flexibility when fitting my mini slugger each season.
Focus on Thin, Breathable Materials
Many youth batting gloves use thick leather or heavy synthetics that don’t move well with small hands. Instead, look for gloves made of thin, breathable fabrics. Lightweight polyester or spandex blends work well. They conform to the hand without adding bulk.
Mesh panels across the knuckles and back of the hand also reduce weight. Perforations add airflow to cut down on moisture. This increases comfort and reduces hand fatigue that can come from swinging a heavy bat in hot gloves. My son loves the coolness of mesh-backed gloves on sweltering summer ball days.
Ensure Full Finger Dexterity
Heavy glove materials don’t just add weight, they also restrict motion. Stiff leather and extensive padding limit the fingers’ ability to flex and grip. This Loss of dexterity can hinder proper swing mechanics.
Focus on gloves with thin palms that don’t add material between the hand and bat. Soft, flexible synthetics or lightweight leather give the best feel. Pre-curved fingers make it easier for small hands to hold the bat correctly. Adjustable closures allow you to tweak the fit as needed.
Avoid gloves with attached wrist guards or extensive knuckle protection. This extra padding helps protect against impact but isn’t necessary for most youth players. The bulk limits flexibility in tiny hands. Go for minimalist padding to maximize bat control.
Prioritize Brands Focused on Fit
Big athletic brands like Nike and Under Armour make decent small batting gloves. But I’ve found better success with companies focused on optimal fit across a wide range of hand sizes. Some of my top picks include:
- Easton: Z-Flex line uses flexible lycra and an adjustable wrist strap down to youth XS.
- Franklin: Offers adjustable RBI gloves for a custom fit in youth XS.
- Marucci: Fitted gloves available in youth XXS to XL to accommodate different hand shapes.
- Rawlings: Heart of the Hide gloves come in youth XS with thin kip leather palms.
While more expensive than basic gloves, these brands engineer their gloves for performance. Premium materials provide protection without excessive bulk for better bat control.
Don’t settle for stiff, oversized gloves just because your player has small hands. Seek out lightweight construction built for dexterity. Proper fit and flexibility gives young hitters their best swing possible!
Breathable Materials Keep Hands Cool and Comfortable
As a baseball dad, I want my young slugger to have the best equipment out there. A proper batting glove is crucial for grip, protection, and confidence at the plate. But with little kids, breathability is just as important as fit. Swampy gloves lead to blisters, distracted hands, and fatigue. That’s why I always seek out breathable construction when buying my 8-year-old son’s extra small batting gloves for the season.
We’ve tried all kinds of gloves over the years, from cheap big box brands to high-end specialty items. Time and again, lack of airflow causes problems. Thanks to sweaty hands and no ventilation, my kiddo ends up distracted or wanting to ditch the gloves entirely. Here are my top tips for finding gloves that keep small hands cool, dry, and comfortable all game long.
Mesh Provides Crucial Airflow
Solid glove materials like leather don’t breathe well, especially in youth sizes with less surface area. Trapped moisture causes slippage and discomfort. That’s why mesh panels are so important on the backs of fingers and across the knuckles.
Mesh creates airflow channels to dissipate heat. Tiny perforations let sweat evaporate while keeping hands protected. Just make sure to get high-quality mesh rather than flimsy material that compromises structure. Spandex and synthetics dry faster than full-grain leather too.
Breathable Palm Materials Matter
Mesh on the backs of fingers is great, but palm materials also affect breathability. Some synthetic blends actually enhance airflow. Polyester microfiber wicks away moisture better than stiff leather. However, some synthetics can trap heat.
Look for palms made of soft, perforated leather or lined with moisture-wicking microfiber. Avoid rubberized grips or vinyl palms that seal out airflow. Consider gloves with vent holes punched right in the palm material to allow evaporative cooling.
Focus on Adjustability
No matter how breathable the materials, airflow gets blocked if the glove doesn’t fit right. Oversized gloves leave Room for trapped moisture.
Prioritize gloves with adjustable wrist closures and wraps. This allows you to tweak the fit as needed, creating the ideal snugness while leaving space for ventilation. Elastic or Velcro closures accommodate different wrist sizes for custom comfort.
Pre-curved fingers and articulated joints also reduce tight bunching between the fingers to prevent sweaty hot spots.
Youth-Focused Brands Optimize Breathability
Big athletic brands make decent small batting gloves, but I’ve found specialty baseball companies optimize airflow and sweat control better in youth sizes. Some top breathable gloves include:
- Easton Z-Flex: Lightweight lycra mesh backs.
- Franklin Sports: RBI series has perforated palms.
- Marucci: Youth gloves utilize moisture-wicking microfiber.
- Nike: Vapor batting gloves feature ventilated mesh.
While more expensive, these breathable gloves help young players stay cool and comfortable at the plate. Don’t settle for stuffy, sweaty hands that lead to distraction and discomfort. Airflow is essential for peak performance!