How Do You Size a Fastpitch Softball Glove: Beginner’s Guide

Getting the right-sized fastpitch softball glove matters more than most new players realize. Grab the wrong size and here’s what happens:

• You’ll feel uncomfortable during the whole game
• The discomfort will affect your reaction
• Slow reaction = missed catches/groundballs = more runs for the batting team

There’s a simple way to get it right, though. Once you’ve picked out the top fastpitch softball glove for your game, dialing in the size comes down to two things:

• Age of player
• Position in the field

I’ll walk you through both in detail below. Even once you’ve nailed the technical side, remember the player still has to feel comfortable in the glove. The numbers here give you a starting point, but trying the glove on and playing catch with it is what actually seals the deal.

Sizing a Fastpitch Softball Glove – Quick Overview Chart

Note: This chart gives you a solid ballpark for what size glove to look for. The right size still depends on how fast your kid’s hands are growing, personal preference, and playstyle. All measurements are in inches, except for catcher’s mitts, which are measured by circumference instead of length.

Age And Positions: Going into The Heart of The Matter

Two major factors determine the right-sized glove: the player’s age group and their position on the field. On top of that, every player has their own preference, playstyle, and comfort level to factor in.

For junior players (under 14), parents sometimes buy gloves that are too big, thinking the kid will “grow into it.” That usually backfires and hurts performance on the field. Even adult players (14 and up) sometimes end up with a glove that’s too small or too large for their needs. Below, I’ll give you a clear idea of the potential sizes (not set in stone) for every age group and position.

The Impact of Age in Sizing Glove

Age is a big factor in choosing the right-sized glove. Usually, from age 14 and up, most players can move into an adult-sized glove, but younger players should stick to a glove sized for their age group.

For the youngest players, the recommended glove size varies mostly by age rather than position. For example, players under 10 usually don’t have a locked-in primary position yet. The main thing to worry about is getting a properly sized glove that’s comfortable for their small hands, so a glove somewhere between 9″ and 11″ should work fine for that age range.

Once your player settles into a primary position, though, it’s time to think about position-specific sizing. Players over 10 usually have a set position, so the glove size should reflect that. For example, a 12U fastpitch player shouldn’t wear a glove sized for a 10-year-old.

Here’s a quick breakdown for choosing the right fastpitch softball glove size based on age, in a simple Q&A format.

What size fastpitch softball glove should a 10-year-old use?

9″ to 11″ for players below the age of 10.

What size fastpitch softball glove should a 14-year-old and 13-year-old use?

10″ to 12″ for players aged 11 to 14. Kids on the higher end of that age range usually land toward the top of the range, closer to 12″.

What size fastpitch softball glove should an adult use?

11.5″ to 13″ for players 14 and up. These estimates are for fielding gloves only (infield and outfield). I’m not counting fastpitch catcher’s mitts and pitcher’s gloves in that range, since those are sized a bit differently.

How Positioning Can Affect Glove Size

Depending on the player’s position on the field, the ideal glove size changes. Players locked into a primary position should choose a glove built for that spot. If you’re not locked into one position yet, a standard utility glove works fine since it plays well pretty much anywhere.

One quick note before I get into it: fastpitch gloves are built and sized a bit differently than slowpitch gloves, even for the same position, so don’t just borrow sizing off a slowpitch chart. I get into those differences in the difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball gloves if you want the full breakdown.

From my own experience coaching and playing, here’s a quick rundown of the sizes that tend to work best for each position on the field.

Middle Infield:

11.75 to 12-inch gloves work well for most players in this position, since a shorter, shallower pocket helps with quick transfers. Plenty of players also go a bit bigger, up to 12.5 inches. Most female players I’ve worked with tend to prefer 12-inch gloves, but it really comes down to personal preference.

My advice is not to go too far outside that normal range. Open web gloves (I-web or H-web designs) are the go-to choice for middle infielders because they let more daylight through for tracking the ball.

Outfielders:

Outfielders need extra reach, so their gloves run bigger. Outfielders under 14 usually do well with a 12 to 12.5-inch glove, while players 14 and up typically want at least a 13-inch glove. I prefer closed web gloves out there since they hold onto the ball better on long runs and dives.

Pitchers:

An 11.5 to 12-inch glove works well for players under 14, while players 14 and up usually want an 11-inch to 12.5-inch glove. Closed web gloves are almost always the right call for pitchers since they need to hide the ball and grip to keep the hitter guessing on what’s coming.

Catchers:

Most adult players land somewhere in the 32 to 34-inch range for this position, with 33 or 34 inches being the most common pick, though there are exceptions. For example, younger players can comfortably work with a 32-inch youth catcher’s mitt. Just make sure the pocket is deep enough to secure incoming fastballs.

First Base:

A 12.5 to 13-inch mitt is a solid option for this position at the adult level, since the wider scoop and deeper pocket help with tough throws in the dirt. For players under 14, an 11.5 to 12-inch mitt is usually plenty.

Third Base:

I’d stick with a relatively smaller glove for this position, since a bigger glove makes it harder to get the ball out quickly for that fast throw across the diamond. Usually, 11 to 11.5-inch gloves are perfect here. For younger players, a 10.5-inch glove works fine too.

A Quick Recommendation

I’ve been in the thick of fastpitch softball for a long time, and I’ve gone through more gloves than I can count. So here’s a quick highlight of three gloves you can consider if you’re still on the fence. I picked these three because they’re varied and cater to different ages, budgets, and needs.

Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Series

To my students, I always suggest this glove because the Wilson A2000 series is designed by Shigeaki Aso, one of the best-known names in glove design with decades of experience building gloves for both baseball and fastpitch softball players.

There are different sizes available across positions, but the smallest size in the Wilson A2000 fastpitch lineup runs 11.75 inches. So I wouldn’t recommend this one for your youngest softball star just yet. Instead, look into a smaller 10 to 10.5-inch glove.

This glove is a great fit for high schoolers and adults. The Pro Stock leather comes from US Steerhide, which is thicker than most other materials. That makes it harder to break in, but the leather will last for years, so think of it as a long-term investment.

There’s also the SuperSkin feature. Usually, the tradeoff with Pro Stock leather is extra weight. SuperSkin adds durability without piling on that extra weight.

The Velcro wrist strap gave me plenty of flexibility to adjust the fit on the fly. No fussing with laces, just a quick pull and I was locked in.

Overall, the Wilson A2000 is a top-notch fastpitch glove with the punch you need to own the field. Even for pitchers, the closed web design available in this series helps hide the ball and keep hitters guessing.

Details:

• Size: 11.75 – 12.5 inches
• Material; Pro Stock Leather (US Steerhide)
• Throw: Right-hand throw / Left-hand throw
• Position: Pitcher, Infield, Outfield

Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball Glove – Field Master Series (Good choice for beginners)

Franklin Sports made a name for itself with affordable, reliable gloves for beginner fastpitch players. If you’re new to fastpitch softball, this is a solid value series worth a look.

Players who are just learning the ropes can be reluctant to spend a lot on a glove, and I don’t blame them. Franklin has mastered the art of producing decent gloves at a competitive price, so this series is worth considering if you’re on a budget but still want standard quality.

Unlike the Wilson A2000, the Franklin Field Master gloves start at 10 inches and go up to 14 inches, so you can get a glove for your little leaguer without dishing out a ton of cash.

I’ll admit the synthetic leather isn’t the best, but it’s perfect for beginners. You won’t need months or any advanced break-in techniques to get this glove game-ready. Just play catch with it, and you’re good to go.

Details:

• Material: Synthetic Leather
• Throw: Right-hand throw/Left-hand throw
• Size: 10 – 14 inches
• Position: Pitcher, Infield, Outfield

Mizuno Franchise Fastpitch Softball Glove Series (Great choice for Female Players)

One of the biggest problems with a lot of softball glove lines is that they’re really just baseball gloves in a different color. It can be tricky to find gloves properly sized for female players because plenty of manufacturers don’t pay much attention to that.

Mizuno takes a different approach. Its softball gloves are designed specifically for female softball players, with smaller openings and tighter finger stalls than most other brands on the market.

That’s a real advantage if you’ve struggled to find a glove that actually fits.

The Mizuno Franchise lineup is fairly limited: a 12-inch utility glove and a 34-inch catcher’s mitt. So there isn’t a ton of choice if you specifically need a first base, shortstop, or outfielder’s glove. Still, it’s affordable, and the all-in-one utility glove makes a lot of sense for that price.

This glove uses Java leather, which comes from cowhides sourced in Indonesia. Those hides aren’t as thick as the ones typically used in the US, so the leather is good but not as sturdy or durable as Pro Stock.

There’s an upside, though: the break-in period is much shorter than with premium gloves, so it’ll be game-ready fast.

Another advantage of this series is the foam cushioning behind the fingers, which lets you dial in a more customized fit.

Details:

• Material: Leather
• Throw: Right-hand throw/Left-hand throw
• Size: 12″ and 34″
• Position: Infield, Outfield, Catcher

Pulling the Curtains

To become a successful fastpitch softball player, choosing the right-sized glove based on age and position in the field really matters.

Every action on the field needs to be accurate to win games, and how accurately you throw and field comes down to how comfortable you are with your glove. If your glove is too loose or too tight, it’s going to show up in your gameplay.

For beginners, figuring out glove size can feel confusing, but I hope this softball glove size chart and breakdown helps you land on the right size for your age and position.

And it’s a given that there’s no substitute for practice if you want to take your game up a notch. Choosing the right equipment won’t be enough on its own if you don’t put in the hours.

That said, a lot of practice with the wrong equipment will do more harm than good. There’s a balance here, and once you get the fit right, you’re already halfway to playing your best.

So pick the right glove, keep practicing, and make your team proud. Cheers!

Tyler Wells

With 4 years of Division II experience, a .272 career batting average, .410 on-base percentage, and 7 home runs, I’m now in my fifth season. I’ve played baseball since age 3, alongside future MLB Draft picks, and I aim to pursue a career in baseball professionally, be it playing, coaching, or scouting.