How to Choose a Baseball Glove to Use at Baseball Camps

Youth baseball instruction is a great way to improve skills and prepare for an upcoming season. Purchasing a baseball glove is one of the first things you'll want to do before engaging in baseball drills. Moms and dads can look online to find baseball gloves for their children or visit local, sporting good stores to find a variety of name-brand mitts. We would suggest the latter, because you'll be able to physically handle the mitt and try it on for size.

First, consider the child's position during baseball season. Pitcher's gloves and infielder's gloves are generally smaller than other gloves. In addition, catcher's gloves and first baseman's gloves are entirely unique. Outfielder's gloves are larger than that of infielders. Baseball camps usually train kids to play all positions in order for them to gain experience and hone their talents. In this case, it may be best to seek a 'utility glove', which is larger than an infielder's glove, and will enable the child to play most defensive positions.

Budgets can be a concern. The price of baseball gloves can range drastically. It is suggested to invest in a quality glove if the child has been playing baseball for some time and envisions playing for some time to come. The higher-end gloves will last longer and will respond better at baseball camp and in league play.

As previously stated, it is important to try the glove on for a good fit. If the glove does not feel natural, then the child may not use it well during baseball drills or in live games. Manufacturers attempt to fashion gloves so 'one size fits all', but their aspirations do not always come to fruition. Make sure the child understands that the 'stiffness' will subside once they get a chance to begin using the glove and 'breaking it in'.

Gloves are measured from their heel (the edge of the glove located near the wearer's wrist) to the top of the glove on the palm side (near the wearer's fingers). Youth gloves range from about 8" to about 12". 12" gloves are probably too large for most youths, yet some children in their preteens may use them.

Baseball gloves feature several types of backs and webs. Open-web backs are usually for outfielders and third baseman. Closed-web backs are preferred by infielders and pitchers. Catcher's mitts are heavily padded and are entirely unique to that position; you cannot use a catcher's mitt in any other position. Similarly, the first baseman's mitt is unique to that position. It is shaped very much like a catcher's mitt, yet is less padded and affords the wearer more mobility. Infielder's gloves are smaller than outfielder's gloves because in baseball drills and games, it is important for the infielder's to get the ball out of their gloves quickly; a larger mitt could delay the process.

To Play or Not To Play - There Is No Question

Parents and players alike are under the belief that playing baseball or softball year round is the way to develop the athlete's abilities. Only through focused and dedicated muscle-memory training can an athlete make adjustments in their mechanics that will allow them to succeed; thus playing playing games in order to train often becomes futile and frustrating with little or no improvement.

The ice-cold reality of our winter months is that it is our opportunity as players to do one thing - get better. It is our time to re-invent ourselves by confronting the bad habits that inevitably developed over the long haul rigors of the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Winter is the training time when athletes must assess their season and find ways to hone strengths and strengthen weaknesses. Players must take this time to look in the mirror and make the commitment to becoming a better ballplayer through proper training.

Baseball and softball, for the most part, are reaction sports. We train to make our playing instinctive, reactive, and enjoyable. Playing indoor games during the winter is not the proper time to make mechanical adjustments, correct flaws, or strengthen and condition the body for another grueling season. Learning is impractical at game-speed and under game pressure. Skills must be learned and nurtured in the cage, bullpen, or practice field with knowledgeable guidance and quality repetitions.

Zoned is committed to helping all players maximize their potential and make wise use of their off-season to rebuild and better their game. Our staff of baseball and softball professionals bring extensive experience and are dedicated to making your goals our goals. Come train and be prepared for the upcoming season!

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Stretching Is a Part of Baseball Fundamentals

Baseball pitching coaches, baseball hitting coaches, and any kind of coach agree that stretching is very important. The motions involved in baseball cause your muscles to contract and flex. Before and after any physical activity, it is good to stretch to facilitate safety and the body's maintenance.

Consider the following benefits of stretching in regards to before and after baseball drills:

- Baseball training programs call for stretching because it increases flexibility. Having flexible muscles can increase your performance in baseball. Associated motions can gradually become easier and less tiring when stretching becomes a regular part of your regimen.

- Baseball instruction involves stretching because it improves the range of motion in your joints. Having a good range of motion improves balance. Improved balance makes you a better baseball player and leaves you less prone to falling and getting injuries.

- Baseball camps implement stretching because it improves circulation. Stretching increases the blood flow to your muscles. Having improved circulation facilitates recovery time in relation to muscle injuries.

- Baseball coaches encourage stretching because it helps to relieve stress. Stretching relaxes tense muscles, which are often associated with stress.