REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Glove - Ensure gloves are labeled for girls/youth/fastpitch softball, not baseball or slowpitch. Favor larger size but be mindful about weight. 11 and 12inch softballs have to fit in the pocket!
Size / Price Recommendations
- Age 5-7 (10.5-11") - $40-50
- Age 8-10 (11-12") - $40-100
- Age 11+ (11.5-13") - $90+
Bat - Ensure bats are for youth and fastpitch softball, not baseball or slowpitch softball. Baseball and slowpitch softball bats are NOT legal for use.
Bat Length / Price
- Age 5-6 (24-26") - <$50
- Age 7-8 (26-28") - <$75
- Age 9-10 (29-31") - <$100
- Age 11-12 (30-32") - $100+
- Age 13+ (32-34") - $199+
- High School (33-34") - $250+
Adjust these guidelines based on your daughter's strength. Girls should progress and use longer/heavier bats as soon as possible. Once a bat reach 30"+, the weight should be -10, -9 from the length (31" bat would weigh 21 or 22oz). Girls should look to transition to composite bats around age 10-12+ and move away from aluminum bats.
Batting Helmet with Faceguard - Ensure helmet stays snug. Note the additional faceguard on the helmet. This is mandated on softball batting helmets when girls get older
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
- Fielder's Mask: Strongly recommend fielder's mask for girls who pitch and play infield, especially 1st base and 3rd base, due to smaller field dimensions in softball. Suitable for girls in Minors division and older (age 8+).
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Batting Gloves
- Chest Guard - Boys & Girls versions available. Meets NOCSAEĀ® Chest Protector Standard for Commotio Cordis.
- Heart Guard - Absorbs impact energy and forces it away from the heart.
- Equipment Bag - Keep all equipment (glove, bat, helmet, jacket, hat, sun glasses, water bottle, batting glove) all in one spot. (1) Reduce the chance of losing items on the field. (2) Get out of your apartment in time without frustration! and the best part? (3) your kid carries all his/her equipment back and forth to the field. Proudly!