When it comes to softball, having the right glove is essential for success. A glove that fits properly, is comfortable to use, and is broken in just right can help you catch the ball more reliably and react quickly to the situation. But breaking in a glove can be a tricky process. In this article, we’ll discuss the best methods for breaking in a softball glove so that you can get the most out of your glove in the long run.
Why Is It Important to Break in a Softball Glove?
When you first buy a glove, it is usually made of stiff leather that has not been treated or conditioned. This makes the glove difficult to use, as the leather is rigid and does not allow for much flexibility. This means that it will be more difficult for you to close the glove around the ball, as the leather will be more resistant to movement. Breaking in your glove helps to soften the leather, making it easier for you to use and giving you greater control when you’re catching the ball. It’s also important to break in your glove to make sure that it fits your hand properly and is comfortable to use.
What Are the Best Methods for Breaking in a Softball Glove?
There are a few different methods you can use to break in a softball glove. The most common methods are physical conditioning, oiling, and steaming. Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Physical Conditioning
Physical conditioning is the most common method for breaking in a softball glove. This involves using your hands to manually work the leather, softening it and making it more pliable. To do this, you should wear a batting glove and use your hands to fold, bend, or twist the leather in different directions. You can also use a mallet or glove hammer to help soften the leather. It’s important to keep in mind that this process can take several hours, so you should be prepared to put in the time to get the glove broken in properly.
Oiling
Oiling is another common method for breaking in a softball glove. You can use a glove oil, such as lanolin or neatsfoot oil, to soften the leather and make it more pliable. To do this, you should apply a small amount of oil to the glove, making sure to cover all areas of the glove. You should then use your hands to massage the oil into the leather and work it into the fibers. This process should be repeated several times until the glove is properly broken in.
Steaming
The third method for breaking in a softball glove is steaming. This involves using a steamer or a pot of boiling water to soften the leather. To do this, you should place a pot of boiling water on the stove and place your glove in the steam. This should be done for several minutes, until the leather has softened and is pliable. After this, you should use your hands to work the leather, as you would with physical conditioning.
What Are the Benefits of Breaking in a Softball Glove?
Breaking in a softball glove has a number of benefits. Firstly, it makes the glove easier to use and more comfortable to wear. This is because the softening of the leather makes it much more flexible and easier to close around the ball. It also makes it easier to grip the ball, as the glove will be more supple and less resistant to movement. Additionally, breaking in a glove ensures that it fits your hand properly, as the softening of the leather makes it easier to adjust the glove to your hand size.
Conclusion
Breaking in a softball glove is a necessary process if you want to get the most out of your glove. There are a few different methods you can use to break in a glove, such as physical conditioning, oiling, and steaming. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right method for you. If done properly, breaking in a glove can make it easier to use, more comfortable to wear, and ensure that the glove fits your hand properly.