Dress for Softball
Softball is a fun and rewarding sport that anyone can play. However, if you do not dress appropriately, you can get some painful injuries. Read on to learn the steps to dressing on the diamond.
Contents
Steps
- Obtain the uniform. There are multiple methods to this step, depending on your situation.
- For a Game: If you are going out to play an organized softball game, you should obviously be wearing the same uniform as everyone else. This isn't just preferred, it's in the rules. If you aren't wearing the same shirt and shorts as everyone else, you can potentially be kicked out of the game, depending on the umpire's discretion.
- For a Practice: Unless your coach has specific dress guidelines for practise, the choices are pretty much open. The simplest option is simply a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. Make sure the shirt is neither too tight or too loose because you need to have a full range of motion to be the best you can be.
- For a Game: If you are going out to play an organized softball game, you should obviously be wearing the same uniform as everyone else. This isn't just preferred, it's in the rules. If you aren't wearing the same shirt and shorts as everyone else, you can potentially be kicked out of the game, depending on the umpire's discretion.
- Pay attention to Know Your Local Weather. Softball games can end up being played in pretty horrible climates, so make sure you check the forecast before heading out for softball. If it's fifty degrees or under, the best idea would be to wear a turtle neck, long-sleeved shirt under your uniform, or at least pack one. And if it's sixty or over, a simple under shirt beneath your uniform would be sufficient.
- Wear sliders. Sliders are basically thigh-cut leggings that protect your upper leg from getting scratched when sliding. They should fit quite snugly, and should have pads on each outer side. They should be worn under your shorts.
- Tuck in your shirt. Make sure that you tuck in your shirt all around, and not just in the front. The umpire may or may not call you on it if your shirt is only tucked in the front.
- Wear Take Care of Cleats. You can have metal spikes or molded/plastic cleats , and should fit you well. Your shoes should also be tied before the game, you may even want to double knot them to make sure they don't come off. Be aware that there are in fact more than one type of cleat; be sure yours are specifically softball cleats, and not any other kind.
- Own a snug glove. Your glove shouldn't be too big nor too small. Make sure that you can properly snap the glove shut to grab a ball before you go into a game, which could mean breaking it in. Here are some ideas:
- Put a softball in your glove and then place it under your mattress. Sleep on it through the night, and it should be flexible in the morning.
- Many sports stores own an oil that you can put on your glove before putting it in the oven which does wonders for it's stiffness.
- Place a softball in your mitt, and wrap the glove entirely in twine. After a few days of being wrapped up, the mitt should be ready to go.
- Put a softball in your glove and then place it under your mattress. Sleep on it through the night, and it should be flexible in the morning.
- Wear softball socks. Your socks can be any colour: as long as your entire team matches during a game. At a practice, it isn't necessary to wear socks unless your coach prefers it, or if you don't have sliders for any particular reason.
- Don't wear jewelry. The umpire can call you out on it if you are wearing jewelry, and you can miss your inning to bat. If you have studs in your ears that cannot be removed for any reason, put tape on your ears. You are not allowed to wear any jewelry, which includes rings, necklaces, metal hair pins/clips, and earrings.
- Have a kneepad if necessary. Although it isn't supposed to, your calf can scrape the ground while sliding. If you think you may accidentally do this, you may want to invest in a good knee pad. While you’re in the field or doing field work, your kneepad can rest at your ankle. However, once you’re at bat, your kneepad should have migrated to your shin. This will do a load of good when you slide. There are two types of kneepads, one of which is placed at your knee. In most cases, people keep it there even when they're not up to bat.
Tips
- Many people's hands become irritated from batting. If you think you are one of these people, you should have one or two batting gloves, depending on discretion.
- if the pitcher is pitching really hard you can just move back in the batters box.
- If you have any questions about the uniform, ask your coach.
- If you are a catcher, you should have the proper gear to wear before entering a practice or starting a game.
- Be prepared, having be prepared can make your game/tournament/practice go much smoother!
- Buy a specific glove depending on your position in the infield. If you are unsure of which glove to buy, ask someone who will know.
- Wear a helmet whenever you are hitting live!
- Make sure that tape is on your ears if you're wearing earrings.
- Make sure that you take a small lead depending on whether the catcher is good or bad.
- Always remember to put your kneepad on your shin if you're batting.
Warnings
- When you are going into a game, make sure that you follow all dress codes. The umpire does have a right to take you out of the game if you do not meet the standards.
- If you try to catch without proper catcher's equipment, you can hurt yourself to the point of ending your softball career. Always wear your catcher's equipment when catching, even if it's a casual pitching practise.
- Sliding without sliders, a kneepad, or socks can cause serious injury. Never slide without the proper equipment!
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- Play Softball
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- Play First Base in Slow Pitch Softball
- Play Better Softball
