Anyone who has ever played a game of softball or sat in the audience to watch one knows how intensely those athletes have to play. The muscle behind these athletes is no joke when they throw a ball as fast as a speeding car. To keep up with the athletes and their long training hours you need some tough fastpitch softball gloves. But do not confuse that for a slowpitch softball glove. These are two different games with different equipment needs. With a different sized softball, new techniques for pitching, and the ball travelling at higher speeds, it almost feels like two entirely different games for those playing. When jumping between fastpitch and slowpitch, you need to make some changes and quickly.

What is the difference between slowpitch & fastpitch softball?
The most significant distinction between playing slowpitch and fastpitch softball is in the pitching techniques. Slowpitch is consistent in pitching because they only toss the softball underhand with no windup, the ball travels much more slowly. In fastpitch, there is a windup that sends the ball upward at speeds to match motor vehicles. The type of softball used differs as well. In fastpitch, the ball is a bit smaller. This combined with the change in throwing technique means that there is a huge burden put on the pitcher if she is switching over into fastpitch from slowpitch. The main difference between the games involves the catcher and pitcher.

Why do you need two different gloves?
As we just discussed above, we are dealing with two very distinct styles of play between these two versions of the game. Many of the changes involve the pitcher throwing the ball. This leaves us to understand that with two play styles, we need two different kinds of gloves. Fastpitch softball gloves are not designed the exact same way as slowpitch gloves are. They are designed to keep up with the needs of fastpitch play such as hiding the pitcher’s thumb behind a closed web to not reveal the pitch grip. The catchers will need more cushion in their fastpitch softball gloves to handle catching the ball without risking injury. Overall, with two different styles of game, we have some noticeable need for modified gear that can keep up with the players.

Fastpitch softball is a tough game to keep up with and can feel a bit tricky to transition over to if you are used to slowpitch softball instead. However, once you feel more confident in playing fastpitch, you will need to remember to have the right gear with you. The stakes are much higher in fastpitch, so you need to keep the right gear with you to play your best while also protecting your hands. You want to play a good game and stay safe at the same time.

Pick out the best fastpitch softball gloves for you and hop into a game. Thankfully we have resources like HB Sports to provide us with appropriate gear for either style of softball. You can find your new softball gloves there.