Youth Baseball Catchers Equipment

Choosing the best youth baseball catchers equipment can be challenging to say the least.

I hope this article makes buying catcher's gear much easier for you.

The 5 Essential pieces of gear that a catcher will need

1. Shin Guards

2. Chest Protector

3. Face Mask

4. Catcher's Mitt

5. Cup-NEVER let your catcher play without his cup!

Shin guards are an important decision in choosing the right baseball catchers equipment. They need to fit properly to ensure safety and comfort behind the plate. You want them to come over the top of the knee when the catcher is squatting down as well as cover the toes.

If the catcher has to pull the shin guards up to go over the knee and the foot is exposed inevitably he will get a foul ball off the foot which is extremely painful!

The amount of cushioning in the shin guards is a factor that drives the pricing. Lower end gear will have the same outer shell but the cushioning will be less. Go ahead and spend the money on the padding. Not only will this cut down on injuries but it will make playing the position much more comfortable.

Knee savers are a great invention for catchers especially young catchers who are building up strength and stamina in their legs. Knee savers help bear the load of squatting during the game.Baseball - Easton Ali-Med Knee Saver - Baseball Catcher's Accessories

Chest Protector

In choosing the proper baseball catchers equipment, the number one consideration for chest protectors is size.

Make sure that it covers the collar bone. Too often catchers will have a chest protector that is too big. When they squat down the chest protector moves forward exposing the collar bone. One foul tip or ball in the dirt and the player could suffer a broken collar bone.

There are several types of cushioning for chest protectors. Memory foam is the best at deadening the ball when the catchers block. You will also want to choose a chest protector that is light weight and releases heat.

The mask is another important decision when buying baseball catchers equipment. Before you make the investment check with your league to see if they have requirements for a mask.

Many youth organizations through high school associations across the country have mandated the full "hockey" mask for catchers.

What drives the pricing for some of these masks is the cover for the interior cushioning. The lower priced helmets will have a fabric cover while the higher end masks will have a leather covering.

Both products work well. The leather covering is easier to keep clean. And that is somewhat important for pubescent players trying to cut down on acne.

Baseball catchers equipment: When choosing a mitt you want it to be well constructed in the thumb area. How can you tell? The harder it is when you buy it the better constructed the mitt is. Breaking a good catchers mitt is a chore but one that is well worth the effort.

If you buy a mitt that is already broken in then it will break down much sooner than a higher quality, stiffer mitt.

All of the major manufacturers carry a "good", "better", "best" line of catchers mitts. The "better" choice or middle price points works just fine up until high school. Mizuno makes a really nice mitt for about $100 in their MVP series.

For the high school age player I would recommend considering the "best" option. At this level pitcher are throwing considerably harder and catchers can injure their thumb and palm if they are using an inadequate mitt.I know mitts can get expensive but by the time the kids get to high school you have already come to the realization that catching can be an expensive endeavor.

But well worth it!

Here is the Mizuno MVP mitt referenced above at Baseball Express.

Catchers must wear a cup. It might be embarrassing to go to the sporting goods store on a crowded Saturday and go cup shopping but they have to wear it.

The excuse that they are uncomfortable is as old as time (not really) but they have to wear a cup.

There are some "more comfortable" options in cups that have flexible sides. But a cup with the proper holder will take a little getting used to and catchers are insane if they catch without a cup on!

Make sure when you purchase gear in a set that you verify the recommended age on the set.

This set is for ages 9-12. Sets also come in sizes 7-9 and 12-16

--Catcher's Footwork Throwing to the Bases

--Blocking Techniques

--Proper Stances

--Receiving and Framing

--Fielding Bunts

--Blocking Home Plate

Videos range in price from $2.99-$12.99

This video is approximately 3 minutes long and covers proper routes and fielding techniques for different types of bunts. Instructor: Brandon Smith