The Pro Tips Softball Checklist
Make sure you're prepared this fastpitch season with our softball essentials checklist.
May 06, 2024
Are you gearing up for softball season? We've gathered a thorough list of essentials you may need for before you take the field.
Picking up a bat and a glove seems pretty obvious, but there’s a handful of other items that may not immediately come to mind. For example, sliding shorts and sliders are key to protecting players when they need to slide on close plays, and close plays are common occurrences during every softball game.
Practice apparel, equipment bags, balls, cleats and helmets are also all essential for any softball player. Consult this DICK’S Sporting Goods softball checklist for a complete guide to the gear you’ll need this season.
Scroll to the end for a checklist you can screen shot and use to easily shop!
Why You Should Trust Us
We consulted a variety of specialists, including an experienced coach, a former player and our in-house experts to craft this thorough list. Their advice? Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of items. Choose what’s appropriate for your player, their age and their skill level. Start with the basics and then invest in additional gear as needed based on your league and needs. We even have some Pro Tips from travel softball parents who work right here at DICK'S!
MUST-HAVE SOFTBALL ESSENTIALS
The following are needed (and may be a league requirement) for teir upcoming season!
Softball Bat
Lighter bats with higher drop numbers such as -13 are often the best option for beginners and younger players.
Softball Glove
Many youth gloves are designated as "utility" or "all-purpose," as players younger than the age of 10 likely don't yet have a primary position.
Batting Helmet
Never purchase a bigger helmet to grow into. A childs' head does not grow much past age 10. An ill-fitting helmet that is too big can lead to injury!
Softball Cleats
Metal cleats are not allowed in youth leagues. Stick with rubber, turf or TPU cleats.
Uniform Pants
Explore convenient "pull up" styles, full-length fits or old school knicker-style pants, depending on your players' style.
Fielders' Face Mask
Masks are designed to be lightweight, yet help offer an extra layer of facial and dental protection for fielders.
SOFTBALL PROTECTION ESSENTIALS
This gear won't be necessary for every player, depending on their position, or if their league provides these items for shared use.
Batter Protection
An elbow guard or leg guard may help protect against errant pitches. Plus, you can look like your favorite softball stars!
Other Protection
It can be a good idea to get young players used to wearing protection early.
Chest Protector
Double up! Some leagues require chest protection for both practice and games; having more than option will cut back on laundry.
Helmet Facemask
Masks made specifically for softball are highly recommended as the wire spacing is larger and can help improve visibility.
SOFTBALL ACCESSORIES TO UP YOUR GAME
This gear won't be necessary for every player, depending on their position, or if their league provides these items for shared use. “Over the years, I built a collection of quality gear, but I tried to focus on the little things. Items like batting gloves, sunglasses, and a good headband impact game performance and comfort. You never know when you will need to use swing-trainers after an off-balance game or switch up your style with a fresh stick of eye black in your team color. Keeping a versatile set of gear on deck will ensure you stay happy and prepared throughout the season!” says Miranda P., former softball player and UI Designer at DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Bag or Bat Pack
Bat packs are a versatile option for most youth players, while some positions (like catchers) may need a little more room and a wheeled option to accommodate their gear.
Softball Belt
Choose from a variety of options to match their team colors!
Softball Socks
It's wise to stock up and have a few pairs in the rotation.
Practice Shirts
It's helpful to have a short sleeve and long sleeve option on hand! Look for tees with moisture-wicking benefits for added comfort while training.
Softballs
Optic yellow is the official ball color of competitive softball play. The speed of the game and condensed field size compared to baseball make ball visbility especially important!
Batting Gloves
Wearing batting gloves can help improve the grip on a bat and reduce the negative effects of perspiration on a player’s hands.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses add style to their game, but more importantly, block out the sun to help improve visibility on the field.
Softball Visor
Look for mesh and/or wicking materials to help keep them cool on hot game days.
Headband or Hair Tie
Look for bands designed with rubber to ensure they stay put while they sweat.
Sliding Shorts
Extra padding under their uniform pants helps add confidence when sliding.
Batting Jacket
A batting jacket is great for practice and warm-ups to help keep your player warm without restricting arm mobility.
Sliding Mitt
Sliding mitts help offer both top-hand protection from a defender's cleats as well as wrist padding to help players slide with added confidence.
Eye Black
Emulate your favorite pro players! And help block out the sun.
Water Bottle
Hydration is key! Squeeze bottles may be the best option for a dirty dugout vs. a straw.
Bat Grips & Tape
Bat grips let players personalize the look of their bat while also helping extend the life of the bat with improved grip.
Glove Care
Glove oils and conditioners can help keep gloves in tip-top shape and get them game-ready faster.
Slides
The perfect post-game accessory for comfort and style.
PRO TIP
“When I coached this past season, every girl on the team had a pair of Crocs or slides so that they didn’t wear down the spikes on their cleats when walking on hard surfaces like concrete. They also are important for keeping your car clean!” Brianna W., Softball Coach, Travel Baseball Mom and Assistant Buyer at DICK’S Sporting Goods
THE GAME NEVER STOPS
At-home training aids can help keep their game in tip-top shape all season long. For more tips on training aids and how they can improve your game, visit our Buying Guide.
Batting Tee
Most tees are adjustable in height to practice both low and high pitches.
Rebounder
Use the target to practice throwing and pitching. Rebounders also offer fielding practice to catch a ball at multiple angles.
Practice Net
Most batting nets and screens are foldable and portable to allow players to practice their skills anywhere, any time.
Training Mitt
Training mitts or "pancake mitts" are a great tool for players of all ages to field grounders with confidence.
Training Balls
Some training balls are smaller than a regular ball to help improve contact on the ball, while others may be weighted to add power to their swing.
Swing Trainers
Hitting sticks and swing trainers aim to improve your batting technique to make better contact or add more power to your swing.
Pitching Machine
Look for a compatible ball feeder to assist solo training.
Batting Cage
Some batting cages offer a lower profile size of 30' or less, designed for use in your own backyard.
Bat Weight
A barrel weight, shaped like a donut or sleeve, adds extra mass to the bat to help players focus on hitting mechanics while working on swing speed and strength.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands work to help athletes develop endurance and strengthen key muscle groups in their throwing arm and shoulder as they develop into the game.
COACHING & PARENT ESSENTIALS
Inspire a love of the game with coaching accessories and tools to bring the best out in your young players, as well as essential sideline gear to cheer on your biggest fans.
Softball Coaching Gear
DICK'S offers a variety of tools for coaches (and parents!), including scorebooks, lineup cards, L-screens and ball buckets.
GameChanger App
Manage your team's schedule and roster, as well as live-stream games.
Drinkware
Stay hydrated with favorites from YETI, Stanley, Hydro Flask and more great brands!
Sideline Chair
Consider a "rocker" style chair to stay comfortable on the sidelines.
Wagon
A convenient way to tote all your gear to and from the ballpark with ease.
Raingear
Protect yourself from the elements with wearable rain gear and umbrellas. Ponchos are a great compact option to stash in your cooler bag.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Don't forget to reapply!
First Aid Kit
Keep this stashed in your car or your wagon.
Canopy
Stay prepared when there is no shade shelter at the field or the rain won't stop!
Cooler
Summer ball calls for cold beverages. Some coolers come equipped with built-in wheels for easy transportation.
Snacks
Buy in bulk! And bring a grocery bag to stash all your empty wrappers to help keep our planet clean.
Sunglasses
Discover shades at every price point.
Lifestyle Apparel
Show your love of the diamond life off the field with tees, hats and tops from baseball's best brands.
Cold-Weather Gear
Check for touch-screen compatible gloves to ensure you can stay up to date on your GameChanger app during the game.
Related Products
Softball Resources
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