
Should Catchers Remove Their Helmet on a Passed Ball? Here’s My Advice
One of the most common questions I get from parents—especially those new to the catcher position—is whether their child should remove the catcher’s helmet on a passed ball. It’s a good question, and while there are a few schools of thought, here’s the simple answer: No, your catcher should keep their helmet on. Let me…

7 Best Batting Gloves for Baseball: Coach-Approved Picks for 2025
As a coach who’s watched hundreds of at-bats, I can tell you: the best batting gloves can make a huge difference in your swing, comfort, and confidence at the plate. Whether you’re a 10-year-old just getting serious or a high schooler gearing up for varsity ball, having the right batting gloves matters. Below are my…

Do You Really Need Batting Gloves for Baseball and Softball? A Coach’s Perspective
As a coach who’s worked with ballplayers from Little League to travel teams, I often get the same question from parents and players: “Are batting gloves really necessary?” Short answer: not required, but for most young players, batting gloves offer a real advantage—especially when it comes to comfort, performance, and confidence at the plate. If…

The Definitive Guide to the Foul Ball: A Necessary Breakdown
If you’ve spent any time around a baseball or softball field, you’ve probably heard someone yell, “That’s a foul ball!” But what does that actually mean? When is a ball foul, when is it fair, and when does a foul ball still matter? Umpires, players, and fans alike sometimes get these calls wrong, and it…

The Ultimate Guide on Rules for Infield Fly: How It Works
If you’ve spent any time around youth baseball or softball, you’ve probably seen a game completely derailed by a misunderstanding of the infield fly rule. Umpires get it wrong. Players don’t know what to do. Coaches lose their minds. The infield fly rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball and softball, especially…

Softball Field Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know
If you think of the softball diamond as home, then you need to know it like the back of your hand. You should know how far the bases, how far the pitcher is from home, and even how far the catcher has to throw to catch you stealing at second. You need to understand softball…

Is SidelineSwap Legit? And What Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for an affordable way to buy and sell sports equipment, you may have come across SidelineSwap. But is SidelineSwap legit? And if so, what should you consider buying from the platform? In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and provide recommendations on the best baseball and softball gear to purchase on SidelineSwap….

What’s the Difference in USA vs USSSA Bats? A Complete Guide
Does this sound familiar? Mom or Dad take Junior to the local sporting goods store and they start checking out bats. Junior falls in love with a bright, flashy bat that feels like the right size and weight. Mom or Dad see the price tag, and their jaw drops—$300! But they love Junior and want…

The Ultimate Guide to Baseball Field Dimensions
Ever wonder how big a baseball field is? How far first base is from home, or the distance between the pitcher and the batter? We get that. Whether you’re wondering if you could make a throw or you’re setting up a backyard field for your kid to practice, you’ll need an idea of baseball field…

17 Awesome Ideas for Softball Easter Baskets
Hey, Easter Bunny! It’s the perfect time to surprise the softball player in your life with a fun and practical softball-themed Easter basket. Whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned player, a well-thought-out basket filled with softball essentials and fun accessories will surely be a hit. Below are some creative ideas to build the ultimate…

13 Strength Exercises for Baseball: Off-Field Training to be a Better Ballplayer
Baseball players require a blend of strength training, explosive power, and core strength to optimize their baseball performance. A well-designed strength training program can help baseball athletes develop power, enhance shoulder stability, and improve lower body power. Below, we’ll explore the most effective strength exercises for baseball, including bodyweight exercises, medicine ball drills, and weight…

Tee Ball Equipment: What does my kid need?
Tee ball is a great way to introduce kids to baseball, but if you’re new to the game, figuring out what gear your child needs can be overwhelming. While leagues often provide team jerseys and other basics, a few personal items will make the entire experience more comfortable, safe, and fun for your little ballplayer—as…

The Best Gloves for Shortstops: A Complete Guide
When it comes to excelling in the shortstop position, having the right baseball glove is crucial. A shortstop must field hard-hit balls, execute quick transfers, and make precise throws across the diamond. The best gloves for shortstops combine a shallow pocket, high-quality leather, and a design that enhances infield play. Whether you’re a seasoned baseball…

10 Baseball Drip Ideas Your Player Needs This Season
Hey there, baseball fans and parents! If you’ve been searching for ways to boost your player’s on-field style and performance, you’ve come to the right page. Today, we’re diving into the world of baseball drip—that perfect mix of style, confidence, and functionality that elevates every swing and every play. In this post, we’ll share 10…

Softball vs Baseball Glove: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to gloves, one size definitely does not fit all. If you’re a dedicated softball player—or a parent of one—you’ve likely wondered about the differences between softball gloves and baseball gloves. While both fall under the broad category of baseball and softball gloves, the key differences in design mean you simply can’t use…

Don’t Stand in the Way: Let Private Coaching Enhance Your Players’ Skills
I did something I’ve never done before this year with my softball team. I stood in front of a group of parents, looked them in the eye, stuck my chest out, and… told them to take their daughters to private coaches. Did I check my pride at the door? Or am I just a terrible…

How to Choose the Perfect Baseball Bat for Your Playing Style
Hey there, baseball fans! If you’re wondering how to choose a baseball bat that really fits your swing and body type, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re breaking down everything—from understanding bat certifications to figuring out bat drops and choosing the correct bat length. We’ll even cover the difference between balanced bats…

What Is Catcher Pop Time?
Catcher pop time is a critical statistic in baseball—for both the catchers, pitchers, and coaches. It’s essentially a measurement of a catcher’s ability to control the running game. It represents the time it takes for a catcher to receive a pitch, transfer the ball, and throw it to second base in an attempt to throw…

How to Break in a Composite Bat: A Step-by-Step Guide
A composite bat is a significant investment for baseball and softball players looking to enhance their performance. Unlike alloy bats, which are ready for game use straight out of the wrapper, composite bats require a break-in process to maximize their trampoline effect and overall durability. This guide will walk you through the best way to…

How to Break in a Glove: The Best Way to Get Your Baseball or Softball Glove Game-Ready
Breaking in a new glove is a crucial process that ensures it forms properly to your hand, pocket, and playing style. For example, an outfielder will need a bigger outfield glove with a large pocket, while a shortstop would need a smaller glove. While some methods promise a quick fix, not all of them are…

Baseball Field Positions: Everything You Need To Know
Baseball is a game of strategy, teamwork, and precision. But, with nine distinct baseball field positions, parents and players who are new to the game might not quite have a handle on what the whole team does. Each position on the baseball diamond plays a specific role in a team’s defense and requires unique skills…

Coach Pitch vs Kid Pitch: Is YOUR Player Actually Ready?
Little League, Cal Ripken, and other recreational baseball and softball leagues around the country are currently open for registration. Parents will input their information, load their kid’s insurance number, and choose a shirt size… But if you’re the parent of a 7 or 8-year-old, you might be wondering.. Coach Pitch vs Kid Pitch, which is…

What You Need To Know When Choosing a Catcher’s Mitt
Catching is the most demanding position in diamond sports. As a catcher, it’s your responsibility to manage the pitchers, control the running game, communicate with the fielders, and be the coach’s main point of contact on the field. They have a unique role to play, and an even more unique mitt. This guide on how…

How To Choose a Pitching Glove
Let’s give pitchers their due: It’s a hard job. Not only is it difficult to simply stand on the mound and compete pitch after pitch, but the amount of work and practice it takes to consistently pump the zone with a variety of pitches is unbelievable. It’s a demanding position, so pitchers demand excellence from…

Everything You Need to Know to Choose Third Base Glove
Third base is truly a wildcard position. It’s an infield spot, so the player has to be nimble and fast-reacting, but it also requires physical toughness and a very strong arm. Not everyone can play on the “hot corner,” just as not just any glove can be a third base glove. The position has some…

How To Choose an Outfield Glove
The outfield doesn’t often get the love it deserves. The truth is that, as players get older, the outfield often holds some of the best athletes with the best arms and the best decision-making skills on the team. And, these players have to be brave, willing to crash into a wall, another fielder, or dive…

10 Important Things to Consider About a Backyard Batting Cage
Installing a backyard batting cage might be one of the best decisions you make for yourself or your young athletes. Having the ability to step out your door and start practicing your swing right away, any time you want, almost ensures that you’re ready on game day. But, a home batting cage might not be…

Batting Cage Nets Explained: What You Need To Know When Buying
Whether you’re building your own backyard batting cage or you need to replace the net on your existing cage, you need to find the right net for your needs. One of the first things you’ll notice is the wide range of prices available, confusing shoppers and making decisions difficult. Why is there such a disparity…

6 Types of Home Batting Cages: What You Need to Know
If you have a serious baseball or softball player in your family or are a ballplayer yourself, you know the importance of hard work and practice. But it’s not always convenient to travel to the local facility or field, especially during the season or after hours. That’s all the more reason to install a home…

10 Reasons You NEED a Backyard Batting Cage
I’ll cut to the chase: We buy a lot of crap for our baseball and softball players. The hottest new bat. The glove for every position. Sliding mitts. Batting gloves.. The list goes on and on. And some of that gear might translate to better performance on the field, but it’s not a guarantee. What…

What Does Baseball Bat Drop Mean? Choosing the Right Bat
I get asked a lot about what bat drop means, or what the negative number on a bat symbolizes. In a short answer, it refers to the weight of the bat. But there’s a little more to the story than that. In this quick guide, we’ll go over bat drop, what it means, and how…

The 20 Best Baseball Movies
We love baseball. When we’re not at the field, practicing, visiting a minor league baseball team, or watching a Major League game, we’re usually watching a baseball movie. You’re probably the same way too, but with so many movies about baseball, you might feel lost when it comes to choosing one. We broke down the…

How To Choose a Shortstop Glove
There probably isn’t a young player in the world who hasn’t dreamed of playing shortstop for their favorite pro team. The shortstop is the slickest, most athletic player on the field, and as one of the most important defensive positions, requires great hands. They look cool, make amazing plays, and mesmerize us with their incredible…

The Second Base Glove: How To Choose One
Second base is a great position for athletic players. Players who play in the “4” spot (the position on a baseball scorecard or lineup card) have to have range, speed, and good hands. But having good hands doesn’t just come down to the fielder’s ability to stop a ground ball or line drive. It has…

What Are the Different Types of Baseball Glove?
To the average person, a baseball glove is a baseball glove. But did you know there are actually different types of baseball gloves? They vary in style, purpose, and design, and each has a specific use that its design lends itself best. After all, there’s a rhyme or reason to just about everything in baseball….

How Many Bases in Baseball? The Rookie Fan’s Guide
There’s a lot going on a baseball playing field. Whether you’re a parent trying to support child as they play baseball or softball for the first time or you’re headed to a corporate outing and you know nothing about the sport, you may have some questions. One of the most basic of questions is how…