Whether you’re training with a backyard cage, gearing up in a professional facility, or need some new hardware to improve your team offensive and defensive drills, choosing the best pitching machines can transform your practice from average to elite. With the right unit, hitters can dial in their timing, improve hand-eye coordination, and face different…
I’m at a baseball or softball tournament almost every weekend. My baseball teams are older and used to the real rules, but my softball team is young and only now getting exposed to the real rules that govern softball from 10U through college. A tournament we recently competed in threw us for a loop when…
It’s been a brutal spring in the Northeast this year, and as a result, there have been a lot of rainy, wet baseball and softball practices. My older guys typically know what to do with their wet gear. But, my softball team is relatively young and is just starting to get used to rough conditions,…
As a coach and gear reviewer, I get this question constantly from softball parents—especially when they see that most stores are packed with baseball catcher’s gear but barely any softball options. In youth leagues, this problem is even more common. Many rec programs don’t provide softball-specific protective gear at all, which leaves families wondering: Is…
As a coach, I love a dedicated, hardworking catchers. These girls have a tougher job to do than anyone else on the field, though a healthy dose of respect should go to the pitcher as well. Softball catchers have to crouch for hours over a tournament weekend, frame pitches, block balls, throw out runners, and…
If you’ve ever watched a baseball game closely, you might’ve noticed that many catchers — along with pitchers and position players — wear baseball wrist tape. But why do catchers, in particular, seem to rely on it so much? After all, a ton of college and professionals seem to be wearing it. There isn’t just…
Whether you’re coaching a young catcher just learning the ropes or you’re behind the plate yourself, one thing’s for sure—you need the right mitt. A catcher’s mitt isn’t just another piece of gear—it’s the centerpiece of every pitch, every block, every play at the plate. And in 2025, the best catchers mitt isn’t just about…
Whether you’re behind the plate in a weekend youth league, grinding through travel ball, or playing at the highest levels, having the right gear isn’t just about looking cool—it’s about protection, confidence, and staying in the game. But, the top rated catchers gear doesn’t just protect, either—it performs, giving you the durability, comfort, and confidence…
When it comes to youth catchers gear, there’s no room for guesswork. Catching is one of the toughest—and most important—positions on the field. It’s also one of the most dangerous, so having the right gear matters. But for many families, especially those new to the position, it can be tough to figure out what to…
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…