How to Choose Youth Catcher’s Gear

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 look for in a set. I’ll walk you through the main items in a catcher’s set, explain how to size everything properly, and help you make the right choice the first time.

Whether your kid is just getting started in travel ball or leveling up from tee ball, this guide will make it easy to understand what you need and why it matters.

What Youth Catcher’s Gear Includes

One of the trickiest aspects of buying catchers gear is ensuring you have al the right pieces. For those of us who grew up around the sport, it seems obvious. But you’re not a former baseball player or coach, you might need a little advice. Here are the items you need to build full set of catcher’s gear. 

1. Catcher’s Mask or Helmet

The catcher wears a mask and skull cap or a hockey-style helmet to protect their head from wild balls, foul tips, and the occasional overzealous swing. Hockey-style helmets are more common now for younger ages because they’re safer, easier to put on, and don’t require an extra throat guard. A good catcher’s helmet will fit snugly without wobbling and meet NOCSAE safety standards.

However, the downside to all the safety is that hockey-style masks can be heavier and harder to see out of, especially since masks are so easy for catchers to remove for pop-ups. Still, make sure to choose a hockey-style helmet.

2. Chest Protector

Chest protectors keep the heart, ribs, and stomach area safe from foul tips, balls in the dirt, and even the occasional bat swing. They’re also critical for blocking, which is a skill older catchers need to hone for keeping the ball in front of them.

For younger ages, you want something lightweight but protective. Look for features like shoulder caps and adjustable straps for a more secure fit. Remember—chest protectors aren’t one-size-fits-all. Make sure you’re getting the right size for your age group.

3. Shin Guards or Leg Guards

Call them shin guards, leg guards, or whatever you want (coaches and players typically call them “shins”—these protect the knees, shins, and ankles during blocking, foul balls, plays at the plate, and other plays. For younger players, mobility is just as important as protection, but older players need to be able to slide on their shins to block balls and throw out runners.

The best leg guards will offer knee padding and straps that won’t dig into the back of the legs. Check the size chart before you order—don’t guess.

4. Catcher’s Mitt

A catcher can’t just use a regular glove. A catcher’s mitt is designed with extra padding and a special shaped pocket to handle fast pitches and reduce the sting from foul-tipped balls. These gloves are very sturdy and excellent for catching pitches or blocking, but not useful for ground balls in the field.

Make sure you’re getting a mitt sized specifically for youth ages—adult mitts are too heavy and hard to close for most kids. But, as pitchers get stronger, those youth gloves won’t hold up, making an adult glove a necessity.

5. Cup and Supporter

Not every parent wants to think about this, but it’s crucial for male players. Most youth catchers between the ages of 8 and up should be wearing a protective cup. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but not as uncomfortable as taking a fastball our foul tip to the nuts. It’s an important item that should never be skipped.

What Are NOCSAE Safety Standards—and Why Do They Matter?

When shopping for youth catcher’s gear, you’re going to see a lot of references to NOCSAE—and for good reason. NOCSAE (short for the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) sets the safety standards for protective sports gear, including catcher’s helmets and chest protectors. The best catcher’s gear will always meet these standards.

As of recent rule updates, chest protectors for all levels of play, including youth ages, must meet NOCSAE standards to help reduce the risk of commotio cordis—a rare but serious heart issue that can be caused by a direct hit to the chest with a ball. The same goes for catcher’s helmets: they must pass impact testing to be certified.

Here’s why this matters:

• Safety first: Gear with the NOCSAE seal has been tested under strict conditions to make sure it provides real protection where it matters most.
• League requirements: Most youth leagues now require NOCSAE-certified gear. If your set doesn’t meet the standard, your player might not even be allowed to use it.
• Peace of mind: As a parent or coach, you want to know your catcher is protected from fast balls, foul tips, and unexpected impacts.

Before you buy, double-check that the chest protector and helmet are marked with the NOCSAE stamp—either on the item itself or listed clearly on the product website. If it’s not there, don’t take the risk—even if it’s in stock and on sale.

Sizing Youth Catcher’s Gear

Getting the right size of gear is just as important as getting the right brand or model. Here’s how to get it right:

• Helmet: Measure around the head just above the eyebrows. Most youth sizes fall between 6 ¼ to 7. Larger than that, and intermediate might be a better option.
• Chest Protector: Measure from the base of the neck to the waist. Youth chest protectors usually range from 13″ to 15″.
• Leg Guards: Measure from the center of the knee to the top of the ankle. Most youth leg guards run between 11″ and 13″.
• Mitt: Look for youth catcher’s mitts around 31” to 32.5” depending on age and hand size. As they get older, a 33″ or 34″ will serve them for years.

Each website or brand may use slightly different sizing charts, so always double-check before you hit “buy.”

Buying Tips: What to Watch For

• Stock levels can fluctuate a lot throughout the year, especially around the start of spring and fall seasons. Don’t wait until it’s too late to order.
• If a brand is out of stock, check their official website or reputable sellers. They may sell gear others don’t have.
• Look for a catchers bag for all the gear. They’re big enough for full gear sets and feature slots for a bat. They have wheels for easy rolling, as well.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right youth catchers gear doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on fit, protection, and the specific needs of your player’s age and skill level.

Whether you’re outfitting a brand-new catcher or upgrading your gear after a growth spurt, having the right equipment is key to staying safe and confident behind the plate.