Pitching Glove

By Jeff Moree for PitchingTips.com

A baseball glove is a very important part of any baseball player's equipment bag. Each position requires a certain type of glove, and that goes for pitchers as well. Having a proper pitching glove can help give you an edge in your game.

Baseball pitching gloves come in a wide variety of sizes. Having the correct size glove is very important for a pitcher. If the pitching glove is too small, it will be difficult to grip your pitches without the opposing coaches and players seeing your pitch selection. If the glove is too big, it will be heavy and awkward when performing the pitching motion. It is recommended that a pitcher's glove be 11 ½ " to 12", however some pitchers use a glove a ½" smaller or bigger, depending on personal preference. This size of pitching glove has been proven to be large enough to hide your grips, yet small enough to not hinder your pitching motion.

The color of the pitching glove is also an important factor. Pitchers are not allowed to use a white glove, so be sure to avoid gloves of this color. Popular color choices are tan or black.

The webbing on a baseball pitcher's glove is another element you must keep in mind. You don't want an open web such as an "H Pattern".

A popular webbing design for pitchers is the trapeze woven model or the closed back model. It is crucial to keep the inside of your glove hidden from the hitters. With an open webbing, it may be easy for the hitters to see which pitch you are gripping. A closed webbing will block the batter's view of your grip, giving you a better chance to get them out.

Every pitcher has their preference to which brand of pitching glove they use, and there really is not a wrong brand. Some of the more popular ones are Rawlings, Wilson, Mizuno, and Nike, however there are several other reputable brands worth looking into.

The best way to decide which brand is right for you is to experience them for yourself. If you find a glove that you absolutely love, then there is really no reason to switch brands.

The price of a mitt can range anywhere from $50-$400 for a top of the line model. When it comes to baseball gloves, you typically get what you pay for. A better quality leather will cost you more, as well as better build quality. If you pay for a cheaper glove, expect less durability than found in the top of the line model.

In the end, there is no "right" glove for a pitcher. Everyone is unique and we all have our own preferences. The "right" baseball pitching glove is the one that you are comfortable with. You will be making many pitches with that glove, so make sure you find one that suits YOU!

Want more baseball pitching tips? Subscribe to The Complete Pitcher's Newsletter – a daily email newsletter from former Chicago Cubs pitching pro Steven Ellis that provides practical, how-to advice to improve your mechanics, learn new pitches and throw harder with better control. You're invited to discover the most effective pitching drills and techniques to increase velocity and accuracy, simple ways to correct common pitching problems, conditioning tips to build strength and end sore arms plus more! Don't miss out, sign up now... Your Name: Your Email: We take your privacy very seriously and WILL NEVER share your contact details. Don't miss out on these pitching tips!