How to Select T-Ball Equipment - A Guide for Parents and T-Ball Coaches
T-ball is the youngest level of organized baseball. T-ball leagues serve as introductions to baseball, but with much less competition and a focus on learning the most basic aspects of the game. T-ball uses specialized equipment to accommodate the smaller youngsters and provide a safe learning experience; for example, T-ball equipment is often adjustable for various sizes of kids. Live pitching isn't used in T-ball games. Selecting equipment for T-ball is easy, if you keep a focus on getting basic needs for a simple game.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Glove
- Rubber-studded cleats
- Metal bat
- Adjustable tee
- Helmet with chin strap
- Portable bases
- Measuring tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a glove that fits the child's hand. Avoid oversized gloves; the extra weight and length make it difficult for youngsters to manage them. In a properly sized glove, the tip of the middle finger touches the top of the interior pocket. Don't penalize young players by making them use a glove they will "grow into," in an attempt to save money by getting two or more years of service from a glove. If their equipment doesn't fit properly, children can't perform as well as their peers who have proper equipment. They may become frustrated, and may even consider quitting the sport.
-
2
Purchase cleats that have rubber studs, and avoid aggressive treads. T-ball games are often played on grass fields, and aggressive tread sticks in the grass. The sticking leads to falls and twisted ankles. Aggressive tread isn't necessary until players reach higher levels of play.
-
-
3
Buy metal bats, not wooden. Metal alloys, such as aluminum and titanium, make a bat lighter and easier to swing, while wooden bats are heavier and make learning to swing difficult. In most T-ball leagues in the U.S., wooden bats are prohibited. The extra mass of wooden bats means that the ball, when batted, is propelled at a much higher speed than balls hit with a metal bat. This high speed puts fielders at risk for injury.
-
4
Purchase an adjustable tee to accommodate all of the players. Set the tee at the waist level for each individual batter. Don't sell the tee immediately after the season; tees are used as practice tools in higher levels of play.
-
5
Use well-padded helmets with chin straps. T-ball players' head sizes vary, especially in leagues that are coed (as most are). The chin strap ensures the helmet remains on each player's head while running.
-
6
Carry a set of portable bases and a measuring tape. The league probably provides a set of game bases, but carrying a spare set for practice and scrimmages can be valuable. A T-ball diamond and field are smaller than their baseball counterparts, and portable bases are valuable when you set up the field's dimensions before playing.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Quality helmets are the most important item in T-ball. Young children are unpredictable and don't always pay attention to the game. The helmet prevents injuries at the plate and in the field.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
