Your kid wants to catch, and now you're staring at a wall of catcher's gear. The good news: young catchers need fewer pieces than the store makes it look, and fit matters far more than price. Here is what to get for baseball or softball, and how to check it.
A youth catcher needs a catcher's helmet with a face mask and throat guard, a chest protector, shin guards, a catcher's mitt, and a cup for boys. Each piece should fit snugly without limiting the squat, and every piece should be checked for damage before each game.
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Here are the core pieces for baseball and softball catchers. Check your league's rules for exactly what is required.
- Helmet and face mask: a catcher's helmet with a mask, either a one-piece hockey-style helmet or a helmet and separate mask. Many youth leagues require the hockey style, so check before you buy.
- Throat guard: protects the neck from foul tips. Many youth leagues require one that hangs from the mask.
- Chest protector: covers the collarbone, chest and belly.
- Shin guards: cover the knee, shin and top of the foot.
- Catcher's mitt: padded and built for catching pitches all game.
- Cup for boys: an athletic cup any time they catch, even in the backyard.
Softball catchers wear the same core pieces. Softball-specific chest protectors and mitts exist, so let your daughter try a few on and pick the one that fits her best.
Nice-to-haves, like knee pads for the squat or a gear bag, can wait. Start with the safety pieces.
How each piece should fit
Loose gear slides around and leaves gaps where a ball can get through. Too big is the most common mistake, so don't buy gear to grow into.
| Piece | Good fit | Too big or loose |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet and mask | Snug, no wobble when they shake their head, clear view | Slides down over the eyes |
| Chest protector | Covers the collarbone and stays put in a squat | Rides up toward the chin |
| Shin guards | Knee cap sits on the knee, bottom covers the top of the foot | Knee cap slips below the knee |
| Mitt | They can open and close it with one hand | Flops open or falls off |
Have them squat, pop up, and shuffle side to side in the gear before you buy. Shin guards are sized by measuring from the middle of the knee to the top of the ankle. One major retailer's sizing guide says players 12 and under typically need a mitt of 32 inches or smaller.
Buy it or borrow the team bag?
Many rec teams have a shared catcher's bag. Ask your coach before you buy anything. Team gear is a fine way to find out if your kid likes catching.
It's often worth owning gear when your child catches most games, when the team bag doesn't fit them, or when they want to practice at home. Their own gear can be fitted and adjusted just for them.
Used gear can be a good deal too. Just inspect it carefully, the same way you would check the team bag.
Safety checks before every game
Little League asks managers and coaches to inspect the catcher's helmet, throat protector, chest protector and shin guards before every game. Parents can do the same check at home in about a minute:
- Helmet shell: no cracks or other visible damage, and the NOCSAE safety mark is there and readable.
- Padding: inside padding is all there and not flattened.
- No paint, stickers or tape: changing a helmet can void its safety certification.
- Throat guard: attached tightly to the mask.
- Straps and buckles: all there and holding.
If something is broken, it stays home. Coach BK says "Two choices: A. Do everything in your control. B. Anything but A." For a young catcher, that means checking their own gear is part of their job, and it's fully in their control.
Getting your kid comfortable in the gear
New gear feels heavy and hot at first. Let them wear it around the yard for a few minutes before their first real catch.
- Gear race: time how fast they can put it all on with every strap right. Then race to take it off and pack it.
- Squat and pop: five squats, five pop-ups to stand, in full gear. Rest, then repeat.
- Soft catch: underhand tosses with a soft ball from a short distance into the mitt.
In Arizona, gear gets hot fast. Catch early or late in the day, take the helmet off between innings, and drink water often. Stop if your child feels dizzy, sick or unusually tired.
Air the gear out after every game so it dries. Ready for the next step? Our catcher drills for kids at home guide picks up from here.
One thing to remember
Gear that fits and is in good shape beats expensive gear every time, so check it before every game.
What to do this week
Ask your coach whether the team has a catcher's bag, then have your child try it on, squat and pop up. Do the one-minute safety check together and make it their job from now on.
Parent questions
Does my kid need their own catcher's gear?
Not right away. Many rec teams share a catcher's bag, so try that first. Buy your own when your child catches often or the team gear doesn't fit.
What size catcher's gear does a 10-year-old need?
Most kids this age wear youth gear, but fit matters more than age. Try it on, have them squat, and check that nothing slides or rides up.
Is softball catcher's gear different from baseball?
The core pieces are the same: helmet with mask and throat guard, chest protector, shin guards and a mitt. Softball-specific chest protectors and mitts are made too, so try them on.
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Sources: Little League University: Playing equipment inspection — batting helmets and catcher's gear · DICK'S Sporting Goods: Catcher's gear buying guide (sizing) · Baseball Monkey: Pregame catcher safety checklist