A Step-by-Step guide to Breaking in Your New Softball Glove

Congratulations on your new glove. Now it's time to break it in. These steps will guide you through the glove break-in process:

Step 1: Soften the Pocket with Warm Water

Pour warm water into the pocket of the glove with the fingers facing up. This will help soften the leather for easier stretching and shaping.

(Do not use boiling water. If you prefer not to use warm water and are ok with a longer break in period skip this step.)

Step 2: Stretch the Glove

Grab the top of the pinky and thumb and gently stretch the glove. The finger tops and web lace will stretch, but will retain some of their original shape once dried. Be cautious not to overstretch if you prefer tighter finger top lace.

Step 3: Stretch the Laces at the Top of the Web

Fold the web top and press down for about five to six seconds. Repeat at different points of the top of the web until you get your desired feel.

Step 4: Stretch the Heal of the Glove

Grip the thumb and pinky near the heal of the softball glove then flex back and forth. Don't be afraid to use force as this is the stiffest part of the glove. This will soften leather around the heel pad. Do this several times until you have your desired feel. The glove should start to become easier to open and close. 

Step 5: Establish Break Points at the Heal of the Glove

Close the glove and pound it with the mallet around the thumb side. Then, flip the glove and fold the pinkie side, pounding from the back to establish break points for easier opening and closing. Keep in mind that younger players (6U-12U) with smaller hands will need the heal of the glove to be fully broken in making it easier for them to open and close while older players (12U-College) with larger stronger hands may want a more custom close leaving the middle stiff and creating their desired breaking points in the heal of the glove. Every softball player is different and there is no right and wrong way only the way that works best for them.

Step 6: Shape the Pocket with a Mallet

Consider your playing position and desired pocket depth before starting. Open the glove and use a mallet to shape the softball pocket. Shape the pocket according to where you want to catch the ball. Keep in mind that fastpitch 6U-8U use 10" softballs, 10U uses 11" softballs, and 12U-14U-College-Pro use 12" softballs. The harder you hit the pocket with the mallet the deeper the pocket will get while it is wet. We suggest to take your time continually checking depth of the pocket with a softball suitable to the age group.

*If you're a younger player and the ball is not being thrown hard enough to snap the glove when you play catch or you don't have someone to play catch with who throws hard enough to snap the glove then make sure to fully form the pocket with the mallet to your desired depth. 

Step 7: Play Catch

Play catch to complete the break-in process and ensure the glove feels comfortable and functional for use. The force of the softball while playing catch will help the pocket form around the ball.

*Overtime the palm imprints your glove will have from your hand and fingers from squeezing the glove time after time will make it uniquely yours. Have patience as this does not happen over night.

**If Necessary repeat steps 2-7

Step 8: Let it Dry

Once your new glove feels comfortable put a ball in the pocket and let it air dry for 12+ hrs or until dry.

The LAB Break-in Services

Breaking in a softball glove can be a meticulous process. If you are not comfortable breaking in your own glove you have the option to use "The LAB". Learn More >>