Sports

Catcher helmets are specially designed in order to protect a player as well as be very versatile. The catcher is arguably the most dangerous position on the mound (possibly next to the batter). But, the catcher cannot have overpowering pads because mobility would be compromised. Therefore, protective catcher equipment such as the helmet, has to be effective yet easy to remove.

Catcher Helmets Components
Catcher helmets are much like batters helmets. The part covering the head is going to be made out of a solid plastic. The interior is going to be a foam composite to add as much comfort and shock resistance as possible. The shape is going to mock the curves on an average head so the ball will ricochet off instead of having solid hits.

The front of the helmet is where the differences come about. The catchers helmet is fitted with a mask. Therefore, it cannot have the visor feature. The mask has to fit flush against the helmet and the face, ruling out the ability to have a visor to block the sun.

The mask is considered part of the catchers helmet. You can buy both separately, but when you buy them together, you are guaranteed a perfect fit. The mask is generally going to have metal bars with rubber around them. This will protect the catchers face when it is struck by a ball. The helmet and mask separate, allowing the catcher to throw them both off if he needs to be in the play other than catching pitches.

Catcher leg guards are the most used pad by every catcher. When you look at a catcher playing the game, you will notice that a majority of the time they are crouching down. There legs are put in danger during many incidents of each game.

First of all, the leg pads protect the catchers knees, chins, ankles and the top of their feet. This protection is from the ball, player sliding into them and dropping to the ground. Most catchers drop to their knees when a pitch is in the dirt in order to stop it from getting by. When they go down, they go down hard right on top of their knees. The leg guards protect them from injury.

Foul balls can really cause a catcher some pain with or without protection. When a ball is fouled down, it will most likely hit a catcher in the legs. Taking one in the shin or knee with no protection is very painful and can cause injury. Catcher leg guards will take the brunt of the blow.

The Right Size Catcher Leg Guards
If you are on the market for a pair of leg guards, make sure that they fit properly. The pad should extend to the top part of the knee all the way to the base of the top of your foot. The straps in the back are adjustable to fit most leg sizes. If your leg is large or small, make sure that you take that into consideration. Try them on to find out if the pads do not protect correctly when you are on your knees or in a crouching position.

A catcher mask is the not a piece of equipment that should be taken lightly. It prevents a player from serious injury to the mouth, face and neck. While it might not get hit as much as your leg guards or chest protector, it protects the blows that count. A bruise on your shin will heal naturally but a broken tooth will not grow back.

Making the Right Catcher Mask Decision
There are many different ways to approach buying a catcher mask. First of all, you have to look at the ability of the mask to properly protect you. Look and see who the mask is certified by. If it is not certified by a national organization, it might be for fun or looks.

The next concept that should be addressed is the size. There are going to be masks that will fit just about every player. The main two sizes are youth and adult, being that they have adjustable straps. Your head is going to fit into a helmet and the straps will go around the helmet.

Comfort is also a very important attribute. A player should not buy a mask where the pads are covered by anything other than vinyl or leather. While leather is clearly the best, both will provide the most comfort and durability. Think about how many times you will be putting on and taking off the mask. That rubbing alone can cause irritation. The metal wiring should also be positioned how you prefer. There is a pretty standard method, but different variations do exist.

The catcher mitt is a specially designed glove that can only be effectively used by this single position. When you sit back and look at what abuse a catcher takes, pitch after pitch, you have to figure that they have a special glove. This refers to aspects beyond the shape and size of the glove.

Specifics of a Catcher Mitt
Depending on if you are the catcher, the coach or the pitcher, the most important attribute of the catcher mitt is going to vary. For the catcher, it is the padding. You are repeatedly catching a ball thrown by a pitcher giving it their all. If you do not have enough padding between your hand and that ball, you are going to feel some pain.

The coach, as well as the catcher and pitcher, love the design of the glove. When the pitch hits the glove, it naturally closes. This prevents the catcher from dropping the ball. Since is just like two halves coming together, the catcher can easily open the glove and find the ball. This is ideal for a fast and fluid motion for throwing out runners.

You will notice that the outer rim of the glove is very padded. It adds weight to make the glove close easier, gives the catcher more blocking surface area and adds a level of protection. But, these pads make is so that the glove is only meant for play behind the plate. It would not be easy to field grounders or fly balls.

Catcher shin guards prevent more bruises and stingers than any catcher would like to admit. Playing behind the plate is not easy under any circumstance. It is the most physically grueling position on the field. Having the right equipment, such as shin pads, only makes it more bearable.

When you picture a catcher in your head, you see a guy or girl squatting behind the plate awaiting a pitch. Their knees and legs are almost always in the dirt. Every foul tip has a great chance of bouncing up and hitting them in an unpleasant manner. It is ridiculous to think of any player who would want to get behind the plate without their legs, face and body covered.

Using Catcher Shin Guards is the Right Move
Catcher shin guards do not protect just your shins; they guard your entire lower leg. The top of the pad will extend above your knee and the lower segment will cover the top of your foot. The pad is made out of plastic, so it is similar to armor. When the ball hits, it is just going to bounce right off.

Catchers fall to their knees over and over during the course of a game. This, on top of the need to run, requires the pads to be flexible. They bend at each joint and can be hardly noticeable; until the ball hits you. Make sure that when you are shopping for the right gear, you are looking for durable and flexible pads.