Instructions to Break in a Softball Glove

Softball gloves are usually made of stiff leather, so they must be broken in when they're new to use them successfully. The breaking-in process makes the glove more flexible and allows it to move with the player's hand more easily. The conditioner used to help soften the glove during the process has the added benefit of helping to preserve the leather it is made of.

Things You'll Need

  • Glove conditioner
  • Softball
  • Rubber bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a leather conditioner or oil made specifically for softball and baseball gloves to soften the glove. Some players break in their gloves using saddle soap, mink oil, foam shaving cream or petroleum jelly, but using these products does not guarantee a good finished product like an actual softball glove conditioner.

    • 2

      Apply the conditioner to the outside of your glove. Start with the palm of the glove and apply a thin coat of the conditioner to the entire outer surface of the glove. Less is more; do not saturate your glove in conditioner as it could damage the glove. This makes the leather more pliable and easy to play with.

    • 3

      Play catch after the conditioner has soaked into the glove. Catching softballs in your newly conditioned glove helps to create a "pocket" in the glove, or the area where the ball lands inside the palm of the glove. Play catch with a partner or go to a batting cage and catch the balls from the machine instead of hitting them.

    • 4

      Create a deeper pocket by putting a softball into your glove after playing catch and close the glove around it and placing rubber bands around the glove to keep it shut. This method is best for the position of outfielder, utility, first or third baseman.

    • 5

      Reapply glove conditioner to your glove when the season is over to keep it in good shape while you store it. Also reapply conditioner to the glove before using it the next season to ensure it is soft and ready for play.