How to Break in a Softball Glove

There are several methods available to form a softball glove to the preferred fit. Some athletes like to soften the leather with oils and practice, while others choose a more direct path and simply beat the glove into shape.

Things You'll Need

  • Tanning oil
  • Leather softener
  • Cloth
  • Shoelace or belt
  • Softball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fit the glove to your hand. With your hand inside the glove, tighten the strap or straps to a comfortable fit. Be sure not to make it too tight; you don't want it to cut the circulation off in your hand.

    • 2

      Remove your hand from the glove. Damp the cloth with some of the tanning or softening oil and rub it on the glove. Be sure not to use too much oil, as having too much oil in one spot may cause the leather to deteriorate faster. Continue to rub the oils into the leather of the glove. Be sure to get into crevices and creases while applying an even coat of oil over the leather.

    • 3

      Let the glove dry out of the sun. Lay down some newspaper if you do not have a suitable work area to let the glove dry.

    • 4

      Apply as many coats of the oil as you wish to make the leather softer. Be sure to let the glove dry between each layer of oil.

    • 5

      Place a softball inside the glove and wrap the glove with a shoe lace or belt. This will break in the glove and give it a more appealing shape.