One of the most common pieces of advice for baseball players is to break in their glove before using it. This can be a lengthy process that takes weeks and sometimes months, but there are ways to speed up the process and get your glove game-ready in no time. Here are some tips for speeding up the breaking in process for your glove.
Condition the Leather
The first step to speeding up breaking in your glove is to condition the leather. This will help soften the leather and make it easier to break in the glove. You can use a leather conditioner or mink oil to do this. Start by applying the conditioner to the glove and massaging it in gently. Make sure to work it into the seams and pockets of the glove. Let it sit for a few hours and then wipe off any excess.
Hit the Glove
The next step to speeding up the breaking in process is to hit the glove. This will help break in the leather and help it to form to your hand. Start by hitting the glove with a rubber mallet or a wooden bat and then move on to using a baseball or softball. Try to hit the glove in the same spot for a few minutes and then move on to a different spot. This will help loosen up the leather and make it easier to form to your hand.
Steam the Glove
Steaming the glove is another way to speed up the breaking in process. Start by filling a pot with enough water to create a steam and then bring it to a boil. Place the glove on top of the pot and let it steam for around 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the leather and make it easier to break in the glove.
Sleep with the Glove
Another way to speed up the breaking in process is to sleep with the glove. Put the glove on your non-dominant hand and sleep with it on for a few nights. This will help the glove form to your hand and make it easier to break in.
Use a Glove Wrap
Using a glove wrap is a great way to speed up the breaking in process. Glove wraps are made of foam and are designed to be worn over the glove. This will help soften the leather and make it easier to break in. You can also use a glove wrap to protect the glove from wear and tear.
Use a Glove Mallet
Using a glove mallet is another great way to speed up the breaking in process. Glove mallets are designed to help soften the leather and make it easier to break in. Start by hitting the glove with the mallet and then move on to using a baseball or softball. Try to hit the glove in the same spot for a few minutes and then move on to a different spot.
Conclusion
Breaking in a glove can be a lengthy process, but there are ways to speed up the process and get your glove game-ready in no time. Start by conditioning the leather to soften it and make it easier to break in. Then hit the glove with a rubber mallet or a wooden bat and then move on to using a baseball or softball. You can also steam the glove, sleep with it, use a glove wrap, and use a glove mallet to help break in the glove. By following these tips, you can speed up the process and get your glove game-ready in no time.