Sliding mitts are a baseball essential. They are designed to provide a protective barrier between the palm and fingers of the hand and the ball when a player slides into a base. Although the sliding mitt is a useful tool, many players are unsure of which hand to wear it on. To help you determine which hand to wear a sliding mitt on, we have put together a comprehensive guide below.
What is a Sliding Mitt?
A sliding mitt, also known as a slide mitt, is a glove designed to give the player extra protection when they slide into a base. They are typically made of a lightweight, flexible fabric that is designed to be breathable and provide protection against impact and abrasion. The mitt is designed to fit snugly over the fingers and palm of the hand and provides extra cushioning and protection when a player slides into a base.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Sliding Mitt?
There are several benefits to wearing a sliding mitt. The most important is the protection it provides to the hands and fingers when a player slides into a base. The mitt helps to protect the fingers from abrasions and impact, as well as providing extra cushioning and shock absorption. The mitt also helps to keep the hand dry and comfortable, which helps to improve the grip of the ball. Additionally, the mitt can help to reduce the risk of injury when sliding into a base, as it helps to reduce the impact on the hand.
Which Hand Should You Wear a Sliding Mitt On?
The majority of players prefer to wear the sliding mitt on their non-throwing hand. This is because it gives them more control when they slide into a base. It also allows them to keep their throwing hand free so they can quickly throw the ball after they make contact with the base. Additionally, some players find that it is more comfortable to wear the mitt on their non-throwing hand, as it helps to keep the wrist and hand in a more natural position.
What Are the Alternatives to Wearing a Sliding Mitt?
If you don’t want to wear a sliding mitt, there are a few alternatives that you can try. One option is to wear a pair of batting gloves, which are designed to give extra cushioning and protection when you are sliding into a base. This can help to reduce the impact on the hands and fingers, and can also provide an extra layer of protection against abrasions and impact.
Another option is to wear a pair of padded sliding shorts. These shorts are designed to provide extra cushioning and protection when you are sliding into a base. They can help to reduce the impact on the hands and fingers, and can also provide an extra layer of protection against abrasions and impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to wear a sliding mitt when sliding into a base in order to protect your hands and fingers. The majority of players prefer to wear the mitt on their non-throwing hand, as it gives them more control when they slide into a base. However, there are some alternatives to wearing a sliding mitt, such as wearing batting gloves or padded sliding shorts. Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to ensure that you are properly protected when sliding into a base.