Boys' Sliding Shorts

Yes, it’s strongly recommended for every boy who plays baseball, and many youth leagues require it, especially for catchers. Bad hops and foul tips happen at every level. Boys’ sliding shorts with a built-in cup pocket keep it securely in place.

Junior cups are the smallest size, made for younger boys, roughly ages 5 to 8. Youth cups fit most boys around 8 to 12. The Rawlings Junior Compression Short with Cup and Rawlings Youth Compression Short with Cage Cup are good examples. Older and bigger boys should move to men’s sliding shorts with an adult cup.

For kids learning to slide, padded shorts like the Easton Youth Sliding Shorts with Cup or Mizuno Youth Aero Vented Padded Short protect the hips and thighs and build confidence. Compression shorts like the Nike Pro Youth Sliding Short or Louisville Slugger Youth Compression Short are lighter, a good fit for catchers and kids who rarely slide.

Youth sliding shorts are sized by waist, from YS to YXL. They should fit snugly so the cup and padding stay in place. Don’t size up to grow into them, since loose shorts let the cup shift. Pair them with boys’ baseball pants.