Player Protection

Most hitters wear an elbow guard on their lead arm and a batter’s leg guard on their front ankle and shin, the two areas most often hit by inside pitches and foul balls. Some also add a hand guard or wrist guard for extra protection. Shop all player protection.

Sliding mitts are padded gloves worn by base runners to protect the hand, fingers and wrist when sliding head-first. They keep runners from jamming their fingers into the base or getting stepped on, and they’re one of the most popular accessories with young players.

EvoShield guards start soft and flexible, then harden in the shape of your body once exposed to air. The result is a custom-molded guard that fits your arm or leg perfectly, stays in place and spreads the impact of a hit.

Jocks are supporters with a protective cup for male players, and jills are the equivalent with a pelvic protector for female players. Both protect against bad hops and foul tips. Shop our jocks and jills, or choose sliding shorts with a cup pocket.

Many fastpitch leagues require or recommend defensive facemasks for pitchers and infielders, who face hard-hit balls at close range. Rip-It masks are among the most popular, designed for a clear view and a secure fit.

Slowpitch pitchers stand close to the batter after releasing the ball, often facing hard line drives with little reaction time. A facemask and other gear from our slowpitch pitcher protection collection add a crucial layer of safety, and some leagues require it.

Elbow and leg guards are allowed in most youth leagues, and many coaches encourage them for young hitters who are still learning to get out of the way of inside pitches. Some leagues set limits on guard size at higher levels, so check your league’s rules.

Guards are sized to match arm and leg length. Youth guards are shorter and lighter, so they don’t restrict a child’s swing or running. Check each product’s size chart, and have your child try the guard in their batting stance to make sure it doesn’t slide or limit movement.

We carry EvoShield, G-Form, Rip-It, Nike, Jordan, Rawlings, Franklin, Easton and Bruce Bolt.

For support during recovery, see our braces and supports, taping and recovery products. Always consult a health professional before returning to play.