Quick Summary: Getting the right size Under Armour youth catcher gear is crucial for comfort, safety, and performance. This guide breaks down how to measure your young catcher for chest protectors, leg guards, and helmets, ensuring a perfect fit for every game and practice.

Table of Contents

Finding the Perfect Fit: Essential Under Armour Youth Catcher Gear Sizing Guide

As a young catcher steps behind the plate, you want them to feel confident and protected. But sometimes, ill-fitting gear can be a real drag. It can be uncomfortable, distracting, and worst of all, less safe. For parents and coaches, figuring out the right sizes for youth catcher gear can feel like a puzzle. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This guide is here to make it super simple. We’ll walk you through how to measure your young catcher for Under Armour gear, so they can focus on the game, not their equipment. Let’s get your catcher geared up right!

Why Proper Catcher Gear Sizing Matters

Think of catcher gear like a superhero’s suit – it needs to fit just right to do its job. For young players, this is extra important. Gear that’s too big can move around, leaving gaps where impacts can hurt. Gear that’s too small can be restrictive, making it hard to move, squat, or throw effectively. Proper sizing means:

Enhanced Safety: Well-fitting gear stays in place, offering maximum protection from foul tips and errant pitches.
Improved Comfort: No more adjusting or fidgeting! Comfortable gear allows young players to concentrate on their game.
Better Performance: When gear doesn’t get in the way, players can move freely, improving their agility and ability to make plays.

Longevity of Gear: Correctly sized gear won’t be stretched or strained in the wrong places, helping it last longer.

Understanding Under Armour Youth Catcher Gear Components

Under Armour offers fantastic youth catcher gear designed to protect and allow for movement. The core pieces you’ll need are:

Catcher’s Helmet: This protects the head, face, and jaw.
Chest Protector: Covers the torso, front, and back.
Leg Guards: Protect the shins, knees, and feet.

Each of these pieces needs to be sized accurately. Under Armour typically sizes their youth gear based on age and measurements, but it’s always best to measure your player directly.

How to Measure Your Youth Catcher: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need fancy tools, just a flexible measuring tape and a little patience! It’s often easiest to have your player stand up straight while you take their measurements.

Step 1: Measuring for the Catcher’s Helmet

A helmet needs to fit snugly but comfortably. The most critical measurement is head circumference.

Head Circumference: Wrap the flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your player’s head. This is usually about an inch above their eyebrows and ears.

Read the Measurement: Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. Note the measurement in both inches and centimeters.

Under Armour youth helmets are often sized by head circumference ranges. For example, a common youth size might fit a head circumference of 20-21.5 inches.

Step 2: Measuring for the Chest Protector

The chest protector should cover the torso adequately without being too bulky or leaving gaps.

Chest Measurement: Have your player stand tall and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of their chest. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Torso Length: This measurement is key for how far down the protector extends. Have your player stand with their arms relaxed at their sides. Measure from the base of their neck (where it meets their shoulder) down to their belly button.

Chest protectors are often sized based on torso length. A general rule of thumb for youth players is that the chest protector should extend no lower than the beltline.

Step 3: Measuring for Leg Guards

Leg guards protect the shins, knees, and sometimes the instep of the foot. Proper length and width are important for protection and mobility.

Knee to Instep: Have your player stand with their leg straight. Measure from the center of their kneecap (where the knee pad will sit) straight down to the top of their shoe or where the toe of their cleat would end.
Knee Width: Measure across the widest part of the kneecap.

Leg guards are primarily sized by the knee-to-instep measurement. The leg guards should protect the entire shin and knee area, and often wrap around to protect the sides of the knee joint.

Under Armour Youth Catcher Gear Sizing Chart (Example)

Sizing can vary slightly between Under Armour models, but this table provides a general guideline for their youth gear. Always check the specific product page for the most accurate sizing recommendations.

Measurement Type	Small (Youth)	Medium (Youth)	Large (Youth)
Head Circumference (in)	19″ – 20.5″	20″ – 21.5″	21″ – 22.5″
Torso Length (in)	10″ – 12″	11″ – 13″	12″ – 14″
Knee to Instep (in)	12″ – 14″	13″ – 15″	14″ – 16″
Approximate Age Range	5-8	8-12	12-15

Note: Age ranges are approximate and can vary based on player size. Always prioritize measurements.

Tips for Trying On Catcher Gear

Measuring is a great start, but trying on the gear is the best way to ensure a perfect fit. Here’s what to look for:

Helmet: It should sit level on the head without tilting forward or backward. The jaw guard should align properly with the chin. There should be no significant side-to-side wobble.
Chest Protector: It should cover the sternum and abdomen fully. Ensure it doesn’t restrict breathing or arm movement. The shoulder straps should be adjustable for a comfortable, secure fit.

Leg Guards: The knee cups should center directly on the kneecaps. The shin guards should extend from the knee down to the top of the shoe. There should be no pinching or excessive pressure points when the catcher is in a squatting position. They should also stay in place when they move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sizing Gear

Even with measurements, it’s easy to make a few common blunders. Let’s steer clear of them:

Buying Gear “To Grow Into”: This seems like a good idea for your wallet, but it compromises safety and performance. Gear that’s too big isn’t effective protection.

Relying Solely on Age: Every young athlete grows at their own pace. Age is a rough guideline; actual measurements are king.
Ignoring Comfort: If the young catcher complains it’s itchy, poke-y, or restrictive, it’s not the right fit.
Not Testing Movement: Have them practice squatting, bending, and mimicking throwing motions to see how the gear performs.

Exploring Under Armour’s Youth Catcher Gear Lines

Under Armour often has a few different lines of catcher’s gear, varying in features, protection levels, and price. While sizing principles remain the same, different models might have slight adjustments.

Descent Series: Often a great entry-level option, providing solid protection and comfort for developing players.
UAB (Under Armour Baseball) Series: May offer more advanced features for players looking for a slight edge.

Regardless of the series, always refer to the specific sizing recommendations provided by retail partners like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Under Armour’s own website for the most accurate fit tailored to that exact model.

The Importance of Quality Catcher Gear for Young Athletes

Catching is one of the most demanding positions on a baseball team. Young players are still developing their strength and coordination, making proper protective gear not just about comfort, but essential for their physical well-being. High-quality gear, like that offered by Under Armour, is designed with advanced materials and ergonomic designs to:

Absorb Impact: Modern padding helps dissipate the force from foul tips.

Allow for Breathability: So young athletes don’t overheat during long games or practices.
Provide a Secure Fit: So they can focus on their technique and game awareness.

Investing in good, well-fitting gear is an investment in a young player’s safety, confidence, and development in the sport. For more on player development and safety, the USA Baseball website offers a wealth of resources for coaches and parents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Catcher Gear Sizing

Q1: How do I know if my child has outgrown their catcher gear?

A: If the gear feels tight, restricts movement, or leaves exposed areas (like a chest protector riding too high), it’s likely time for an upgrade. Also, check for damage or wear and tear.

Q2: Should youth catcher gear be snug or loose?

A: It should be snug but not tight. The gear needs to stay in place to provide protection, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it limits mobility or comfort.

Q3: Can I use adult gear for a youth player?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Adult gear is sized for larger frames and often provides too much coverage, becoming cumbersome and less effective for a young player. Youth-specific gear is designed and proportioned for their smaller bodies.

Q4: How often should I check the fit of my child’s catcher gear?

A: It’s a good idea to check the fit at the beginning of each season. Young athletes grow quickly, and their gear needs can change throughout the year.

Q5: What is the most critical piece of catcher gear to get the size right on?

A: While all pieces are important, the helmet and leg guards are arguably the most critical for safety. A properly fitted helmet protects the head and face from serious injury, and well-fitting leg guards prevent impacts to developing legs and knees.

Q6: My son is between sizes, what should I do?

A: If you can, try both sizes on. If buying online, consider the return policy. Generally, if measurements place them right on the cusp, leaning towards the larger size might be better if they are still growing rapidly, but ensure it doesn’t feel too baggy or unsafe.

Conclusion

Getting the right fit for your young catcher’s Under Armour gear is essential for their safety, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the game. By taking accurate measurements and paying attention to how the gear should sit and feel, you can ensure they have the protection they need to play confidently. Remember, every player is different, so using measurements as your guide and testing the gear’s movement is key. With properly sized equipment, your young catcher will be ready to block, frame, and throw with all the confidence in the world, game after game, practice after practice.

1: Essential Under Armour Youth Catcher Gear Sizing