Best Baseball Pancake Training Gloves for 2022
Infielders are taught to have soft, quick hands when it comes to fielding and catching a baseball. If you have spent any time around a youth baseball field then I am sure that you have heard a coach say…”Use two hands!”
In this article I want to share what a pancake training glove is, how it is helpful for developing good hands, and which one might be right for you.
What is a Pancake Training Glove?
A pancake training glove, also known as a “flat hand or soft hand”, is a flat infield training glove that is worn on the glove hand of a fielder during practice, normally a middle infielder.
The pancake glove doesn’t look like your normal gloves with fingers and a web, it resembles exactly what it sounds like, a pancake.
It can be constructed of a couple different types of materials. Your lesser expensive versions will be made of foam or some other synthetic type of material.
While your higher end models will be made with a high grade leather, just like a regular baseball glove.
What is a pancake training glove used for?
Pancake training gloves are most often used by middle infielders and third basemen.
However, they are a great tool that can be used by all players on the field, especially during warm ups.
Why you might ask.
A flat pancake glove forces a player to keep his non-glove hand close to his glove hand when fielding and catching.
Keeping your throwing hand close to your fielding hand allows you to catch the ball and transition the ball to your throwing hand, quickly.
When using a regular fielding glove, a player can sometimes get lazy and have some unwanted movement.
Wearing a flat pancake glove helps to eliminate that unwanted movement.
Thus, speeding up the time it takes to catch the ball and get rid of it.
When is a great time to use a pancake training glove?
Being that this glove is not intended to catch a baseball that’s thrown outside of your body. Makes it not a great choice to use for every occasion.
One great opportunity to use this type of glove would be during warm ups.
I know, you might be thinking, ” you just said that you can’t catch a baseball that’s thrown outside of your body.”
And, you would be correct.
However, warm ups are a great time to emphasize to your players that they need to move their feet and get in front of the ball, if they can.
If the ball is out of reach or they can’t get in front of it, they can always just knock it down. It’s not a big deal.
I always try to remind my players to work their feet hard before the baseball gets to them, this way their hands don’t have to.
Saving the time you would have to reach to catch the ball away from your body, bring it back in to your body, and then back out to throw.
Another great time to use a pancake training glove is during ground ball work. Fielding ground balls with this glove will make you have to use your hands together.
As soon as the ball gets to your glove, your throwing hand has to pin it against the pancake. And, now your ready to transition to throw.
You can’t catch it with one hand and then bring it to your throwing hand.
This makes you quicker with your hands, and ultimately, your throwing release.
Who should use a pancake training glove?
Pancake training glove are great training tools for baseball and softball players of all ages.
Whether for little league players looking to make a name for themselves or a high school player looking to stand out from the competition.
Taking infield grounders or working on double play turns with a pancake trainer will help you develop quick soft hands.
Which pancake training glove is right for you?
Now that we have discussed what a pancake training glove is and how to use it. Lets take a look at which pancake gloves are the best on the market.
Some factors to consider before making a purchase on a new pancake training glove might be:
- Price- how much are you willing to spend?
- Expected use- Are you looking for one to use occasional or everyday as part of your warm up and drills?
Mizuno really came through with this pancake training glove. Its easy to see why its at the top our the list. Its a great training glove and at a great price point.
Pros:
- All natural full grain leather for comfort and durability
- Great for youth player
- Right hand and left hand throw
- Great price
Cons:
- Left hand version can be hard to find
Built for the serious player in mind. This glove was designed for Major League player Francisco Lindor. This pancake trainer is perfect for the serious high school infielder looking to play at the next level.
Pros:
- Highest quality, professional-grade leather
- Thermoformed hand opening for unmatched comfort and breathability
- Dependable brand
- Great looking color
Cons:
- Expensive
- Right hand throw only
- Not adjustable for younger players
Valle switch ambidextrous pancake is a great training pancake that can be used by both righties and lefties. With the Valle trademark, you know it will be constructed of high grade leather, which will last through many seasons.
Pros:
- Universal fit
- Quality leather
- Adjustable Velcro strap
Cons:
- Only comes in white, will get dirty
Final Thoughts!
Pick up one of these pancake trainers today and start training your hands like the pros do.
Incorporate it in to your practice routine and you will be turning double plays with the best of them in no time.