One of the weaknesses of the Wilson helmet is how the straps cross the edge of the front section. For players that toss their helmet, the straps can get chopped off pretty quickly. My DD leaves her helmet on during all plays, but I see noticeable signs of wear on those straps just from being tossed around during practices.
catchers helmets
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- Aug 11, 2016
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This is what they teach at NE Catching Camp precisely. My DD used to rip off her helmet when going to get a fly ball because that's what the coaches told her to do. She will now have to educate the coaches that leaving it on is the right thing to do.
Just got the FX for my DD. Thanks Eric F for the heads up on the sale! She hasn't used it yet, but she liked how it fit. This is the first I'm hearing about not throwing her helmet off though. I thought that was the only way to clearly see pop flys.
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Yep. Leave it on!!
Yesterday, a friend posted a pic on FB of his helmetless catcher-DD making a play on a sliding runner at home. It was a cool pic capturing a very intense moment. However, I was compelled to comment at some length - including some gruesome video - about the reasons why taking her helmet off is a bad idea. I'm not sure he agrees, but maybe I got him at least thinking about the issue a little more.
- Aug 11, 2016
- 126
- 28
Jay at NECC tells the kids precisely that. Also, that it becomes a trip hazard if you happen to throw your helmet on your path while you are looking up at the ball. It is a safety concern for more than one reason.
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I teach catchers to leave their helmet on AT ALL TIMES the ball is in play on the field. Too much down side, and not enough up side to taking it off. Maybe...just maybe...I would go along with taking it off for a high pop fly in foul territory, but even then, bashing into the fence is a realistic danger on most fields. As for vision, if the catcher can see a pitch just fine, there shouldn't be an issue seeing a ball thrown from a fielder.
My DD didn't have any issues seeing and catching these...
She saw this one just fine, too...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToV5Yjg--yU
This is (to me) the most compelling argument for leaving it on...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgBGpICS48&list=PLLo_t691U8DWFVA8IIKNGJpRsikmuNBUp
I'll give you one guess who was a big influence on me as I was starting to learn how to teach my DD how to play the position
Anybody tried the small "men's" Wilson helmet? I've now had 3 orders cancelled on the women's version from the Wilson online store. Our kid had a concussion last year that had her out of ball and on half days at school for 9 months last year, so good head gear is a priority.
I may be able to find the women's locally. Not sure.
I may be able to find the women's locally. Not sure.
I teach catchers to leave their helmet on AT ALL TIMES the ball is in play on the field. Too much down side, and not enough up side to taking it off. Maybe...just maybe...I would go along with taking it off for a high pop fly in foul territory, but even then, bashing into the fence is a realistic danger on most fields. As for vision, if the catcher can see a pitch just fine, there shouldn't be an issue seeing a ball thrown from a fielder.
My DD didn't have any issues seeing and catching these...
She saw this one just fine, too...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToV5Yjg--yU
This is (to me) the most compelling argument for leaving it on...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgBGpICS48&list=PLLo_t691U8DWFVA8IIKNGJpRsikmuNBUp
I watched a game the other day and the catcher and #B ran into each other chasing a pop fly foul. Catcher took an elbow to the side of her head. She had to leave the game.
Was watching a recorded NPF game last night and the catcher kept her helmet on the whole time as well. Good to see its moving up the stream of players. She was wearing a Wilson shock FX.
