For Players:
Beginning the journey of becoming a softball player or coach is exciting. I was introduced to this amazing sport as a coach in 1988 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Please enjoy the tips below on how to have a positive experience as a coach or player. May your journey help you fall in love with the wonderful game of FASTPITCH SOFTBALL. See ya at the park!! Coach Tim Wampler
Practice Regularly: Softball requires a lot of practice to master the necessary skills, so it’s important to practice often at home and with your team to improve. If possible, seek individual training from an expert in certain areas. Example: Pitching Coach, Hitting and Defensive Coach, and Strength, Speed, and Agility Coaches!!
Focus on Fundamentals: It’s essential to focus on the basics, such as catching, throwing, hitting, and baserunning as they are the foundation of the game.
Pay Attention to Footwork: Proper footwork is key in softball, whether it’s running the bases or fielding a ball. Pay close attention to your footwork and practice it diligently. A ladder and cone drill are great tools to help with good explosive footwork!!
Work on Your Speed and Agility: Softball involves a lot of running and quick movements, it’s important to work on your speed and agility and always incorporate good routines such as stretching and arm care to make sure as a player you avoid injuries that can set you back and hurt your team!
Communicate with Your Teammates: Communication is vital in softball, especially when it comes to calling out plays, signaling to teammates, and supporting each other. Also knowing your practice and game schedule in advance is very important. It’s always good to be on a communication team and coaches’ chat room to stay informed on what’s going on as a team.
Summer or Off-Season Camps: Please make sure the camps are properly staffed and offer training by skilled personnel that is going to cover all areas of the game of softball. Many camps are just to make money or fundraise for a program and offer very little value. Please do your homework when picking a camp, I always recommend a full 5-day to 1-week style camp!!
Online Training: There are good online training programs that offer membership. These training programs may be position specific such as Pitching or Fundamental Specific such as Hitting. Look for one that offers a variety of training to gain knowledge in all the important parts of the game softball, one that just doesn’t give words to action but one that offers detailed videos so that you can see and hear the proper techniques of all the key areas such as Hitting, Throwing, Fielding, and Baserunning!!
For Coaches:
Develop a Practice Plan: It’s important to have a well-structured practice plan that covers all the essential skills and drills required for softball.
Emphasize Fundamentals: As a coach, you should emphasize the fundamentals and ensure that your players have a strong foundation in the basic skills. Make sure your practices are designed and implemented for all your players and their skill sets.
Encourage Teamwork: Softball is a team sport, so encourage teamwork among your players. Teach them to support and encourage each other, both on and off the field.
Provide Positive Feedback: Provide positive feedback to your players when they perform well, and give constructive criticism when they need to improve. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and keep striving to improve.
Make it Fun: Finally, make sure that your players are having fun. Softball should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Create a positive and supportive environment where your players can learn and grow. I always recommend having circuit-style practices so players can move from station to station!!
Coaches Clinics: Clinics are a valuable place to gain knowledge and meet and establish relationships with other coaches. Please make sure the clinics are properly staffed and offer training by skilled personnel that is going to cover all areas of the game of softball. Many clinics are just to make money or fundraise for a program and offer very little value. Please do your homework when picking a clinic, I always recommend a full 3-day coaching clinic with breakout rooms that offer Q&A sessions!
Online Training: There are good online training programs that offer membership. These training programs may be position specific such as Pitching or Fundamental Specific such as Hitting. Look for one that offers a variety of training to gain knowledge in all the important parts of the game softball, one that just doesn’t give words to action but one that offers detailed videos so that you can see and hear the proper techniques of all the key areas such as Hitting, Throwing, Fielding, and Baserunning!!
