What do softball tryouts consist of

Not sure how to organize a fastpitch tryout? Here are some tips on how to structure your tryouts--and ensure you find the best players for your squad. Here are some great baserunning drills from the eteamz community that fastpitch coaches can use to help players maximize their game awareness and increase their aggressiveness on the basepaths. Looking for a fair way to score your tryouts?

Here's a comprehensive system to help you pick your squad for the upcoming season. Whether you're a first-timer or a grizzled old veteran, coaching young players can be daunting.

Here are 3 tips to teaching fastpitch newbies the fundamentals they need to succeed. Looking for a way to teach your squad to turn two?

Here's a drill from the Active Fastpitch community to help improve your team's ability to execute this difficult play. If a pitcher throws every pitch at the same speed she'll get pounded by the third inning. Here's a great workout for training players to throw off-speed pitches and create deception for the hitter. More Softball Articles. Look for this banner for recommended activities. Ideally you will have all the girls who have never played or only played a season or two on the same teams so they will all be at roughly the same starting point.

There is also a safety component. A 10 year old girl who has been playing softball for 4 years will most likely be able to throw the ball harder and with more accuracy than a 10 year old girl playing her first season.

For the safety of both girls it would be better if the more experienced player were on a team with other girls of a similar skill level. It also makes the game competition more evenly matched. It will be discouraging for the new team and the experienced team will not be able to improve their skills as much because they are not being challenged by similarly skilled teams.

As the player moves up in skill level the tryouts will become more competitive. The nature of moving up in level is that each team wants to be as competitive as possible. This benefits the players in that their skills will progress as they are challenged more. The tryouts themselves should be pretty routine especially if you have played organized softball before. You will most likely be trying out with girls your same age or skill level. There will be a few different stations each player will go through with a couple of additional skill stations if you are trying out for pitcher or catcher.

Your tryout may run a little differently but in general you can expect these types of activities:. You need to be prepared and have the proper clothes and gear with you to the tryouts.

At a minimum you should have your own glove. If you have a bat and batting gloves bring those as well. Naturally they are looking for the best possible players. However, that is not only based on how well the girls perform the skills on the field. Attitude, coach-ability, hustle, positive attitude and general athleticism are just as important.

Base Running: You will be timed to see your running speed. You will most likely be timed from home plate to first base or home to home. Expect to take line drives, pop-ups, bunts, and grounders from both sides. Outfield Drills: You should expect to take at least 3 pop-ups and perhaps a tracking exercise. Outfielders can also be asked to throw from the outfield to their cutoff, and then into specific bases to test their accuracy and strength.

Batting: You should expect to take at least 10 balls either coach pitch, live pitch or machine pitch. You will be asked to take a couple of bunts and then told to swing away. If you can slap hit make sure to let the coach know. Special Teams: Pitchers and catchers will have a separate warm-up.

Pitchers may be asked to demonstrate all their pitches. Catchers will need to demonstrate blocking, framing and throws to second. Parent Meeting: Parents will be given general information about the team and organization. Dues and tournament schedule will be discussed. They should let you know when to expect a call. You will likely get hours to make a decision once you have an offer. Some clubs might give you longer. The sooner you are able to make your decision the more it helps ALL the programs you have tried out with.

It also helps other players who may be waiting to hear about their options. It is in many cases a true domino effect.