10 Softball Tips for Beginners

You want to play softball but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. Here are some great tips on starting out as a beginner in the sport of softball.

1) Find a good player to teach you

If possible, find a friend, family member or neighbor who knows about the game and can teach you its basics. They could also try playing with you until you get the hang of it – if they have time available – before going out on your own so that they can give advice along the way. This will be extremely helpful for beginners because they won't have to wonder what's going on around them and will also build up their confidence knowing someone besides themselves is familiar with what's happening during the game.

2) Go to a practice

Participating in a practice game for your team is a great way to get familiar with the sport while also being introduced to more experienced players on your team. You can learn from them and they may help you understand parts of the game that are confusing to you. If there isn't any sort of organized event happening during the time you're available, ask around and see if there's anyone interested in playing catch or hitting off of a soft toss machine just so that you can improve your technique, timing, and familiarity with playing at all.

3) Watch games

If possible, go watch some softball games! This allows you to see pro athletes play so that you can study their style, position yourself accordingly, and learn what it takes to play at a professional level.

4) Start off slow

If possible, start out as a designated player (DP). This is where you stand far away from the batter and can watch them hit balls and take their base without you having to worry about catching or hitting the ball yourself. This allows you to observe how they're doing things which will help you with your own batting practice drills. Another reason for this position is that most people aren't used to catching grounders during infield training sessions so not many people would want to be in charge of such an important responsibility right off the bat!  It'll also allow you time to get better at fielding balls cleanly before being put into pressure situations.

5) Practice your fielding

This can be done by setting up a soft toss machine and practicing catching grounders, throwing balls where the coach is standing, and hitting fly balls to specific areas. Get good at all three of these and you'll be set! Also feel free to do drills like "Catch, Tag, Throw," which means that once you catch the ball; you must quickly make it back to base (tag) before they make it there themselves. This will help with making sure you're ready if/when someone hits a ball in your direction. You won't have time to think about what's going on so this drill helps train instinctual reactions when under pressure.

6) Don't practice hitting too much

Generally, most players don't hit the ball on their first try so it's best not to practice hitting too much as a beginner.  It is good to watch batting videos and learn from those who have done well in games but take this with a grain of salt because everyone has different methods they use for hitting which will vary depending on their strengths. Also, if you don't know your own strengths or weaknesses, then how can you expect to make improvements?

7) Have fun!

It's important to enjoy yourself when playing the game! If you're serious all of the time then it'll be hard for you to take risks without knowing that there are consequences for them. This may limit your creativity and ability to improve as an athlete/player. Have fun and get out there!

8) Ask questions

If you don't know something, ask about it! You can speak up during games or practices or schedule a one-on-one meeting with your coach to talk about concerns you may have. They're there not only to help you improve your skills but also to support you academically and socially. It'll also make the team better if every player is on the same page regarding what's going on around them so that they can play at their fullest potential!  Coaches want everyone to do well so they'll be more than happy to answer any question you have so use this opportunity wisely.

9) Be positive

Being negative when playing isn't helpful in any way, shape, or form. Positivity will help you bounce back from any bad plays or games that you might have had and will also give your teammates confidence to do well! Plus no one wants to play with someone who seems uninterested so it's best not to bring others down either.

10) Be proud of yourself

If you're trying something new then congratulations on taking a risk and seeing how it'll turn out! You can't expect things to be perfect but this is part of the game - improvising whenever necessary. Learning something new takes time so don't get discouraged if what you're doing isn't working. Instead take note of what went wrong and use it as motivation for improving in those areas which you know are places that need work.