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Why play Summer Softball?
1. Have fun!
2. Learn teamwork.
3. Learn how to play different positions.
4. Improve basic skills such as hitting and fielding.
What can parents do to help?
1. Practice as much as possible at home. A simple ten minutes of catch or hitting several times a week will work wonders.
2. Arrive at scheduled games 30 minutes early for the pre-game practice and warm-up!
3. Ask a coach if you have any questions about games, playing positions or scheduling.
4. Set a good example by cheering, encouraging, and being respectful to all players, coaches and umpires.
2. Arrive at scheduled games 30 minutes early for the pre-game practice and warm-up!
3. Ask a coach if you have any questions about games, playing positions or scheduling.
4. Set a good example by cheering, encouraging, and being respectful to all players, coaches and umpires.
Children play for the fun of playing.
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of your young athlete.
Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the
girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In all team sports, young people learn
to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and
deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy.
Best of all, they have fun.
Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.
Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in
every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more
important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite
the outcome of the game!
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Be aware of this fact and work to be a positive role model.
Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports.
Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing softball, not you. It's very important to let
children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care
not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games.
Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a
winning team.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural
fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one,
remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point
out the good things your child accomplished.
Our coaches are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help
make your child's softball experience a positive one. They need your support too. Be a positive role model for your
child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive
support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
Concussion Info:
Free online concussion training for coaches and parents: Click here. A new Minnesota law requires all coaches and assistants take the concussion training and have the certificate. Parents should also consider taking the course to know the signs and symptoms of concussions and to make good choices about how to deal with concussions.
Below are some coaching points that we use.
Defense - Defense simply means getting outs.
1. Infielders first job is to get the ball then cover their base.
2. Communicate before and during the play.
3. Outfielders need to expect the ball and back-up the infielders.
4. Always move to the ball and the play.
5. Coach adjusts players because he or she has a different perspective. They will see things that you won’t. Respect the coach by listening without attitude.
6. 2nd base is special base. 2nd basemen and shortstop work together to cover it.
7. If there is no chance of getting an out, get the ball to the pitcher.
8. Defense is an important part of winning the game.
9. The other team and fans will be impressed if you know what the play is and make it.
10. Good defense is fun.
Hitting
1. Be aggressive - Have the attitude of a "hitter" not a "watcher".
2. Be ready to hit on every pitch.
3. Practice sound fundamentals (Step, Pivot "squish the bug", Follow Through)
Being a Good Teammate
1. Encourage others when they do something good and even when they make a mistake.
2. Never criticize or complain about a mistake or player.
3. Stay on the field or in the dugout during a game.
4. Always pay attention to the game.
5. Take instruction well.
6. Respect officials, players and coaches.
1. Infielders first job is to get the ball then cover their base.
2. Communicate before and during the play.
3. Outfielders need to expect the ball and back-up the infielders.
4. Always move to the ball and the play.
5. Coach adjusts players because he or she has a different perspective. They will see things that you won’t. Respect the coach by listening without attitude.
6. 2nd base is special base. 2nd basemen and shortstop work together to cover it.
7. If there is no chance of getting an out, get the ball to the pitcher.
8. Defense is an important part of winning the game.
9. The other team and fans will be impressed if you know what the play is and make it.
10. Good defense is fun.
Hitting
1. Be aggressive - Have the attitude of a "hitter" not a "watcher".
2. Be ready to hit on every pitch.
3. Practice sound fundamentals (Step, Pivot "squish the bug", Follow Through)
Being a Good Teammate
1. Encourage others when they do something good and even when they make a mistake.
2. Never criticize or complain about a mistake or player.
3. Stay on the field or in the dugout during a game.
4. Always pay attention to the game.
5. Take instruction well.
6. Respect officials, players and coaches.