5 Ways to Be a Good Teammate in Softball
Being a good teammate in softball is important. It takes an entire roster to win a championship; this includes bench players and role players. Teams who work together on and off the field and who have strong team chemistry, are typically the ones who will be crowned as champions at the end of the season. Every team will have a few bumps in the road along the way, but teams who stick together and remain resilient will almost always come out on top.
College coaches will typically recruit players who will make an impact on the team based on their playing ability, but that’s only part of it. While recruiting, college coaches will also look for team players who they feel will gel well with their current roster.
In a sport where individual stats may get in the way, it’s important that players learn and find a way to shift the focus from the individual to the team.
Below are five ways to be a good teammate in softball.
Be Encouraging: Softball players feed off the energy and encouragement from their teammates when they are on the playing field. There is no better feeling in the world than stepping up to the plate or taking the mound in a challenging situation and knowing your teammates have your back no matter the outcome. Having support and encouragement from teammates allows softball players to play loose and free. They know their teammates always have their back.
Pick Up Teammates: The game of softball is full of failures. Chances are, you will fail more times than you will succeed. It’s important that in the tougher times, teammates stick together and never point fingers. You win and lose as a team in softball. As frustrating as an error or loss may be, always pick up your teammates. This will allow the team as a whole to bounce back and regain focus, determination, and be hungry for the next time they step on the field together. Pointing fingers and blaming teammates will only cause turmoil to the team.
Lend a Hand: Teams who come out on top are typically the ones who put in extra work outside of organized team practices. If a teammate is struggling with an element of her game, offer to help her with some extra practice without coaches present. Teammates should take it upon themselves to roll or hit each other extra ground balls, work on overhand throws, put balls on the tee, throw live at-bats to hitters, catch pitchers during their workouts, etc.
Always Give 100%: Players should always give 100% when they step on the softball field. This includes in practice as well. You owe it to yourself, your teammates and your coaches to give everything you have. If players don’t go full speed in practice, they will never make the tough plays in games. Teammates need to trust that every single player around them is giving their all.
Own Your Role: There are only nine positions on the softball field that can be occupied at one time. If teams take advantage of the designated player role on the offensive side, they can have ten players in the lineup who are ready to go. Teams are always going to carry more players than the lineup card can hold on game days. You may find yourself on the bench or in a baserunning role during some games. No matter what role you find yourself in on game days, you need to be ready for anything and own that role. It takes an entire roster to win a championship in softball.
