Core Training

Confidence versus Cockiness in Softball

There is a big difference between playing with confidence and being a cocky player in softball. It’s essential that coaches instill confidence in the players on their team. When coaches believe in their players, slowly but surely the players will respond and even begin to believe in themselves. No matter how many times a parent, teammate, or coach tell a player how great they are, it doesn’t register unless the player believes it.

The game of softball is full of failure. No matter what position you find yourself at on the field, mistakes are guaranteed to be made, spots are going to be missed resulting in hits given up, base runners will be thrown out, signs will be missed, strikeouts will happen, and in every single game played, there will be a team who comes out on the losing end. Achieving a perfect game every single time your team steps on the field is impossible. There are too many working parts, and this is a very unrealistic expectation. It’s important that players learn how to cope with their game day emotions as well as learn to deal with failure.

What does playing with confidence look like? Confident softball players are the ones who work hard in silence and let their success be their noise. They are the players who stay after practice on their own to take some extra reps. They are often the players who lead by example on the field and who are a vocal leader to the team. Confident players only worry about themselves because they know that is the only thing they can control.

Even confident players are bound to make mistakes. But they will respond to the error differently than someone who lacks confidence. Next time you tune into a college softball game, pay attention to the vocal leaders in the infield. Even the best shortstop in the college game will boot a ball or two. Watch how she responds after the play. Typically, this player will hustle after the ball, will return it to the pitcher, look her in the eye and tell her to roll her another one. Confident players will shake off mistakes as quickly as they happen. If players dwell on past mistakes, they are more likely to miss the next ball.

There is a massive difference between a player who plays with confidence and a player who is cocky. The cocky players on a team will often also lead by example, set the tone for the team and be vocal leaders. Cocky players often care more about their contribution and stats rather than the team. After a great team win, cocky players may find themselves quiet and defeated because they went 0-3 during the game and felt as though they didn’t contribute. It’s important that coaches monitor the emotions and interaction between teammates after wins and losses. If a coach sees a player acting selfish or cocky, it’s best to be addressed right away so the player can learn from it and be a better teammate.

It’s important as a softball player, to play with confidence and to stay humble when success comes your way. No player is ever bigger than the game. Once a player learns how to respect herself, her team, her coaches, her parents, spectators, and the game as a whole, she will be destined for greatness. A positive and coachable attitude goes a long way in softball, and even the most confident players need a little accountability check or reminder from time to time.

The players and teams who play with confidence will stick together as a team more so than a team filled with individuals who are cocky and play for themselves. Softball is a team sport, and every individual serves an important role. Be confident, stay humble, and you and your team will be well on your way to achieving all of your goals.

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