HS & Club Softball

How to Stand Out at a Softball Showcase

The summer softball season is in full swing. Club teams will be making their way to the big tournaments over the next few weeks. Many of these tournaments will offer Showcases that will have college coaches present. For the players who are first timers, Showcases can be nerve-wracking and as a result, a player’s performance may suffer. All showcases are structured differently. Some are set up with stations that will test a player’s bat speed, pitching speed, pop time for catchers, base runners home to first times, etc. Others will be set up in a scrimmage setting where the college coaches can gather to watch players in live game settings.

Below is a list of five ways to stand out at a Softball Showcase.

Look the Part: For players who are participating in showcases, it’s important to look the part. This means showing up in your game jersey ready to compete. Wearing a game jersey will make a player and her team stand out. If a player catches the eye of a coach at a showcase, the coach will likely go watch the player during one of the tournament games. Tucking in the jersey will also make the player look professional. Untucked jerseys look sloppy and could be a distraction.

Hustle: It doesn’t matter if you are going to get a drink of water, are heading back to the dugout after a strikeout, have a conference with the third base coach, are transitioning from offense to defense, hustle everywhere you go. College coaches love the hustle and are drawn to it. It’s a mindset and a skill that is tough to teach. Sprint on and off the field at all times. Move with a purpose, no matter what the outcome of the play is. If you hustle you will be noticed.

Be Vocal: Playing in a scrimmage setting with unfamiliar players from other teams, who you don’t know, can be intimidating. Try to push that thought to the back of your mind when you take the field and be vocal. College coaches look for leaders on the field. They will notice the players who are communicating with other players every single pitch. This shows them who the natural leaders are and these types are players are who they will want on their team.

Take Chances: Showcases are designed for players to show off their stuff. You have one chance and opportunity to show the college coaches in attendance what you can do. The college coaches don’t necessarily care if you make the play. They will watch your approach, your action, and your reaction to what took place. If you go all out and miss a ball, then get up and sprint after it and make the throw to the correct base, that says something.

Have Fun: This is probably the most important tip in the list. The players who remember to have fun and play loose will shine at these Showcases. When players put too much pressure on themselves or take themselves too seriously, that’s when mistakes happen. Remember to smile because your softball career is short lived and it’s important to enjoy every second of it and the opportunities that come about.

Whether you find yourself at a Skill Showcase or a Scrimmage Showcase this summer, remember to give it your all. You are representing yourself, your team, your parents, your coaches, your organization, and your state every single time you step on the field. Take advantage of your opportunity because you never know if and when it will come about again. Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember to have a blast. Even though there is a college coach in the stands, play for you and your team and the results will take care of itself.

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