Everyone is thinking about recruiting. Colorado has become the hub of all things softball for a couple of weeks each year because so many players and parents are hoping to be seen by college coaches. Skippers come out is great numbers to evaluate and find the players who will make up their future rosters.
Over the years, I’ve done dozens of recruiting seminars and have tried to share some of what I have learned with softball players and their families as they embark on this process.
There are many things that I hope these players and families will take away from these sessions but none is more important that what I call “The 14 Commandments.”
What are the Commandments supposed to accomplish? To help the next wave of potential softball players avoid making the same mistakes others have made.
No. 11: Play the Game the Right Way!
How many times have you heard, said or thought the above statement? Common sense, right? Unfortunately, we know common sense doesn’t mean common practice.
Hustle at all times, including:
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On and off the field
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To back up plays
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To pick up a teammates bat after a foul ball
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During warm ups
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Cleaning up the dugout after the game
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ALWAYS!
Communicate. Not just cheering, but real communication.
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How many outs?
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What’s the situation?
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Where’s the play?
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Who’s the cut off?
The list is endless but communication shows real leadership.
Be aggressive!
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On defense, dive for the ball, lay out! You might shock everyone by ending up on ESPN Top 10 that day.
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At the plate, attack the ball in the zone.
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On the bases, take the extra base and put crazy pressure on the defense.
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In the circle, attack the strike zone, get ahead and stay ahead.
Be supportive but not an enabler!
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Pick up a teammate after they make a mistake but don’t make excuses for them either.
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Pull for a teammate in a tough situation so she knows you have her back.
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Back up plays so your teammate knows she can count on you to be there.
That is just a short list of examples. I know there are many more but I hope it has you thinking.
Play Ball!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
