This time of year 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 colleges. Coaches come out in 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’ve 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. 6: Slide!
How many times have you seen a runner get called out when a good slide might have changed the outcome? I know, too many times!
Sliding is a very important skill that all players need to showcase. If you have the ability to do many different slides, you possess many different skills, all of which need to be demonstrated every chance you get.
Not sliding when you should sends a very negative message to any college coach about your effort and passion for the game.
I know, sometimes it appears obvious that you are going to be out. But I do know for sure, not sliding when you should demonstrates that you’re a quitter.
Who remembers seeing the player from Army, Casey McCravey, just about break the Internet when she refused to give up on a play at the plate?
Quit summary of the play. The runner was sent home with the potential for a play at the plate. The catcher came slightly up the line to receive the ball. As the catcher is receiving the ball the base runner arrives. The base runner, leaps, Karate Kid style and flew over the head of the catcher. She lands past home plate and is called safe.
A great example of a player never quitting.
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, Wisconsin and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
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