Earning a spot on a competitive softball team during tryouts can be a difficult and pressure-packed experience. In a short period, softball players must display their talents and instincts in front of coaches who don't have much time to evaluate the many players who are attempting to make the team. Making a team with a strong performance in tryouts requires a commitment to conditioning in the months and weeks beforehand.
Step 1
Hit the ball in the direction corresponding to where it's pitched. If the pitch is over the outside corner, for example, hit it to the opposite field; hit it up the middle on a pitch over the plate; pull the inside pitch. Coaches want hitters who are smart and talented enough to go with the pitch rather than trying to pull everything. Fast-pitch softball can be a low-scoring game, often decided by one or two late runs. Coaches want players who are effective situational hitters who can hit a variety of pitches and don't just try overpower every pitch they see.
Step 2
Make all the basic plays in the field. Spectacular plays may be featured on highlight shows, but it's more important to your team that you make all the routine plays with good fundamentals. Get in front of any ball you can during fielding tryouts. Coaches don't want players who stand to the side and reach for the ball. They want consistent and accurate throws across the infield, and outfielders who get rid of the ball quickly and hit the cutoff man consistently.
Step 3
Run the bases with confidence and decisiveness. Baserunning is one of the most overlooked aspects of softball; being good at it doesn't necessarily depend on your speed. You have to know how to take the shortest possible route when running the bases and you also have to judge the positioning and arm strength of the outfielder before you take the extra base. This takes a softball instinct that the best players have and put on display regularly.
Step 4
Compete hard in a scrimmage game. Coaches will put prospective players through hitting, pitching, fielding and baserunning drills during tryouts, but they may also evaluate players by playing a practice game among all candidates. Coaches will see which players are aggressive and which ones are timid. Some players may hit early in the game while others will come through in clutch situations late in the game. The practice game help coaches evaluate players toughness and overall ability.
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