Softball tryouts often are pressure-filled activities that are difficult for players to manage. They know that, if they perform well, they have a chance to make a travel, high school or college team, but a poor showing can result in heartbreak. Prior to a tryout, players should know what coaches will ask them to do. That knowledge may help players prepare to perform their best.
Hitting
Coaches grade your hitting on your ability to make contact and hit for power. They want hitters who take outside pitches to the opposite field, pull inside pitches and drive pitches over the middle to center field. Smaller players who are slap hitters are not expected to drive the ball over the fence, but coaches want hitters who can drive the ball into the gaps for doubles and triples.
Fielding
Coaches are not looking for players to make spectacular, highlight-film plays in a tryout situation, but they are looking for consistency and confidence. They want players who display excellent fundamental skills when fielding ground balls. Does a player get in front of the ball or take the baseball from the side? Does a player move confidently when she has to chase the ball down in the gaps, or does she hesitate? Does a player release the ball with power and throw the ball on a line, or does she loop it when throwing? An occasional error is acceptable as long as the player is using the proper form and plays aggressively.
Baserunning
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of softball. However, coaches appreciate a player who runs the bases without hesitation. Speed is an important factor, but having good softball sense and knowing when to be aggressive and when to stay close to the base shows that the player knows how to think in the game and be a good team player. Coaches judge players on the route they take around the base paths, their sliding ability and speed while running.
Pitching
Fast pitch softball tends to be a low-scoring game that features excellent pitching. Coaches look at pitchers in tryout situations and ascertain their accuracy, velocity and poise on the mound. Pitchers who have an array of pitches and can throw a change-up, drop, curveball and rise pitch are considered valuable and have an excellent chance to make the team with a good showing in tryouts.
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