Summer Heat Strategies

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Jul 14, 2010
150
18
DD survived her first summer heat of the season, but we were honestly worried as we were facing a 4 game bracket play on Sunday and this is her first year as #1 and #2 is developmental level. DD asked for a break in game two and stood in RF for an inning. Coaching staff is thankfully supportive. Had a four hour game break which was also brutal.

Looking for any and all suggestions...


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Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
One of our catchers wears a cooling cap under her helmet. Like a cooling towel for your head. It definitely seems to help.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Big thing is to start drinking the day before, do not wait until game day.

(DD hates RF because of her backup responsibilities, if that is a break from C she must be getting a workout. :))
 
Last edited:
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
If you do not have 2 -3 catchers that you can rotate, you are pretty much screwed. While some may be physically able to withstand the heat for multiple games, their physical skills degrade and they get stupid.
 
Jul 14, 2010
150
18
If you do not have 2 -3 catchers that you can rotate, you are pretty much screwed. While some may be physically able to withstand the heat for multiple games, their physical skills degrade and they get stupid.

Definitely saw some mental and slow running to first on a beautiful line drive to RC that turned into an out instead of an RBI that we needed. She was thinking 2B she said and didn't run through the bag.


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Aug 10, 2016
686
63
Georgia
Last summer our girls played in 100 degree heat and between games they just stayed under canopies. A couple parents had these buckets filled with water that had a fan attached to the stop that would spray out a cooling mist. During the games, they kept one in the dugout. I know another team had one of those huge fans they would blow into the dugouts.
Everyone had the cooling towels to wear on their shoulders/head. During long innings, they'd usually let the defense take a water break or bring out a towel for them to wear for a bit.
Lots of water/sports drinks...

DD is one of 2 catchers this season so kind of worried about her with all of the equipment - so far we've only had to play 1-2 games a day but will start the longer 2 day tournament play in a couple of weeks (just in time for the 100 degrees again!)
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Hi! I am in Tucson. It is 100 degrees at 6pm, 90% of the time. Besides what has already been said, nutrition is key. You can't or shouldn't load up on pasta and pizza, the night before or during the games. Nachos are also out.
We had problems with parents ordering pizza, for between games. I put out an e-mail that I was bringing the food, and they were welcome to provide fruit and drinks. I bought 5 subs from Subway.
The team moms from my DD's team used to bring pepperoni, carrots, dip, crackers and cheese, etc. No pastries or chocolate. One lady was an RN and she had pretty good ideas, as to what to bring. Some experts say NO to gatorade.
On the practical side - after the game, get those hot socks off and get slides or flip flops on. Here in Tucson we have to protect our feet, because the field temp can get to 114. I would rather wear a sanitary sock and an ankle length sock than those hot softball socks. I have learned to check the cleats, too and pull out the insole and empty the sand out. You can tell if the insole needs replaced, too. Good luck.
 
Aug 10, 2016
686
63
Georgia
Our coach gives the girls pedialyte as well..
We always have some type of fruit for them too and cold sandwiches...(no hot foods)
 

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