Make an error

Strike2 said:

I agree that fear enters into it, but that fear of failure came from somewhere...probably external.

What I'm saying is that words have meaning, even to softball players.

It may be "failure", but it's not an "error" or a "mistake" when giving the best effort.

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Is it really a "best effort" if they aren't actually making an effort at (or near) the limits of their abilities?

Some coaches see a best effort that isn't successful, and recognize the effort as being the important factor. Some coaches only see the failure. Likewise, some players will beat themselves up over a failure, even when it's their best effort. Yes, a lot of times that internal response has been influenced by an external source (parent, coach, etc.), but it's still a real issue inside the player's head.

canyonjoe said:

It's an error if it get by 1B and they get to 2nd or if the throw gets by the C and another runner moves up. Or in cases where P is scorekeeper if you diver for a ball in OF and it gets by it's a 1B and 2 base error.

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An extra base gained by a runner MAY be strictly charged as an error to someone, but that's in the scorebook, and players shouldn't care much about that. In most situations, if a play is there, they should be trying to make it.

Assuming the hit ball isn't a routine fly or grounder, an outfielder diving to catch / stop a ball should NEVER be charged with an error.

Strike2 said:

An extra base gained by a runner MAY be strictly charged as an error to someone, but that's in the scorebook, and players shouldn't care much about that. In most situations, if a play is there, they should be trying to make it.

Assuming the hit ball isn't a routine fly or grounder, an outfielder diving to catch / stop a ball should NEVER be charged with an error.

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I agree with you, but I was going off of Ken's point that coaches who hammer kids for making errors play tentatively, Often kids who go all out make a few more errors but also make a ton of plays.