This was this summer with a college coach. He was telling the girls that he recruits softball players not positional player.
Outfield crash course
- Thread starter Crystal Brown
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This was this summer with a college coach. He was telling the girls that he recruits softball players not positional player.
She actually did really well besides being nervous. D backed up first on an overthrown ball, the runner didn't get an extra base. When it was hit down the outfield line, she got the ball in quickly to 1st base, no extra bases were given up. When hit to center, she backed up center. When second baseman missed a play, she was there to get the ball. She didn't have no big plays but didn't give up an extra base nor made any errors.
After our #1 pitcher had her 2nd home run hit off of her, the coach switched out the players. Pitcher moved to 1st, 1st moved left outfield, left outfield moved to right and D moved to the bench. Now I have to explain to D she did nothing wrong. Another parent saw her benched and looked at her and shook their heads. I am not the only one seeing this.
After our #1 pitcher had her 2nd home run hit off of her, the coach switched out the players. Pitcher moved to 1st, 1st moved left outfield, left outfield moved to right and D moved to the bench. Now I have to explain to D she did nothing wrong. Another parent saw her benched and looked at her and shook their heads. I am not the only one seeing this.
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Crystal,
Relax...enjoy the experience and opportunity. It's just a game, play loose and have fun! The sun will rise the next day. In fact, this is what you would call...part of the mental learning aspect of a game. It's as simple as that, not an over-complicated theory designed by a psychologist, or a NC travel ball coach.Not - if she can do it, but that - she will do it. You know...the looseness of how many plays she'll make tomorrow, not the tension of will she make a mistake. It's an opportunity for her to inspire Ryan Braun on new position changes.
Maybe your husband can become more engaged with her opportunity, hit her 100 balls a night before or after practice. If not, there's no reason she can't ask her coaches for extra work before or after practice. I can assure you that her coaching staff would be delighted, for several reasons. I respect your character as a parent, as your approach is for your daughter to earn playing time. Hopefully, her coaches are aware of it.
Just be part of every play. It's that simple. Fielding, backing up another fielder on a play, communicating, slapping 5 = support. By hustling on & off the field every half inning, she's staying warm & loose = benefit if she's called on to pitch. She'll have more time in the outfield to become mentally complacent. She should always know the live game credentials like score, outs, pitch count and which base she's throwing to for any probable scenario. Play scenarios out in your mind, they will happen. She can also learn to read and mentally black book all kinds of useful data on hitters. Transcending positions, that can also be beneficial for her as a pitcher. You're noticing that being an outfielder is every bit as important as being a pitcher or catcher. Hence, her coach's comments about utility players.
Ball skills...it's just ground balls, fly balls, reads and angles. It's not complicated. Other folks have offered some very good suggestions. Make sure she has sunglasses.
Chris
Chris makes some very good points here (and to further emphasize - DO NOT forget the sunglasses). My twin DD's primary positions are pitcher/catcher and have played virtually every position on the field at one time or another. My pitching DD used to play a lot of SS when not in the circle but over time has come to like playing OF more and more, specifically Center. For many of the reasons Chris describes it has been good for her overall game, she gets a chance to view the whole field and the other players, she can relax a bit more often out there and the pressure is at a completely different level. She gets to show off her speed and quickness, arm strength and overall game IQ. There are times when she's more proud of making that diving catch than striking out a side! ;-) DD who catches spends most of her time at 3rd when not behind the dish but still gets some work in the OF and for her also it's a mental break from the pressures and intensity of her regular position. She's not quite as fast as her sister but has an incredible arm so she enjoys being out there.
The skills needed to be a good outfielder will come knowing how dedicated and hard working your DD is. Work toward those higher level skills and techniques, take lot of reps, learn how to read the ball, etc., etc.. Lots of good resources already mentioned in these posts and I would throw out Morgan Stuart (from the Packaged Deal) as another resource to follow. Good luck and let us know how she progresses!
