Softball Game Sense

[HeadCoach]

In case you missed it, there is a recent YouTube video by Worth-Notre Dame head softball coach Deanna Gumpf, who describes in her own words the meaning of "game sense" in softball.
(YouTube - Worth-Notre Dame Deanna Gumpf on game sense)

Coaches often talk about smart players and smart plays, but game smarts is not a skill that is easily explained. Hats off to Coach Gumpf for her description which we've summarized below:

1. Understanding when to make a play -- when to make the throw, turn the double, and when not to;

2. Base running -- taking the base on a ball in the dirt or a change-up; knowing whether to run on a hard hit ground ball, a chop or a blooper;

3. Knowing which out to go for -- depending on the situation, the base runner, and the hit

4. Knowing when to dive and when not to dive for the ball



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Editorial staff, sportsvisionmagazine.com
(an ounce of intelligence is worth more than a pound of muscle)

 

[livingontheroad]

theres a lot of stuff you will never hear talked about either. Like when to leave a bag early... Ill just say that umpires cannot watch everything simultaneously, and there are times that is taught to be exploited

 

[justwannaplay]

Game savey ? So how do we teach that to a player? Is it something you just have or can a player learn by example? I guess if you run thru as many possible situations that could happen in a game and then keep putting them thru those situational plays then maybe game sense can be enhanced. But ultimately it will be the player who is not afraid to take chances, to expand their comfort zone and be free minded and a good learner, not worried about ridicule but thrives on challenge and a little poker plays.
In my own opinion too many kids lack "game sense" because we as coaches/parents think to much for them. This is where the lessons of life will come into play later on when they are women.

JWP