The Importance of the Outfield

Do you play the outfield? That means that you are likely extremely athletic, quick, have an amazing glove, and have proven yourself to be quite the hustler. After all, how many other positions on the field are required to cover such a vast amount of green space. There’s like 5 feet between a short stop and a third baseman, another 5 feet between a 2nd baseman and a 1st baseman. The chance of one of them getting a ball is pretty darn good.

 

But, depending on the outfield you  play in, there is a wide open span of 30, sometimes 40, feet between you and the next closest player. And that means that you are required and probably able to cover a heck of a lot of ground in a short period of time.

 

Plus, the pressure. A ball that goes past an outfield usually results in a stand up double, or triple depending on the speed of the runner and the placement of the ball. Adding to the pressure is the fact that any runners on base will undoubtedly score if the outfield is weak. This is why outfielders have such incredibly strong arms. I have seen some pick up a ball from the fence and throw it clear to the pitcher’s mound – even to the catcher, saving game winning runs from crossing the plate. To be honest, that is pretty dang impressive, and there aren’t too many girls that can actually 1)handle the pressure and 2) be that fast on the fly ball and 3) throw a 12 inch ball like that.

 

That likely means that you have proven yourself to be a hustler with a good glove, a stellar arm, speed in your feet and the ability to get to the ball, dive to make a play, and most importantly HAVE THE HEART to play one of the three most difficult positions on the field.

The older a softball player gets, the more dependent a team is on having not just a strong and swift outfield, but a solid one. An infield is nothing without an outfield behind them. A pitcher is nothing without an outfield working their butts off to cover ground to save runs. A team cannot win without outfielders.

 

EVEN IF only TWO BALLS WERE HIT TO LEFT FIELD ALL DAY, YOU CAN BET YOUR BUTT  THOSE TWO BALLS ARE THE ONES THAT WILL EITHER WIN OR LOSE THE BALLGAME!

 

Which means that a great outfielder is a game changer, a game saver, AN INTEGRAL PART OF A SUCCESSFUL TEAM. Someone just go ahead and try and tell me that Michelle Moultrie is not a hero?  Or Jason Heyward?  Those folks are game changers.

 

Playing outfield is a privilege.  It really is a shame that so many parents and fans of softball tend to look like the outfield is a demotion to a player. When you really look at it, from a coaching, strategic and common sense standpoint – the OUTFIELD and the girls that take it on are HEROES!  Those high fly balls and screaming pea shots, and nearly over the fence hits are not easy to catch. And the chances of one ball being directly hit to an outfielder are slim to none (especially in close games) which means that those girls are there because they can command a lot of space and make amazing plays.

Seriously people!  There are nine positions on a softball field.  Beyond a certain age (which is getting younger and younger every year), all NINE of those positions are IMPORTANT.  The outfield is not the equivalent to being benched. 

 

Perception changes everything.  And if you play outfield, or know someone who does – HERE IS  BIG KUDO to you for being a hustler.  A down and dirty, speedy and gritty little ball player who will do everything and anything it takes to keep a ball from hitting the green. 

 

Five Signs of an Ideal Sports Parent

Nearly 75 percent of kids who play organized sports quit by age 13. Some find that their skill level hits a plateau and the game is no longer fun. Others simply discover other interests. But too many promising young athletes turn away from sports because their parents become insufferable. Let’s hear it for the parents who do it right. In many respects, Brown and Miller say, it’s easier to be an ideal sports parent than a nightmare. “It takes less effort,” Miller says. “Sit back and enjoy.” Here’s what to do:

 

• Cheer everybody on the team, not just your child

Parents should attend as many games as possible and be supportive, yet allow young athletes to find their own solutions. Don’t feel the need to come to their rescue at every crisis. Continue to make positive comments even when the team is struggling.

 

• Model appropriate behavior

Contrary to the old saying, children do as you do, not as you say. When a parent projects poise, control and confidence, the young athlete is likely to do the same. And when a parent doesn’t dwell on a tough loss, the young athlete will be enormously appreciative.

 

• Know what is suitable to discuss with the coach

The mental and physical treatment of your child is absolutely appropriate. So is seeking advice on ways to help your child improve. And if you are concerned about your child’s behavior in the team setting, bring that up with the coach. Taboo topics: Playing time, team strategy, and discussing team members other than your child.

 

• Know your role

Everyone at a game is either a player, a coach, an official or a spectator. “It’s wise to choose only one of those roles at a time,” Brown says. “Some adults have the false impression that by being in a crowd, they become anonymous. People behaving poorly cannot hide.” Here’s a clue: If your child seems embarrassed by you, clean up your act.

 

• Be a good listener and a great encourager

When your child is ready to talk about a game or has a question about the sport, be all ears. Then provide answers while being mindful of avoiding becoming a nightmare sports parent. Above all, be positive. Be your child's biggest fan. "Good athletes learn better when they seek their own answers," Brown says.

And, of course, don’t be sparing with those magic words: "I love watching you play."

 

 

Ways to Help Your Team and Yourself from the Bench
Excerpt from an article by Stacie Mahoe
Almost every player comes upon a time in their career where they find themselves on the bench. For some it's because of injury, for others it's simply because they need a little more "polishing" before earning their own playing time. Now I've heard many people say things like "You don't learn anything by sitting on the bench" or "I'm not good because I never get to play" and "I'm only second string." However, I believe, a player on the bench are just as important as any other player on the team. I've said it once and I'll say it once more, even from the bench you can have an impact on your team and even on the bench, you can continue to learn and improve as a player. How do I know? Heck, I spent time on the bench too. It took some getting used to, but I took that role just as seriously as I took any starting role.

So with that in mind, here are some things I learned about helping your team and continuing to improve as a player while "sitting on the bench."

​​1. Support teammates every single inning - top and bottom
Cheer on your pitcher and your batters. It's easy to be upbeat and supportive when things are going great, but often times I see teams and players quiet down or lose intensity and confidence when things aren't quite going their way. This is when your team needs you the MOST. Stay up, stay positive, keep encouraging and supporting your teammates on the field on offense and defense. 
​​2. Know the situation and help your defense
This helps both you and your team. You can be the one who prevents a mental error by reminding your teammates out on the field what the situation is before the play happens. Help keep them alert and ready. This also helps you because although you're not on the field, you are still going through every situation as though you were. During a game, this also keeps you mentally alert and sharp so that if your coach needs you to step in, your mind is already at "game speed."
​​3. Keep track of opposing batters
Make notes of opposing batters, where they hit, if they chase high pitches, if they got burned on a change, if they have power, speed, etc. Then alert your defense when someone with exceptional speed or power comes up to bat. Remind your teammates on defense where the batter went the last time. Give them any edge you can in successfully defending against each batter. 
​​4. Study the opposing pitcher
See if you can pick up any tendencies or cues that the pitcher may have. Maybe they use a certain pitch at a certain point in the count. Maybe they present their change up a little differently than their other pitches. Maybe she's always throwing the first pitch for a strike. Maybe she's starting off inside, then finishing off the count outside. What is her favorite "go to" pitch?
​​5. Study the opposing coaches
See if you can figure out a signal. Often times coaches give defensive signals (pick offs, 1st and 3rd plays, etc), pitching signals, and hitting/offensive signals. 
6. Pay attention to signals
Earlier we talked about opposing team's signals, but this time we're talking about your own team signals. Practice reading all the signals being given by your coach. One thing that drives me nuts as a coach is a lost opportunity because of a missed signal. Use every chance you have and practice getting the signals correct so that when you're in the game, you'll know exactly what the coach wants of you for any given signal offense or defense.
​​7. Stay warm & Game ready
Last but not least, stay warm throughout the game. You never know when your team may need you in the game. You don't want to come off the bench "cold." Throw every now and then swing the bat every now and then run every now and then. So stay warm and stay ready both mentally and physically.
Remember, just because you are not on the field, doesn't mean you're not important. Your team still needs you "in the game." There is a LOT you can do on the bench to help your team succeed and also grow as a player at the same time. Don't count yourself out just because you're on the bench. his is just a short list of things you can do to be a positive impact on your team. I challenge you to find other ways to contribute to your team's success.