3 Things Every Softball Player Should Do in a Game
Pay Attention to Your Coaches, Communicate with Your Teammates, and Always Give 100% Effort
In the world of fastpitch softball, talent and physical ability matter — but they’re not the only factors that separate great players from average ones. There are fundamental habits and attitudes that every athlete must bring to the field if they want to succeed, improve, and contribute to their team. Whether you’re just starting out in youth softball or playing at the competitive level, there are three things every softball player should always do during a game:
Pay Attention to Your Coaches
Communicate with Your Teammates
Always Give 100% Effort
These three pillars may seem simple, but they can be the difference between a win and a loss, a player improving or plateauing, and a team growing stronger or falling apart. Let’s break down each one and explore why they matter so much and how to make them part of your game every time you step on the field.
1. Pay Attention to Your Coaches
Your coaches are there for a reason — to guide you, teach you, and help you become the best version of yourself as a player. During a game, their instructions and feedback are crucial for team success. Failing to pay attention to your coaches can lead to missed signs, poor decisions, and ultimately lost opportunities.
Why It's Important
Strategic Decisions: Coaches make real-time calls based on how the game is unfolding. They might shift defensive positions, call for steals, bunts, or hit-and-runs. If you miss their signals, you might not execute the play correctly — or worse, not execute it at all.
Learning Moments: A coach’s job isn’t just to win games — it’s to help players grow. That might mean correcting your stance, pointing out a baserunning mistake, or reminding you to watch a batter’s tendencies. If you’re tuned out, you’ll miss valuable learning moments.
Team Unity: When players respect and listen to their coaches, it builds a culture of trust and discipline. That attitude spreads through the team, and it becomes a core part of your identity.
How to Stay Locked In
Make Eye Contact: Always be visually connected with your coaches, especially on the base paths. Before every pitch, glance over to your base coach and make sure you’re aware of any sign or reminder they give.
Ask Questions: If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to speak up. Coaches respect players who want to learn and get it right.
Eliminate Distractions: Between innings or during downtime, avoid distractions. Stay engaged by watching the pitcher, listening to feedback, and thinking ahead to your next opportunity.
What Coaches Wish Players Knew
Coaches often express frustration when players don’t seem “locked in” during games. They want you to succeed — but they can’t help you if you’re not receptive. By simply giving your full attention, you show maturity, coachability, and commitment — three traits that will help you not just in softball, but in life.
2. Communicate with Your Teammates
Softball is a team sport — and good teams talk. A lot. Communication is the glue that holds a team together during pressure moments. Whether it’s calling for a fly ball, reminding a teammate about the number of outs, or hyping up your pitcher, your voice matters on the field.
Why It's Important
Avoiding Errors: One of the most common causes of on-field mistakes is a lack of communication. Two players hesitate on a pop-up. A cutoff is missed. A runner takes an extra base. All of these can be avoided with strong, clear communication.
Boosting Confidence: A loud, energized dugout or infield can completely change the energy of a game. When teammates are vocal and supportive, everyone feels more confident and locked in.
Making Adjustments: As the game unfolds, players often notice things — maybe a batter is late on every swing, or a runner is leaning toward stealing. Talking about these things helps the whole team adjust and stay one step ahead.
Ways to Be a Better Communicator
Use Clear, Loud Calls: In the outfield, use “I got it!” instead of just “Mine!” or staying silent. In the infield, yell out the play after the pitch: “1 out! Going to first!”
Encourage Constantly: Say things like “Good eye,” “Nice hustle,” “You got this,” or “Let’s go D!” These may seem small, but they go a long way in building morale.
Develop Nonverbal Signals Too: Communication doesn’t always have to be verbal. Hand signals, glove taps, or eye contact can be great tools when you can’t yell across the field.
Building Team Chemistry
When everyone on the team buys into communication, the entire game flows smoother. The defense becomes more efficient, the offense more aware, and the dugout becomes a place of support and energy. Communication turns a group of individuals into a true team.
3. Always Give 100% Effort
Effort is the one thing every player controls. You can’t always control the outcome — maybe you strike out or miss a grounder — but you can always control your hustle, focus, and intensity. Giving 100% effort doesn’t just help you perform better; it sets a standard for your team.
Why It’s Non-Negotiable
Effort Earns Respect: Coaches, teammates, and even opponents respect players who hustle no matter what. Running out every ground ball, diving for catches, sprinting on and off the field — it shows passion and commitment.
Effort Leads to Results: The more effort you give, the more opportunities you create. You might beat out an infield single, make a diving play, or stretch a double into a triple — all because you went all-out.
Effort Overcomes Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, but effort can help recover from them. If you overthrow a base, hustle to back it up. If you strike out, come back and make a great defensive play. Effort keeps you in the game mentally and physically.
How to Show Maximum Effort
Run Hard Every Time: Whether it’s a routine ground ball or a walk to first, always run it out. You never know when the defense might make an error — and you should be in position to capitalize.
Stay Mentally Engaged: Don’t wait until you’re at bat or the ball is hit to you. Be locked in on every pitch. Know the situation, your role, and what’s coming next.
Be a Leader by Example: Younger players or teammates having a bad day will follow your lead. If you’re sprinting, cheering, and giving full energy, others will too.
Effort Is a Habit
The great thing about effort is that it’s a choice. Once you decide that you’re going to give 100% no matter what, it becomes part of who you are. Coaches notice. Scouts notice. Your teammates notice. And over time, it builds confidence and character that lasts beyond the diamond.
Putting It All Together
Let’s say you’re playing in a tight, late-inning game. The score is tied. Your pitcher is grinding, your team is battling, and every play matters. If every player is paying attention to the coaches, communicating clearly, and giving 100% effort, your team is going to be sharp, prepared, and tough to beat.
Maybe the coach gives a sign to steal — you see it right away and get a great jump. Maybe the outfielders call off a fly ball with no confusion. Maybe you sprint to beat out an infield grounder, which sets up the game-winning run.
That’s the power of doing the little things right. These three habits aren’t flashy, but they’re essential. And they’re what coaches and championship teams look for in every single player.
Final Thoughts: What Type of Player Do You Want to Be?
At the end of the day, your skill level will rise and fall — every player has good days and bad ones. But your attitude, awareness, and effort are 100% within your control.
Be the player who listens to feedback and looks coaches in the eye.
Be the teammate who calls out plays and lifts others up with your words.
Be the athlete who hustles every single pitch like the game depends on it — because sometimes, it does.
Whether you’re just starting your softball journey or looking to take it to the next level, commit to these three game-day habits. They’ll elevate your game, build your character, and make you someone every coach wants on the field when the game is on the line.
Let’s Recap the 3 Things Every Softball Player Should Do in a Game:
Pay attention to your coaches.
Communicate with your teammates.
Always give 100% effort.
Make these three things non-negotiable every time you step on the diamond — and watch how your game, your team, and your love for softball grow.