What Coaches Are Looking for at Softball Tryouts: A Comprehensive Guide
Softball tryouts can be tense, nerve-wracking, and exhilarating — for both athletes and coaches. For aspiring players, knowing what coaches are really watching for can mean the difference between making the team or missing out. This in-depth blog post breaks down the key aspects coaches evaluate, what you can do to impress them, and why attitude can be as important as athletic ability.
Table of Contents
Initial Impressions: It Starts Before You Swing a Bat
Core Skills: The Fundamentals That Matter
Hitting
Fielding
Throwing
Baserunning
Pitching and Catching
Athleticism and Physical Ability
Softball IQ and Game Awareness
Attitude, Effort, and Coachability
Versatility: Your Value Multiplier
Communication and Teamwork
Coach Tips to Stand Out at Tryouts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Initial Impressions Start Before You Swing a Bat
From the moment you step onto the field, coaches are evaluating you. Many experienced coaches say their "gut feeling" about a player starts even before the first drill. Here’s what that means:
Appearance: Show up in proper softball attire (not shorts!) — pants, cleats, and team-appropriate shirt.
Preparation: Come with your equipment organized and be on time.
Warm-up Hustle: Treat warm-ups as important. Hustle during stretches, jog with purpose, and participate in every activity, showing you’re present and engaged.
Remember: “First impressions set the tone for how a coach perceives you during the rest of the tryout”.
2. Core Skills: The Fundamentals Coaches Assess
Hitting
Coaches look beyond power. They watch:
Mechanics: Hands, stance, and timing.
Contact Consistency: Are you making solid, regular contact with the ball?
Pitch Selection: Can you hit to all fields? Do you hit what’s thrown, not just what you’re comfortable with?
Situational Awareness: Can you execute a bunt, hit-and-run, or move a runner over when needed?
Fielding
Softball player Elli Dennis is on short stop down and ready to catch the ball.
Glove Work: Are you fielding ground balls in front of you, using good footwork?
Throwing Fundamentals: Overhand throws, accuracy, and proper mechanics matter — sidearm or lazy throws are a red flag.
Decision-Making: Do you know when to go for the lead runner, which base to throw to, and how to cut off a ball?
Effort: Will you dive for a grounder or reach for a tough pop-up, even if you miss?
Throwing
Arm Strength and Accuracy: Coaches observe throwing power and whether your throws consistently reach the intended target.
Form Under Pressure: Making throws during drills can differ from making them in a live situation. Coaches value players who maintain technique under stress.
Baserunning
Speed: How quickly do you get from home to first or first to third?
Aggressiveness and Awareness: Do you read the field, judge whether to take an extra base, and run with confidence?
Fundamentals: Are your turns at the base efficient? Do you slide properly?
Pitching and Catching
For pitchers:
Consistency: Can you hit your spots regularly?
Variety: Do you throw more than one pitch effectively? Is your command good under pressure?
For catchers:
Blocking: Are you a wall behind the plate? Nothing gets past you.
Game Management: How do you receive pitches and communicate with infielders and the pitcher?
Coaches also love a catcher who can play another position and a pitcher who can also play in the field.
3. Athleticism and Physical Ability
You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest to make an impact, but athleticism — speed, agility, and coordination — is always noted. Coaches watch how players:
Move laterally and change direction.
React to balls in play and accelerate out of the box.
Handle dynamic warmups (skips, shuffles, sprints).
Testing these elements reveals raw ability, as well as a player’s capacity for growth.
4. Softball IQ and Game Awareness
Skills alone won’t make the difference on game day. Coaches look for players who:
Recognize game situations (number of outs, when to advance, when to hold, etc.).
Anticipate plays, not just react.
Think one step ahead, for both offense and defense.
Scrimmages or live-team drills often reveal which players have “softball instincts” and can perform in real time rather than just during drills.
5. Attitude, Effort, and Coachability
Many coaches agree: "Attitude and effort will always take the front seat, regardless of talent or experience". Here’s what stands out:
Positive Demeanor: Smile, show enthusiasm, and act like you want to be there.
Resilience: How do you respond to mistakes? Do you shake it off and move on, or sulk and let it affect your next play?
Coachability: Are you open to feedback? Players who adjust quickly to direction or correction always stand out.
Team Spirit: Encouraging others, saying “good job,” and celebrating teammates’ successes are huge pluses.
Players with great skill but a bad attitude are frequently cut.
6. Versatility: Your Value Multiplier
The more positions you can play, the more indispensable you become:
Multi-Position Play: If you can handle shortstop, outfield, and pitch a little, you’re an asset in roster decisions.
Emphasize any secondary skills, such as switch hitting or specialized pitching.
Versatile athletes increase a coach’s options for lineups and game strategies.
7. Communication and Teamwork
Softball is a team sport — communication can make the difference between a win and a loss.
Vocal Leadership: Call for the ball, help teammates know the situation on the field.
Listening and Learning: Accept advice from coaches and peers.
Body Language: Stand tall, make eye contact, and support others, even when not in the play.
Players who talk, help organize, and encourage can help a team gel.
8. Coach Tips to Stand Out at Softball Tryouts
Coaches across youth, high school, and travel ball consistently offer these extra pointers for tryout success:
Look Like a Ball Player: Wear the right gear, keep your hair back, bring your own water, and avoid distractions.
Show Up Early: Use warm-up time wisely to get extra reps and loosen up.
Be First in Line: If there’s a drill line, volunteer to go first or early. It shows confidence.
Hustle on Every Play: World-class effort is impressive — run on and off the field, chase after every ball.
Try New Positions: Even if you’re a specialist, offer to try a new spot if there’s a need.
Keep a Growth Mindset: If you don’t know a position or a drill, respond with, “Not yet, coach!” Coaches want learners.
Thank the Coaches: At the end, say thank you. It’s memorable, mature, and appreciated.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What Drills Are Common at Softball Tryouts?
Expect to rotate through several skills stations:
Hitting (off a tee, front toss, live pitching)
Infield and outfield fielding (ground balls, pop flies)
Throwing for distance, accuracy, and velocity
Baserunning timed drills (home to first, first to third)
Pitching and catching (if you play those positions)
Scrimmage or simulated game situations
How Are Players Evaluated?
Many coaches use standardized evaluation forms. Each skill may be graded on a scale (e.g., 1-5). Scores are compared across all candidates to select a balanced team, but attitude and teamwork can tip the scales for similar skill sets.
What Can I Do If I’m Nervous?
Prepare and practice as much as possible beforehand.
Visualize each drill and how you’ll respond to mistakes.
Remember, coaches expect everyone to be nervous.
A positive attitude and effort almost always overcome minor errors.
Final Takeaways
Coaches are searching for players who combine skill, athleticism, resilience, and a team-first mindset. While hitting, fielding, and running are fundamental, it’s attitude, hustle, coachability, and communication that truly set you apart.
Remember: Softball is a game — have fun during tryouts, allow your personality to shine, and always strive to improve every time you step onto the field. Good luck!