How to Conduct Softball Conditioning and Tryouts

Putting together a softball team is a delicate process. Many coaches and team managers conduct tryouts during which individuals interested in joining the team can demonstrate their skills. Various conditioning exercises can be done during a softball tryout to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each player and to determine where he would best fit on the team, if at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Clipboard
  • Paper
  • Pen
  • Stopwatch
  • Softballs
  • Pitching machine
  • Softball bat
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Know what you’re looking for. For example, if you know your team needs a few strong outfielders, look for players who are good at catching and can throw long distances accurately. Know the criteria on which you will judge the players. For instance, have a set of times and statistics you’d like the recruits to match or beat. Have a clipboard, paper and a pen handy to take notes and to record the stats of each player.

    • 2

      Evaluate how fast each player runs. Using a stopwatch, time how long it takes each player to run from home plate to first base. If needed, run this drill more than once to get an average time for each player. Also time how long it takes each player to run from second base to home plate. This will let you know who your fastest players are.

    • 3

      Evaluate the players’ throwing and catching abilities. Pair up the players and have them throw softballs back and forth to one another. Have the pairs alternate between ground balls, fly balls and normal throws at varying distances. Walk around and briefly monitor each pair to see how well each player catches and throws.

    • 4

      Conduct hitting drills. Set up a pitching machine and watch how well each player hits. Monitor each player’s stance, grip on the bat and posture. Keep track of how many times he hits the ball or strikes out, and what kind of hit he makes, such as a line drive or fly ball.

    • 5

      Conduct brief interviews to get a sense of what each player is like. A player might be good at the sport but have an attitude and lack of sportsmanship that is unhealthy for the team. Getting a sense of each player’s personality may also help you to decide where to play him.

    • 6

      Examine the data you’ve accumulated. If your team has a limited number of open spots, choose the players who performed best during the conditioning exercises. You can also use the data to decide which player will play which position and to set up the batting order for your team.