Coaching softball is much like coaching any other sport: practice makes perfect.

When it comes specifically to softball, most practices revolve around repetition. You put the team together, go over some fundamentals, then split into infield and outfield groups. Then, your players work on specific drills you want to see done.

Of course, things are never that simple. If you're a new coach, you'll also need to make sure your players don't develop any bad habits.

Here are 5 softball coaching tips to get you started.

1. Catching With Two Hands

In theory, catching the ball with one hand seems easier than doing it with both hands. In practice, it's anything but.

See, softball is a game where almost every catch should be done with both hands. Fly balls and throws from other players are particularly critical.

How do you ensure your players follow this rule? It's all about building muscle memory. One simple drill involves throwing short fly balls at your pitchers and having them pause a bit after every catch.

2. Watching the Runner

In softball, the opposing runners are always a threat. If you take your eyes off them -- even for a second -- they will punish you. Your players should always be aware of where they are and where they'll likely move after a hit.

Your pitchers will often need extra help in this regard. As soon as they receive the ball, they should glance back at the runner. If they do it right, they'll be able to prevent the delayed steal.

3. Talking on the Field

As you may know, a softball game should never be a quiet affair.

For starters, your players must learn to talk to each other. This allows them to pass on information, preventing potential errors on the field. Plus, the very act of talking encourages synergy within the team.

Want to make sure your players understand their position and responsibilities? Run some situational plays during practice. That way, your players will be more inclined to communicate among themselves.

4. Going Full Speed

During a softball practice, players shouldn't walk around. Once they leave the dugout, they should run to their positions. They can also hustle to rotate hitting stations, shag balls, and change positions.

This isn't an easy habit to get rid of. If your players are walking in practice, they'll also walk in the game. To have them stand out on the field, keep reminding them to run everywhere.

5. Knowing Your Pitchers

All pitchers are different, but most of them have one thing in common: they can forget to back up plays.

Now, softball coaching is about ensuring your players know where to go. With pitchers, it helps to remind them that their job isn't over after hitting the ball.

For example, let's say that there was a ball hit and the play is now at third base. In this situation, the pitcher must be prepared to back up the throw. Not backing up could lead to an overthrow, costing your team the run.

More on Coaching Softball

These five tips should help you become a better coach, but don't forget the basic fundamentals. Have your players work on catching, throwing, and pitching in every practice. If they do it long enough, their muscle memory will take over.

Want to know more about coaching softball? Take a look at our blog!

Softball Team Building Activities to Bring Your Team Together

Having chemistry and friendship between the girls on your softball team is an important key to success. Check out these ideas for softball team building activities, including exchanging trading pins!

While individual skill and knowledge is important in any sport, softball requires teamwork and understanding between players. A perfect throw is worth nothing if you have no one at the bag to throw it to, right?

Working together gets outs, scores runs, and makes the game more fun. No true team is built overnight, but there are certain activities that can help your players get to know one another and build team chemistry.

Try out some of these softball team building activities to build teamwork and help your players bond.

Team Outings

Going out and doing something together as a team will give the players a chance to talk and bond in a way they might not get to at practice.

Even going out for a team dinner at a local restaurant would be a nice way for your players to talk and bond without the pressure and stress of practice.

You could also make it more softball themed by going out to a college softball or a professional baseball game. Your girls will love watching other skilled players, and it will be a chance for them to see a great team at work.

If you really want to take it to the next level, try something like a high ropes course or an escape room. These activities require communication and teamwork to complete, which are essential for any sports team.

Volunteer Projects

Volunteer projects are a way you and your team can give back to the community. Whether you hold a softball clinic for younger players, clean up your local park, or hold a food drive, service projects will have your team working together to give back.

The Knot

The human knot has been a girls team building activity forever: have the players stand in a circle and reach out to grab the hand of the person across from them in the circle.

This creates a knot of limbs and people. Your team then must communicate and work together to get themselves out of the knot without letting go. This forces your team to work together to problem solve just as they'll have to during games.

Trading Pins

Softball trading pins are a fun and unique way to bond with teammates. The girls can show off their collections, trade for some of their favorites, and bond over collecting softball merch.

Your team will have a blast collecting as many pins as possible. Bonding over a shared interest will bring the team closer together, and can even help them connect with players of all ages on different teams.

Softball Team Building Activities: Wrapping Up

No matter the age group of your team, building team chemistry is essential for playing the game. Trying one, or all, of these softball team building activities, can build trust, improve communication, and make playing the game more fun.

If you want some more softball tips and tricks, check out our blog. You can also check out our pin selection to jumpstart your pin trading game.