Preparing for Softball Tryouts

Prior to tryouts, work on both your catching and throwing skills.

To prepare for softball tryouts, first take note of the tryout date and times — then you must work on your defensive and offensive softball skills such as hitting, catching and throwing the ball. To help support your muscles, eat a healthy well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest prior to tryouts.

Step 1

Grab a friend or another aspiring softball player and head to the local park. Practice throwing balls back and forth to each other in a non-leisurely manner. Make the catch, run around if you have to, grab the ball quickly and make a good, solid throw. Learn the proper hand and body positions to make a good catch and throw.

Step 2

Hit the softball field to get an idea of what it’s like to be at bat. Ask a friend or family member to throw pitches at you. See if your community has batting cages. Batting cages offer softball pitching machines that throw balls at various speeds. Become comfortable with a slow ball as well as a fast ball pitch. Be sure to practice how to bunt as well.

Step 3

Incorporate interval training, or short bursts of exercise, into your workout routine. Perform sprints, jump rope or jog on the treadmill for 2 to 3 minutes each. Incorporate weight training exercises as well. Perform bicep curls, chest presses and triceps extensions. Spend three days a week doing some form of training, with a day off in between to provide your body adequate rest.

Step 4

Make it to each and every tryout date. Take each tryout activity seriously and show off your best assets.

Tips and Warnings

If your school provides multiple tryout dates, it doesn’t mean you get to pick and choose which one you’d like to go to. Be sociable with other aspiring teammates; however, be sure to focus on the tasks at hand. Don’t be afraid of the ball or getting dirty. If you make a mistake, don’t give up. It will help show the coaches and other personnel you have enough gumption to stay in the game.
At most tryouts, coaches and other personnel may record your throwing speed using a radar gun. They may also document other notes such as your throwing form. Therefore, it is important to work on your catching and throwing skills.