Reagan Raiders Softball Tryouts

When tryout week takes place it is important to have a standard that is used to evaluate each and every player in the program. This information should be used in a positive way to show the player and those being evaluated where their respective ability levels are judged to be at that point in time. It in no way determines how well each athlete will compete in a game. However, it does shed light on their skill level and thus is a good tool for a coach as he puts together the most talented team.

Through the years many coaches have expressed concern in terms of dealing with disgruntled parents who feel their daughter has been slighted and should have a greater role in the program. The following evaluation tool should be helpful eliminating a lot of criticism coaches get and can actually be used to help players realize the need to improve in certain areas. This is a very comprehensive form that can be totaled when the tryouts are over and actually aid in ranking your most talented to least talented players in the entire tryout and program.

The selection of all teams will be based on the following criteria: 1. Tryout performance/speed (based on measurable criteria; see below) 2. Desire and responsibility 3. Aggressive team and individual play 4. Coachability 5. Athletic ability and natural coordination 6. Softball knowledge 7. Team needs

Players are scored in five general categories: base running, infield and outfield skills, throwing and catching, hitting and bunting, and pitcher and catcher skills if applicable. Each category is rated 1 – 5 with 5 being the best possible points allowed. It is also a good record of what took place in tryouts and can be stored along with practice plans and produced as needed.

During the hitting portion of tryouts, coaches are looking for form, bat speed, contact, and drive of the ball off the bat. During the bunting portion coaches are looking for form, contact, and placement.

During the infield and outfield portion of tryouts, players will be hit a variety of ground balls and fly balls. In the infield, each player will field 5 balls from the shortstop position and complete the play by throwing to first base. In the outfield, each player will field 5 balls hit either on the ground or in the air. After fielding the ball outfielders will complete the play by throwing to the designated cutoff man or base. Coaches are looking for form, approach to the ball, aggressiveness, and throwing accuracy. This will allow the coach to judge the player’s ability to read a ball and field it while also allowing coaches to see a player’s arm strength. Throwing and catching form and mechanics will be constantly evaluated.

During the base running portion, each player will be timed from home to 1st base as well as home to 2nd. Form will also be evaluated.

If a player is a pitcher or catcher, there will be a separate time during and/or after practice to be evaluated. Pitchers will be evaluated on their form and mechanics, control, velocity, accuracy, and command. Catchers will be evaluated on their form and mechanics, arm strength, timed throw from home to 2nd base, receiving, blocking, and footwork.

Players will also be evaluated on their athleticism, attitude, focus, and hustle. These are just a few of the intangibles that are needed by every player in a successful softball program.

After many years of coaching this process is what we are using at this time. We continue to refine the process and make adjustments based on needs and fairness.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bob Berlinger Head Softball Coach Reagan High School Pfafftown, NC 27040 336-703-6776 [email protected]