Your support as a parent, guardian, grandparent, or caring adult plays a huge role in your player’s
experience on the field. You may not step into the batter’s box, but your presence, words, and energy
matter more than you know.
Use the ideas below as a guide to help your player stay confident, learn from mistakes, and keep softball fun.
General Support for Your Softball Player
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Bring the spirit. Wear team colors, cheer positively, and let your player see
that you’re proud of her effort and attitude, not just the outcome.
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Be on time. Aim to arrive early for practices and games.
Many coaches use the idea: “Early is on time, on time is late.” It helps players feel settled,
prepared, and ready to play.
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Let the coaches coach. Your job is to be the supportive adult in the stands or
behind the fence. Listen when she wants to talk about the game, offer a high-five after a great play,
and a hug or thumbs-up when things are tough. If you’re interested in coaching, let the league know!
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Remember: softball is hard. When a player steps onto the field, she’s thinking
about mechanics, strategy, and pressure—all at once. It’s not just physical; it’s a mental game too.
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Cheer for the team. Encourage your player and her teammates. Use names or numbers
when cheering, and pause the noise when the pitcher is about to deliver or the batter is locking in.
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Avoid sideline coaching and negativity. Please don’t call out instructions over the coaches,
and avoid negative talk about other players, parents, or coaches. If you have a concern, speak directly
and calmly with the coach or a league representative away from the field.
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Keep fun at the center. Remind your player that we are here to learn, grow, and enjoy the game.
ESSLL believes in our players and what they can do. We do not expect perfection—mistakes are how players learn.
The Car Ride Home
The ride home after a game is one of the most important—and emotional—moments for a player.
Even after a win, she may be replaying mistakes and feeling like she let others down.
How you can help:
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Lead with support, not criticism. Focus on effort and resilience, not just performance.
Avoid blaming teammates, umpires, or the other team.
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Do not “pile on” negative thoughts. If she is already being hard on herself, she doesn’t
need more criticism. Help her see that one game does not define her as a player or a person.
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Use specific, encouraging language. Instead of “Just throw strikes” or “Just hit the ball,”
try: “I loved how you kept battling,” or “I’m proud of how you stayed in it even when it was hard.”
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Be a listener first. Sometimes the best thing you can say is,
“Do you want to talk about the game, or would you rather just listen to music for a bit?”
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Help her connect with her coach. If she’s struggling with something specific, encourage her to
ask the coach for help at the next practice. This builds confidence and ownership.
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Reinforce a growth mindset. Remind her that improvement comes from practice, patience,
and sticking with it—especially on the days that don’t go her way.
A simple question like, “Did you have fun?” or “What’s something you’re proud of today?”
can go a long way toward keeping softball a positive part of her life.
Have Ideas to Share?
We are always learning, too. If you have helpful phrases, routines, or strategies that support players
on and off the field, we would love to hear them.
Please email your ideas to
[email protected].