HELP!

Question
I have recently just started to think about playing softball. I'm 15 and have good hand-eye coordination, but I'm not so consistent with my batting. One day I'll hit every ball, and the next I'll hit none of them! But I'd really like to try out for my high school's JV team next year, and need some work. Any advice?

Answer
Hello Alix,

If you are truly concerned about making the JV team, I would make sure my defensive game is tight.  Most JV coaches are looking for a girl with great defensive skills with the opinion that they can teach a girl to hit.  At your age, it is much tougher to teach a girl the correct way to catch, field, and throw a ball than it is to teach hitting.  If you are consistent in the field, using proper technique for fielding ground balls and fly balls and your throwing motion is good, that will be a bigger factor in making a team.  You have plenty of time to hit the batting cages during the winter and improve your hitting.  I would spend this time learning the other parts of the game.  You also need to attend as many games as possible this summer, so that you will have a better understanding of what you should be doing on the field.  Please let me know how things turn out.

Coach Mike