Antici ...
As a pitcher I can tell when a batter is not ready when they step in the box... and the pitcher can usually take advantage of this by keeping the batter off balance or thinking about the wrong thing by having a distracting argument with the Umpire or checking the score or appealing about an equipment infringement. The result for the batter is at best an unconvincing hit but more often an unproductive out.
The mental side of the game is so often overlooked which is why I as a coach drum into our charges the mantra originally coined by GB Head coach Steve Patterson.
Be Ready!
It applies to everyone on the field... if the fielder has already gone through most of the possible scenarios of each anticipated hit before the ball is pitched in their head, the likelihood of a clean play resulting in an out is far higher.
If a bench player can see a slot in the order coming up where their particular skill with a bat would be useful they'll be ready when it suddenly occurs to the coach just seconds before that at bat... they'll be ready and probably have a successful hit. This means of course that any pitcher without a plan will fail, so it's imperative to instill into rookie pitchers and experienced pitchers with bad habits to make a plan.
Take the conditions into account: wet dry, hot, cold, windy? If so from where and how can you use it?
What is the Umpire's experience / attitude? Can you use that?
Is the opposition offence strong? If you have to keep their big hitters to singles don't pitch anything into their wheel house.
Where is your defensive strength / weakness? Your shortstop considers himself a god but can't hit first to save his life, so play for singles and get your outs at 2nd, or if your right field is weak, pitch everything inside.
Lastly the base coaches: communication is, of course, everything but a pre-game conversation with your base coaches to make them aware of all the hidden injuries', strengths and weaknesses of not just your own players but the opposition too will make their decision making more instinctive, the runners will trust them more readily and everyone's confidence rises... and higher confidence is directly responsible for everyone playing a little bit better and making fewer errors.
...pation
Softball... the thinking person's sport!
David Lee
