Tip #3 - Remember this is a game
Please never forget that softball is a game. Games are supposed to be fun. Yes, it's great to win, but that shouldn't be your only focus. I most certainly go out on the field every day to do my absolute best, but I also remember to enjoy the game. The best players out there play because they love to. They love the challenges the game presents and they thoroughly enjoy competing. Those players would strive to be their very best regardless of who was watching. They aren't out there just because they want others to see them win or because they want their name in the paper or because they want a trophy. They play because the game is fun for them. Softball is often the highlight of their day. It's something they look forward to. If you're players lose that or never did have it, they may never and make sure your players do too.

Tip #4 - Know Your Players
Knowing your players is key to being able to communicate effectively with them. Coaching is much more difficult with any type of breakdown in communication. The better you know your players, the better you'll know what they respond to and what they don't respond to. This way, you can stop wasting your time on ineffective techniques and utilize the best methods for getting a message across to your team. Yes, this may be more work for you as things can vary from player to player, from team to team, and even from year to year with the same players. But if you're serious about being the best coach you can be, you'll do it. Throw the cookie cutter approach out the door.

More tips to come....