A softball team is comprised of every player on the roster — not just the starters. When the game starts, though, only nine players step onto the field. This doesn’t mean that the non-starters aren’t part of the team.
Non-starters play a vital part of the game and are just as important to the team as the players on the field. Read on to learn how every player, non-starters included, can stay alert, energized, and enthusiastic throughout the game.
Know the Outs
Whether you’re on the field or in the dugout, you need to know the number of outs at all times. On the field, the shortstop especially needs to know the situation — she is the voice of the infield. In the dugout, it’s just as important for non-starters to know how many outs there are. Not only does it help every player to stay in the game, but it also helps non-starters fulfill their duties from the bench — and that’s to call out the plays and watch the runners.
Keep an Eye on the Runners
One of the most important roles that non-starters have is to be the eyes of the infield. Out of everyone, non-starters have the best view of what’s going on. Because of this, players on the bench need to be telling the infield when and where the runners are going.
- Every hit: On every hit, the non-starters need to tell the infield where the play is. Whether it’s an easy out at first (in which case everyone on the bench needs to yell: “One, one, one!”) or a hard hit to the outfield with the runner heading towards second, every play needs to be yelled out.
- The leadoffs: Watch the lead runner’s leadoff. If it’s big, be wary — she is probably preparing to steal. If she is taking a big, hard lead, don’t yell: “She’s going!” Instead, yell “Watch two!” This will help make your catcher aware that the runner is taking a big lead, but it won’t get the infield overly excited or anxious of a possible steal.
- Steal attempts: If the runner is stealing the next base, yell: “Going!” The infield (and catcher especially) need to know immediately that the runner is trying to steal. Make sure that at least one person in the dugout is watching the runner at all times.
Help Your Own Team
When your team is on offense, all players — starters and non-starters alike — need to be off the bench and up on their feet. The dugouts should never be quiet. The player in the batter’s box needs to feel thoroughly supported throughout her entire at-bat.
Watch the Leadoffs
When your teammates are on the bases, make sure everyone in the dugout is helping them out by being their second sets of eyes. This means that you are watching the other team.
If someone on your team is taking a lead-off, make sure you keep an eye on any defensive player that could potentially tag her out. If a player from the other team is sneaking behind her and towards the bag, make sure the dugout yells: “Back, back, back!”
Watch Home
When someone on your team is running home, make sure the entire dugout is directing her on whether to stand up or slide. If there is no play being made at the plate, a good direction is: “Up, up, up. Stay Up!” That way, the runner will know that she doesn’t have to slide. But if the play is at home, yell: “Down!”
If the play is close, the yells need to be more urgent, like: “Down, down, down!” Of course, the on-deck batter will be helping her out; but the more voices, the better.
Run between Innings
It’s easy to lose focus in a game if you’re not playing. It’s also easy for your muscles to get cold on the bench. However, every non-starter needs to be ready to go into the game at a moment’s notice. For this reason, make sure you are always keeping your body warm.
Between innings, take a run. Jog to the outfield fence, and then sprint back. Stretch in the dugout, and always have a jacket on if it is cool outside. Nothing is worse than being cold and unprepared when the coach tells you that you’re going in.
Warm Up the Outfield
Every player’s arm should always be warm. If you’re a non-starter, the best way to get your arm loose is to warm up the outfield. The infield warms itself up. Outfielders, though, need an extra player to throw with — and those players are the non-starters. Take it seriously. The outfielders need to warm up their arms for long throws to the plate, and non-starters need to loosen their arms in order to be ready to play.
Stay in the Game
Every person on the roster is an important member of the team. Non-starters may be off the field because it’s someone else’s turn to play or because they may be a few skill levels behind another teammate. The latter means only one thing — the non-starter needs to improve.
So rather than losing confidence and begrudging fellow teammates on the field, stay focused and stay in the game. This will prove to your coach that you are a team player; and staying warm in between innings will show your coach that you’re ready to play at any moment. Keep these tips in mind for your next game, and be a positive member of your team!
