Fastpitch Masters Blog

When we play softball, we must accept that the game is filled with unexpected situations. Nobody knows when or where the next hit will be, so you’re playing a game of what-ifs. Great players react and adapt to the unexpected as if they’ve done it a hundred times over. When players make an error or strikeout, they have to accept what they’ve done and move on with a clear mind for the next unexpected play. Some players remain composed and ready for the next chance, while others may show bad body language signs.

We’ve all seen the kid that slumps their shoulders or rolls their eyes after making a bad play. This shows us negative body language, and it can tell us a lot about the player just by looking. Players who exhibit negative body language after a bad play indirectly show us that they’re in an emotional state; they’re probably lacking confidence in themselves. They’re probably in their head and not ready for the next unexpected play. Negative body language can also spread to the rest of the team. At this moment, your teammates know exactly how you are feeling, and they will also start to lose the confidence in you to make the next play. Many pitchers express that it can be frustrating when seeing negative body language behind them because pitchers want to trust their teammates to make plays. Showing positive body language instills confidence in a pitcher to hit their spots and give their defense some outs. 

Along with how body language can affect your team, it can also affect your chances of getting recruited. Like your teammates wanted to see confidence in you, your coaches do too. Coaches want to put the best 9 on the field, and even if you are the best player physically, it can’t make up for the self-doubt in your mind. This isn’t to say that the best players never have doubts, but they’re great at not showing it and accepting it to move on. Coaches want competitors that will get back up when they’re knocked down and come back fighting harder.