A Service of TPM Fastpitch
Resource Guide for Parents
Welcome to the Get Hooked Community Resource Guide tailored for parents. Since 1992, we’ve developed deep expertise in the softball industry, and we are excited to share this knowledge with you to help enhance your engagement and support as a softball parent. Our experienced team has carefully gathered essential insights to help you excel in nurturing your child's athletic development.
Discover our ebook "Ultimate Resource Guide for Softball Parents" for a thorough understanding of how you can best support your child’s softball journey. Explore our online training courses and Resource Guide Companion Course, specifically designed to assist softball parents.
Visit our blog for a insightful tips and advice on being an effective softball parent. Rely on our expert team for ongoing support and guidance, enabling you to fully support your child’s development and success in softball. Connect with us through forums or direct contact for tailored advice to elevate your role as a supportive softball parent.
Browse through the in-page menu topics of our curated resource guide for parents:
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF SOFTBALL
The basic goal of softball is to score more runs than your opponent. To score these runs, you have to get around all four bases: hit to first, second, third, and then back to home. The main part of the game is the pitcher versus the batter, with the pitcher of the team in the field against the batter of the team that is up to bat. The goal of the pitcher is to get the batter out, while the goal of the batter is to get on base and be able to score some runs.
To get on base, the batter needs to hit the ball as a fair ball, which is something in between the two foul lines. They have to be able to hit the ball there and do it successfully so they don't get out. The pitcher's job is to get their pitches in the strike zone and try to strike the batter out. The strike zone is generally from around the knees of the batter to around the arms, with the width of it being around the width of home plate. The pitcher's goal is to throw three pitches in the strike zone that the batter doesn't swing at, or the batter swings and misses at, and get those three strikes. If a ball goes outside of that range, it is a ball as long as the batter doesn't swing. If the batter does swing at any pitch, it's automatically a strike. And if the batter hits the ball and it lands outside those foul lines, that can be a strike. For your first two strikes, if you have foul balls after your first two strikes, the opponent does not automatically get you out, you can remain at bat fouling balls off the bat with two strikes, but as a general rule, it is three strikes and you're out. The pitcher's goal is to get the pitch into that strike zone. Pitches in softball are thrown underhand, and four balls does equal a walk.
Now, there are a few different ways to get out as a batter. The first is thrown outs, which is when you hit the ball to a player and they are able to throw you out at the base. So, for example, if you hit the ball to the the second baseman, they throw to the first baseman before you reach first, you're out. This could also be that somebody else is on the bases and that there is a force out, and they are thrown out. The next one is a tag out, and this is when a player is tagged with the ball while running between two different bases. Another is a fly out, this is when you hit a pop fly or fly ball and the ball is caught within the air, and then you have your strikeout. If you get three strikes, you are out—that is your fourth way to get an out. Three outs end that half-inning, and each team gets a half-inning in the field and a half-inning up to bat to complete a full inning. Softball is generally played for seven innings, but you might end up with six and a half innings if the home team is winning; they won't get those last bats.
There are no ties in softball, so extra innings are played if needed to have a winner at the end with the most runs. Now, a few other terminologies: a home run is when a batter hits the ball usually over the back fence, as long as it's in fair territory. This automatically gives them all four bases, along with any runner that is on a base already, who also gets to run all the way to home. This scores the amount of people that are already on the bases plus the person up to bat. Another thing is stealing, so if you are on, for example, first base and you want to get to second before somebody hits the ball, you can steal the base. You run without the other team knowing, and your goal is to get there before the other team throws you out. This can be a very dangerous move, as the other team is looking for this and is trying to throw you out. A lot of times, this will happen if a ball goes past the catcher, if there's a wild pitch, this is generally when a lot of kids will steal from one base and advance to the next. Tagging up is if there is a fly ball and it is caught, so there's the fly out. Anybody that is on base has to tag back up to the base they were standing on before they can continue to run. For example, if there is a fly out to right field and a runner is on third, they might try to tag up and get home before the ball gets there. They do have to tag third, though, before they can run after that ball is caught. Another play that could be made is a double play to try to get more than one of those out. This generally happens from second to first, or if there's a fly out and somebody's able to tag a base before somebody tags back up, you are able to get more than one out in a single play. These are a few of the basic elements in the game of softball.
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
BAT
The bat is undoubtedly one of the most critical pieces of equipment. For younger players, there are fewer restrictions, but as you progress to high school and college levels, it's crucial to ensure your bat complies with specific regulations regarding length, weight, and material. There are numerous excellent brands out there, such as Easton, which offers a wide range of bats designed for different levels of play. It's worth exploring various options to find the one that feels right in your hands and meets the necessary standards.
Product Links
GLOVE
Your glove is another essential item, and the type you choose can depend on the position you play. First basemen, catchers, infielders, and outfielders all have specialized gloves that cater to the unique demands of their roles. At the youth level, a basic glove might be sufficient, but as you specialize, investing in a glove tailored to your position can make a significant difference. For instance, catchers need a mitt with extra padding to handle fast pitches effectively. It's also important to note the differences between baseball and softball gloves, so make sure to choose the right one for your sport.
Product Links
HELMET
Protecting your head is non-negotiable, especially when facing fast pitches. In softball, helmets typically come with face shields, which are less common in baseball but are becoming more prevalent in youth leagues. Look for a helmet that fits snugly and doesn't obstruct your vision. It should be comfortable yet secure, ensuring you're well-protected while batting.
Product Links
CLEATS
To maintain your footing on the field, a good pair of cleats is essential. You have the option of metal or rubber cleats, with many players preferring metal for their superior grip in dirt. Brands like Under Armour offer a variety of styles and designs, so take the time to find a pair that feels comfortable and provides the traction you need. Whether you're running the bases or fielding ground balls, the right cleats can make a big difference in your performance.
Products Links
BAG
With all the equipment you'll be accumulating, a reliable bag is a must. Backpacks are a popular choice, especially those designed with slots for bats on the sides. However, if you're a catcher, you might need a larger bag with wheels to accommodate your additional gear, such as shin guards and a catcher's mask. Consider the size and durability of the bag to ensure it can hold everything you need for a game or practice.
Product Links
BATTING GLOVES
These gloves are not just for batting; they can also protect your hands during fielding. They provide a layer of padding and help prevent blisters and calluses from forming. Once you find a pair that fits well and feels comfortable, it's a good idea to buy a few extras to keep in your bag. Batting gloves can be a personal preference, so take the time to try on different brands and styles.
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SUNGLASSES
Playing outdoors means dealing with sun glare, which can be particularly challenging for outfielders. Investing in a good pair of athletic sunglasses can make a world of difference. Look for sunglasses that are designed to stay on your head during active play and offer UV protection. This is especially important if you're playing in a field where the sun is directly in your line of sight.
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ELBOW GUARD
For added protection against fast pitches, consider wearing an elbow guard. This is particularly useful for slap hitters in softball, who make contact with the ball earlier and at higher speeds. The guard can help prevent injuries and bruises, ensuring you can stay in the game without discomfort.
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In summary, these are the fundamental pieces of equipment you'll need to play softball. Always check with your team and league for specific requirements, as uniforms and equipment regulations can vary. It's also important to consult with coaches and experienced players for personalized recommendations. With the right gear, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy the game and perform at your best. Happy playing!
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
K Snap Tool for throwing and pitching / Fundamental Drills
The K-Snap is a revolutionary training tool, designed with a patent-pending technology to enhance athletes' wrist motion timing. Regardless of the sport, any activity that relies on wrist mechanics can benefit from incorporating K-Snap into their training regimen. Whether you're a baseball or softball player, the K-Snap can significantly improve your motion and consistency.
By integrating the K-Snap into your regular training reps, both on and off the practice field or court, you can take control of your success and build confidence with every snap. The benefits are clear: Develop Perfect Form, Build Muscle Memory, and achieve Consistency. The K-Snap is specifically engineered to help athletes and their trainers or coaches develop consistency in the mechanics of their motion.
Elevate Your Game to New Heights
Strive to be the best you can be and train for perfection. The K-Snap is not only convenient and easy to use but also portable, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go. Unlock your potential and add the K-Snap to your training arsenal today.
How to keep score Game Changer App
GameChanger is a comprehensive app designed for real-time scoring and statistical tracking in both softball and baseball games. It serves as a digital scorebook, eliminating the need for traditional paper-based methods. The app offers a range of features, including real-time statistics for batting, pitching, and fielding, as well as detailed analytics on opponent hitting patterns. GameChanger provides a user-friendly interface that is consistent across both sports, making it a valuable tool for coaches, players, and fans alike.
Introduction to GameChanger App
GameChanger is a great app for tracking both softball and baseball, offering real-time scoring and in-game statistics, along with a digital scorebook. It's perfect for detailed team tracking and real-time insights during the game.
Setting Up a Practice Game
To show off the app, I've pulled up a test score sheet. You can create a practice game to try out scoring. I've set up a game between the Lions and the Tigers, with rosters and lineups already filled in, making it easy to follow along. You can add new players if needed.
Managing Rosters and Lineups
On this side, you can add other players if there are new players or if you need to add players from the bench. There are two players on the bench for both teams, which is a nice feature. You can also set players as a DH, DP, or Flex depending on your league's rules.
Tracking Team and Opponent Stats
Once the game starts, you can see stats for batting, pitching, and fielding for your team and the opponent. By clicking on the opponents, you can view their roster, lineup, and stats. The app also shows both your team's and the opponent's stats, helping you analyze the opponent's team.
Analyzing Hitting Patterns
The app provides data on where the opponent usually hits the ball. You can see where they've hit it in the game and historically, including who made the play. This helps you understand the opponent's hitting tendencies.
Recording Plays and Scoring
Under the plays section, you can see all the different plays that have happened in the game. You also have the running score and scorebook, which shows a home and away scorebook. This is useful for checking against a paper scorebook or seeing the game's progression.
Recording Pitches and Batting Events
When a pitch is thrown, you can click on "Pitch" and have various options. For example, you can record a ball, called strike, or swing and a miss. The count updates at the top, and you can record events like a drop third strike. For balls in play, you have options like ground ball, fly ball, line drive, and bunt, each with various outcomes.
Managing Substitutions and Fielding Errors
You can manage substitutions, such as a pinch hitter or runner, and record fielding errors. For example, if there's an error on a ground ball, you can specify who made the error and who was involved in the play.
Stealing Bases and Other Events
If a player steals a base, you can drag their icon to the next base and record it as a stolen base, wild pitch, or other relevant event. This impacts the offensive and defensive stats accordingly.
Reviewing Game Stats
Once the game is over, you can review detailed stats for batting, pitching, and fielding. You can also view the scorebook and analyze the game's events in detail.
Baseball and Softball Features
The app's interface is similar for baseball and softball, with slight adjustments for different scoring rules. Everything from the lineup to the plays section looks almost the same, making it easy to use for both sports.
Conclusion
GameChanger is a powerful tool that I've used for several seasons, and I highly recommend it for anyone involved in sports, from youth leagues to high school and beyond.
NUTRITION AND HYDRATION
Nutrition & Hydration for Young Athletes
At Get Hooked Community, we highly recommend the book "Fueling Young Athletes" for parents and coaches looking to ensure their young athletes maintain proper nutrition and hydration for peak performance. This comprehensive guide, written by sport dietitian Heather Mangieri, who is also a mother of three active children, offers practical advice and the latest research on nutrition for young athletes.
"Fueling Young Athletes" helps readers analyze their current eating habits and preferences, identifying areas for improvement to enhance performance. The book provides insights on how healthier meals and snacks can lead to better performance while still being convenient and appealing to young athletes. It addresses common challenges such as late-night practices, school lunch schedules, tournament demands, and the impact of sleep. Additionally, the book includes a collection of easy-to-make smoothie and sports drink recipes, featuring common ingredients and detailed nutrition information.
The book covers essential topics such as weight management, supplementation, fueling strategies, and hydration, making it an indispensable resource for parents and coaches. "Fueling Young Athletes" is both practical and realistic, offering actionable advice to support young athletes' nutritional needs both on and off the field.
INJURY PREVENTION
Injury Prevention
As spring training gets underway, many young athletes are focused on the upcoming baseball and softball season. However, one crucial aspect they often overlook is injury prevention. A pediatric sports medicine specialist provides valuable insights on how players can stay healthy throughout the season and what to do if an injury occurs.
Common Baseball/Softball Injuries
Although baseball and softball are not typically considered contact sports, injuries are still common. The most frequent types of injuries include:
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Sprains and Strains: Due to the repetitive nature of these sports, players often experience sprains and muscle strains in their arms, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. Pitchers are at a particularly high risk due to high pitch counts and insufficient rest.
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Overuse Injuries: Most injuries result from repetition rather than a single traumatic event. Common overuse injuries of the elbow include medial epicondyle apophysitis (Little League elbow), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, and medial epicondyle avulsion fractures. Overuse injuries of the shoulder include humeral epiphysitis (Little League shoulder) and rotator cuff tendonitis.
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Fractures: Swinging bats and throwing at high velocity, as well as collisions with other players, can cause stress fractures. The most common fractures among youth players affect fingers, hands, and wrists and require immobilization with a cast or splint.
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Concussions and Head Injuries: Accidentally getting hit in the head with a ball or bat can cause serious brain injury. Concussions are most common among catchers due to their unique position on the field.
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Bumps, Bruises, and Dehydration: These are also frequent as young athletes focus on their goal, often neglecting what their body needs to maintain peak performance.
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Common Causes of Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes
There are three primary causes of overuse injuries in youth ball players:
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Absence of a Proper Warm-Up: Failing to warm up before playing can lead to injuries.
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Lack of Conditioning Programs: Not participating in conditioning programs that build strength and endurance increases the risk of injury.
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Insufficient Rest and Recovery: Not giving the body enough time to rest and recover between strenuous workouts can lead to fatigue and injury.
The specialist emphasizes that fatigue is a major cause of injuries among youth athletes, which can be caused by extended play time, playing year-round, participating in multiple teams, extended stress situations, and even factors like not getting enough sleep or having a poor diet.
Reducing the Risk of Injury
To help reduce your child’s risk of injury while playing baseball or softball:
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Warm Up Before Playing: Simple exercises like lunges, jumps, and jogging can elevate your child’s heart rate and break a sweat.
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Ensure Adequate Food, Energy, and Hydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for fueling practice and competition requirements.
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Know the Difference Between Pain and Soreness: Learn when to halt activity if needed.
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Cross-Train: Encourage your child to diversify their workout, using different skills and muscles than those used for their primary sport. This strengthens the body and reduces the risk of overstressing muscles.
Treating Injuries
No matter how hard your child tries to prevent injuries, they can still occur. It is important for all injured youth athletes to be evaluated and treated by pediatric experts who understand the injury involved and can determine the best treatment approach for a still-growing youth with open growth plates.
To speed recovery, the specialist suggests families utilize these non-invasive treatments:
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Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate (RICE): Rest gives the body time to heal, ice can reduce inflammation and pain, compression supports the joint, and elevating the joint above the heart can also help.
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Taping and Strapping: This can provide better support for the injured area and reduce stress on nearby muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications like Motrin® and Advil® can reduce pain and decrease inflammation.
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Physical Therapy: This can help warm up and loosen muscles, making your child more limber and less prone to future injuries.
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In rare cases, youth with baseball or softball injuries will require surgery. The most common procedures related to youth baseball/softball injuries include:
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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Surgery (Tommy John surgery)
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Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Repair, generally performed arthroscopically
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Rotator Cuff Surgery, which is more common among softball players due to the distinctive “windmill” pitch style
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Knee Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or lateral, posterior, or medial cruciate ligaments
The pediatric sports medicine specialist can provide further guidance and support for young athletes and their families.
ADVISE FROM TPM FASTPITCH PARENTS
Parent Name: Dawn Kotowski
Daughter: Olivia Kotowski
Graduation Year: 2023
High School: Parkview
Travel Team: Athletics Gold 18U Tamborra
College: University of South Carolina
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First and foremost be your child’s biggest fan! Not every game will be their best, but be encouraging and supportive.
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The higher the level of softball she plays, the more money you will spend-be prepared!
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Recognize toxic behaviors quickly, not only from players but parents and coaches as well.
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Softball is what your child does not who they are.
Parent Name: Kimberley Parmele
Daughter: Maddie Parmele
Graduation Year: 2026
High School: South Forsyth
Travel Team: Impact Gold 07 Doggett
College: Uncommitted
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Make sure you help take care of your whole athlete. Finding the perfect team and making sure you have the best instructors is a good start, but as they grow up and aspire to play in college taking care of their whole body and how they fuel themselves as well as their “mental game” becomes equally important. Investing in these often overlooked areas is priceless!
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Softball teaches life lessons. The time spent at lessons, at the ball field and traveling to games will impact your child forever and will make a lasting impact outside the parks. Our player has learned discipline, time management, endurance both mental and physical, teamwork, leadership, how to navigate conflict and to win and lose with grace from the game. All will serve her well in life. As parents the time together has also made us far closer than most teens are with their parents. The sometimes long drives and frequent travel has given us time to talk, laugh and to solve so many problems.
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Don’t be afraid to let your player fail. Be there to encourage them to get back up but don’t save them from the struggle. It is okay to have a tough instructor or coach. Some of our daughter’s favorite coaches and mentors have held her accountable, told her what she needed to hear and didn’t sugar coat things. Find great people who will coach your player to be the best they can be and not accept them taking short cuts or allow them to display a poor attitude.
Parent Name: Alyssa Barnett-Schott
Daughter: Ellery Barnett
Graduation Year: 2025
High School: Decatur High School
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There are so many levels of play in softball. Find the right level for your player where the competition is tough yet they are playing well, gaining skills and having fun.If rec ball is that level, embrace and enjoy it!
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Don't expect private instruction at team practices. One-on-one private lessons are necessary to ensure that mechanics are correct and adjustments are being made. Many travel teams make private lessons mandatory.
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If your player is struggling, keep "softball' life and parenting as separate as possible. If they are struggling, most likely they are already being hard on themselves and are hearing it from their coaches. They need a supportive parent who can just listen.
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There is ZERO replacement for putting in the work. Encourage your player to do more than the minimum expectations. There is NO quicker way to improvement than a tee, a net and a bucket of balls.
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For pitching parents: When your pitcher is in the circle, get your emotions in check. They need to be focused 100% on the batter and the catcher. There is already so much external noise from coaches, teammates and spectators. Do not be a reason they lose focus.
VIEW ALL TOPICS IN OUR EBOOK
Note: Due to high demand of our resource guides in the last few months we have updated and expanded our e-book content. We are grateful for your interest and are currently accepting requests for when our updated e-books are back in stock, with a planned re-launch in Fall 2024.
Reserve Your E-Book in Three Easy Steps:
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Pick the E-Book: Go to the e-book's page on our website, even if it says "Out of Stock".
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Get Notified: Click the button that says "Notify when available" and enter your email.
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You're Done: That's all! We'll email you when the e-book is ready in Fall 2024.
Thank you for your interest!
Resource Guides
Fueling on the Road
Have you ever wondered how to best fuel your body when traveling for competition? With the abundance of fast food options and road trip snack stops, making healthy choices can be overwhelming, especially when you're also focused on preparing your body, mind, and soul for performance. While it's okay to indulge in higher-fat and empty-calorie foods occasionally, a consistent diet of these can lead to decreased performance and poorer health over time. To avoid this, planning and preparing your meals ahead of time is key.
Here are some tips and examples to help you select or pack meals on the go that can enhance your performance:
Breakfast
Most restaurants and hotel breakfasts offer well-rounded options. Aim for a balanced breakfast with a focus on carbohydrates to start your day right. Choose whole grains like oatmeal, cereal, bread, and bagels. For protein, opt for leaner choices such as eggs, milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to include healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or cheese to keep you full until lunch. Examples include:
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Restaurant Option: Whole grain toast with avocado; omelet with spinach, feta, and salsa; fresh fruit cup.
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Pack Ahead Option: Overnight oats (made with whole grain oats and milk/yogurt); peanut butter to-go packet; banana.
Lunch
Finding and packing lunch options such as sandwiches, salads, wraps, and grain bowls is relatively easy when traveling. Choose whole grains like bread, crackers, tortillas, and rice. Combine lean protein sources like turkey, chicken, roast beef, and cheese with carbohydrates for a balanced meal. Keep food at the necessary temperature ranges to ensure safety, and include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding high-fat condiments and dressings. Examples include:
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Restaurant Option: Chopped salad with greens, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, grilled chicken, and light vinaigrette; whole grain pita bread slices with hummus.
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Pack Ahead Option: Whole grain bagel with tuna packet and mustard; 1⁄4 cup almonds; apple; carrots.
Dinner
Selecting the right dinner options for optimal performance can be challenging, but using the performance plate method can help. For pre-competition meals, imagine splitting your plate with 1/2 carbohydrates, 1/4 protein, and 1/4 vegetables. Look for lean proteins, lower fat contents, whole grain options, and sufficient vegetables. Examples include:
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Restaurant Option: Brown rice; oven-baked salmon; asparagus; side salad.
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Pack Ahead Option: Baked sweet potato; shredded chicken; snap peas; whole grain crackers with guacamole.
Snacks
Packing healthy snacks is crucial to stay satiated between meals. Look for shelf-stable options that include whole grains, fiber, protein, and are low in sugar and fat. Examples include:
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Energy bars (granola, protein, etc.), trail mix, pretzels, fresh fruit (that doesn't require refrigeration), whole grain crackers/cereal, peanut butter crackers, etc.
Hydration
Proper hydration before and after competition and/or workouts is essential to prevent dehydration and its symptoms. Additionally, staying on top of hydration can help athletes avoid cramping, help prevent muscle soreness and enhance muscle recovery. Remember to pack or pick up water bottles, electrolyte beverages, and other desired fluids to sip on throughout your travels and with meals. Examples include:
Arbonne Sport Hydration sticks, Gatorade, Powerade, Propel and more.
For more extensive information and to purchase clean and healthy hydration options please visit TPMAcademyLLC.arbonne.com
Traveling for competition should be an exciting time, so remember these tips to ensure the best experience for your athletic performance on the road!
Mindset Specialists/
Psychologists
Mindset is everything in softball, and at Get Hooked Community, we understand the profound impact of psychological strategies on your performance. These experienced mindset specialists and psychologists are trained to help you enhance your mental toughness, focus, and resilience on the field. Reach out to them and discover how they can help you redefine your limits!
Center for Psychological Performance
Dr. Lindsey Swanson Schriefer
Mindset Coach Morgan Bullock
Certified Mental Wellness Coach Morgan Bullock info@morganbullock.com 404-434-9138
Mental Touchness for Athletes
Jenny D. Mindset Master Certified Mental Performance Trainer Jennifer Dudziec
Changing Tides Psychotherapy
Dr. Jasmine Tyson