A Softball Coaches Tool Kit

This Coaching Resource is reprinted by permission of the author of "A Softball Coaches Tool Kit".

A Softball Coaches Tool Kit is an integration of ideas, forms, approaches, etc. developed during twenty-five years of coaching girls fast pitch softball with various age groups, from 12 & Under through 18 & Under. Included in the book are Practice Plans, Drills, Contests and Games, an Outfield Clinic, a Team Handbook, a Softball Exam, Self Assessments, Evaluation, Scouting, Motivation and Communication, Scorecard as well as information on Equipment, Uniforms and Team Trips.

The book comes with a CD containing over 140 "Tools" which can be easily downloaded and customized for your use. "Tools" include: Practice Plans, Line Up Forms, Contests, Drills, Forms, Motivational Material, Team Handbook, Self Assessents, etc.

See Complete Description and Ordering Information

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UNIFORMS

When buying uniforms three factors are of prime importance: comfort, appearance and cost.

For comfort, geographic location is a major factor. Uniforms which are comfortable in cold, damp springs of the north would probably not be comfortable in hot humid summers of the south. However, since softball is played mainly in the hot summer months, comfort will be considered from that viewpoint.

A one piece, head gasket/visor, sleeveless shirt and "gym" shorts are the most comfortable uniform for hot summer days. For cooler days, or nights, a sweat shirt and sweat pants suffice. A slider offers good protection to the legs when sliding while wearing shorts. (A very good slider is the TRACE 47000). Sleeveless shirts are comfortable, easy to play in, and give the girls a great opportunity to work on their tan. "Gym" shorts are comfortable, inexpensive and easy to replace. Sweat pants and sweat shirts are comfortable, functional and provide necessary protection for cool air or light rain.

As far as material, choices are cotton, polyester or a 50/50 mix. Cotton is generally more comfortable while polyester will last longer. The 50/50 mix is a good balance between comfort and durability.

For team names and player numbers choices are screen printing, embroidery or tackle twill (which is sewn on). Screen printing is the least expensive while tackle twill and embroidery will last longer. The choice is, how much it is worth to have shirts last for many years. If you want to use the same uniforms for many years, buy polyester and tackle twill. They will stay in good shape for a long time. On the other hand, if you plan to change uniforms every couple of years go with cotton or 50/50 and screen printing.

In general, if you buy plain shorts and shirts, with little or no trim, you will find it easier to replace or add uniforms to an existing set. Nothing is worse than having a very spiffy set of uniforms, complete with two color trim, etc. and then when you need to add or replace one or two you find there is no longer similar uniforms available. So, keep it simple and you will find it easier to handle replacements.

If you coach a summer, or club, team and move up through the age groups (which most parents who coach a daughter do) it is likely you will need new uniforms every couple of years. As girls get older, they get bigger. However, if you coach a school team you will most likely have a limited budget and want you uniforms to last as long as possible.

When buying a set of uniforms, shorts, pants or sweats, keep in mind that you will need at least several more pieces than you have players. First, if players on your team change from year to year, you will need a range of sizes to accommodate the changing players. Each group of 12 - 15 girls will have a different mix of small, medium and large sizes so you will need enough uniforms to handle that variance. Second, if your team is playing a tournament schedule and you pick up, or add, an extra player you will need a uniform for that player(s). If you only have a small uniform available that will limit your choice of pick up players. The same thing applies to a school coach who wishes to bring a girl up from JV to Varsity.

For appearance, most teams have two basic colors. If you stay with two basic colors and white, you can mix and match shirts and shorts and look sharp. If your colors are black and gold, go with black and gold shorts, and white and gold shirts screened with black ink. Black sweat pants and sweat shirts screened with white ink complete the uniforms. Make sure that the gold color in the shorts and shirts will match and you’re all set. As noted above, stay away from trim. It keeps things simple and makes replacements easier and keeps cost down.

Finally, cost is a big variable. You can spend anywhere from $10.00 to $100.00 for a shirt. Unless you are have unlimited budget, keep cost reasonable by keeping uniforms simple.

If you buy a basic two button placket, sleeveless, 50/50, poly/cotton jersey with screen printing for team name and uniform number; "gym" shorts, 50/50, 5" inch inseam, elastic waist band; cotton sweat pants and sweat shirt with screen printing you will have a comfortable, functional set of uniforms and keep the cost reasonable.