How to Get Recruited for Softball: Skills Softball College Recruiters Look For
Summer sports camp is a great place to have fun and prepare for the softball season. Every year our campers learn how to improve their skills on the field. Players also gain valuable experience to prepare them should they decide to apply for athletic scholarships at Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, or JUCO softball colleges. If you do decide to pursue playing college softball, know that the competition is fierce (less than 6% of high school softball players play in the NCAA across all division levels), but with hard work and determination, you can make your goal a reality.
Across the board, recruiters are looking for well-rounded softball players. College softball coaches want players with “softball IQ.” This is measured by your ability to think on your feet in a heated game. Sports camp helps you gain a higher IQ by giving you opportunities to play competitive softball and make quick decisions under high-pressure play. Campers also get a deeper understanding of the game by playing both infield and outfield positions. Along with a great softball IQ, you’ll want to be exceptionally skilled at your position if you want to get recruited for softball.
College coaches at top-tier softball schools look for the following skill sets when recruiting the next student-athlete superstars.
Softball Pitcher
Unlike other team sports, softball doesn’t discriminate based on your size.College recruiters are looking for softball pitchers who are natural leaders on and off the mound. Pitchers are those unique individuals who are steely under pressure, have an accurate throw, and cause whiplash when you try to track their pitch. To stand out amongst the competition, you need to be able to throw various pitches, change the speed of your pitches, and be able to field the ball.
If you think you need to improve your catchers skills, consider summer sports camp. We give you the feedback and support you need to build upon and fine tune your skills.
Revolution Softball Camps do a great job of preparing young players for college. Our program groups campers according to their skill level, and runs a lot of college-style drills, so older players get a sense of what to expect in a college softball program. Revolution also runs a 1-day camp for prospecting where campers have the opportunity to meet and interact with the camp and university coaching staff.
Kate Bowen
Head Softball Coach at Springfield College
Catchers
Although catchers don’t always get the spotlight, they are a key component to a successful team. When preparing for college, you won’t necessarily need a showy performance, but excellent receiving, blocking, and coverage of the plate will be the keys to attracting the attention of a recruiter. You also want to show off your ability to throw from your feet or your knees and compete against your own pop times. If you show room for improvement, with camp, All-State, All-American, and/or All-Region experience, you’ll improve your chances to find a place on a collegiate-level team.
If you think you need to improve your softball pitching skills, consider summer sports camp. We give you the feedback and support you need to become a strong competitor.
The catcher needs to be a very vocal player. It is her responsibility to let everyone else in the infield know the situation at hand.
softball-spot.com
Softball First Baseman or Corner Infielder
Being first sounds easier than it is. If this is your position, intercepting deftness and versatility are the areas you’ll want to strengthen. D1 schools are looking for ball players with reactive plays and strong throws from your knees and sidearm. To be considered for any division, you’ll also need to have a fielding percentage of at least .970 with a minimum overhand throw velocity of 55 MPH.
If you are having trouble with fast and accurate throwing and fielding, our summer sports camps can help you improve with practice, drills, and a diverse community of coaches and teammates to help you get comfortable with competitive softball in a fun, inspiring environment.
Softball Third Baseman or Corner Infielder
Third base can showcase some of the most exciting plays in a game. If this is your position, you need to display strength and reactive speed. Division 1 college coaches are looking for third base players who can expertly handle diving plays, throw the ball from a run, and perform sidearm transfers. To be considered for any division, you’ll also need to have a fielding percentage of at least .960 with a minimum overhand throw velocity of 55 MPH.
If you need to become more accurate and faster at throwing and fielding, you’ll need to not just run through drills but compete against others and practice these skills during a game. At a softball camp with experienced coaches, you’ll reap the benefit of receiving instant feedback that you can implement.
Photo by Jacob Rice on Unsplash
Softball Center Fielder and Outfielder
Outfielders need to showcase speed. Can you move quickly to get under a ball or dive for the ball? College level recruiters use overarm velocity and throws to home base as major metrics when looking for Division 1 outfield players. To be considered for any division, you’ll also need to have a fielding percentage of at least .970 with a minimum overhand throw velocity of 58 MPH.
A quick first-step and speed are two critical components for outfielders.
Kate Bowen
Head Softball Coach at Springfield College
More About the Softball Recruiting Process
According to Captain U, high school athletes interested in taking their game to the college level should consider a club softball team or summer sports camp on a university campus for visibility and exposure to college coaches. In addition to travel teams giving you an opportunity to perform and compete in front of potential recruiters, club softball coaches often network with their college coaches, allowing them to advocate for interested players.
When preparing for the college softball recruiting process, you want to make sure your playing style is well-rounded and versatile. You may have superb technique you can showcase in a skills video, but if you can’t execute a play or maintain your stamina in a game, this may result in you being passed over for consideration. With tough competition for sports scholarships and even partial scholarships, it’s crucial that you stay engaged with the process and get as much competitive softball experience as possible.
My girls love Revolution Softball Camp at SHU which is why we have been going for so long. It has been such a great experience for them over the years. It’s great to have a place that supports and encourages young girls to be successful and improve their skills.
Liane M, Parent
Have you or your children expressed an interest in college-level softball?
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