Your first season

Before the first practice

• Find out what the team provides. Many teams have some equipment to share. Ask before you buy anything. The first-season gear checklist shows what is needed and what is nice to have.
• Get her glove ready. Put her name on it and let her throw and catch with it a few times at home.
• Pack a water bottle. A hat or sunscreen helps on bright days.
• Hair up and out of her eyes. It also needs to fit under a helmet.
• Learn a few words. Skim the softball words so "grounder" and "on deck" are not new in the dugout.

The first practice

Practices usually start with a warm-up, then spend time on throwing, catching, and fielding ground balls, and often some hitting. The coach will likely spend the first one learning names and seeing where everyone is.

• Arrive a few minutes early so she is not rushed.
• Let her carry her own bag and glove. It helps her feel like part of the team.
• If she's quiet at first, that's normal. Many new players watch before they join in.
• Ask the coach where parents should watch from, and whether to stay or step away.

Game day

The coach picks a batting order and where each player will play. Many teams for newer players rotate positions, so she may try several. Games are made of innings: each team gets a turn to bat and a turn in the field, and a team's turn ends after three outs. Your league decides how long a game lasts.

• Bring a chair or blanket, water, and anything that helps you stay comfortable.
• Ask the coach what time to arrive and where to sit.
• Players usually sit in the dugout when they aren't batting or playing in the field.
• Remember the umpire is deciding calls for both teams, not just hers.

On the sideline

The most useful thing a parent can be is a steady cheerleader.

• Cheer for effort and for everyone. "Nice try!" and "Great hustle!" land better than a correction.
• Leave the coaching to the coach. Shouting instructions during a play can confuse her, because the coach may be saying something else.
• Let the coach handle the umpire. If you think a call was wrong, it's still her game, and her team is watching how adults react.
• Afterward, talk about the fun. "What was your favorite part?" works better than a review of mistakes.

Between games

• Play a short practice game in the yard. Five minutes helps.
• Play a few Rookie cards together in the car or at dinner.
• Check that her gear is dry, labeled, and in her bag before the next practice.

If she's nervous, or scared of the ball

Many new players are nervous about the ball, and it's very common. It does not mean softball isn't for her.

• Tell her coach quietly, so they can help her build up gradually.
• At home, start with rolling the ball on the ground or tossing a very soft ball, and work up slowly.
• Praise being brave, not catching. "You kept your eyes on it!" is a real win.
• It's okay to take a break and try again later.

Questions to ask the coach

Each team and league does these a little differently, so ask:

• What is the practice and game schedule, and who do we tell if we can't make it?
• What does she need to bring, and what does the team provide?
• What happens when it rains?
• Where should parents watch from?
• How can parents help?
• Will players rotate through positions?

Print this as a checklist