Her Worst Nightmare About Softball Come to Life

Here’s a story I think many of you can relate to—especially if you’ve just finished your first season as a softball parent or coach. Stick with me until the end, and you’ll see how to help your daughter avoid some common mistakes that can turn her off from the game.

It’s your daughter’s very first kid-pitch game. She’s watched her friends try pitching a few times, maybe even tossed a couple in the backyard with you. But today is different. It’s the big rivalry: Reliable Auto vs. Rose Salon.

The inning begins, and she nervously shuffles out of the dugout, dragging her feet to the mound. Suddenly, the whole field feels enormous, and she feels so small. First pitch—straight into the dirt. Next one—wild. Then another. Her teammates groan, “Come on!” Coaches yell out fixes mid-game. But the pattern doesn’t change: ball four… walk. Ball four… walk. Finally, Coach Bob has to take her out, and she walks away feeling embarrassed. “Maybe pitching just isn’t for me.”

And the truth is, it’s not just her. Every girl on the team struggles when it’s their turn. By the time they’re 11, hardly anyone in the league has been formally trained to pitch. The hitters rarely see a strike, the fielders hardly get a ball, and before long, nobody is having much fun.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Pitching can be one of the most exciting positions in all of sports—when players have the skills and confidence to step on the mound prepared. Your daughter can learn proper mechanics, understand game strategy, and build the mental toughness to recover from mistakes before she ever throws that first pitch in a real game. Even if she’s already had a tough start, it’s not too late to turn things around—especially when she’s learning alongside friends in a fun, encouraging environment.

The earlier you invest in her development, the stronger her foundation will be. With safe mechanics that protect her from injury and training that builds confidence, she’ll not only enjoy pitching—she’ll love the game even more. After all, kids stick with what they feel good at.

That’s why the offseason is the perfect time to start. Give her 3–6 months to learn before spring rolls around. Better yet, sign her up for Practice Pro Pitching School this October. You’ll be glad you did—and so will she.