Turn Every At-Bat Into a Lesson: The Power of a Softball Batting Journal

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This batting journal is here to help you grow—and make your at-bats even more fun and focused! We give this to all our hitting school athletes. Some of the questions are great to sit down and fill out after the game, once you’ve had a chance to cool down and reflect. Others are meant to stick in your head and guide you while you’re in the batter’s box, helping you stay sharp and confident in the moment. You can talk through it with a parent on the car ride home or fill it out while waiting for your food after the game. Either way, taking the time to reflect turns every at-bat into a chance to learn something new, build your game sense, and boost your confidence.

Game Details

Date:
Opponent:
Game Start Time:
Location:
Your Batting Position in the Lineup:

Mindset Before the At-Bat

  • How were you feeling before stepping into the box? (e.g., nervous, confident, calm, anxious, excited)

  • What thoughts were running through your head?

  • What was your focus or plan as you approached the plate?

  • On a scale of 1–10, how was your stress level?

At-Bat Breakdown (Repeat for each at-bat)

At-Bat #:
Count when it ended:
Pitch sequence (mark balls/strikes):
Result (e.g., strikeout, single, groundout):

  • What was the on-base situation (runners on base, number of outs)?

  • What pitch did you swing at and what was the result?

  • Did you recognize the pitch type (fastball, changeup, curve, etc.)?

  • Where was the pitch located? (inside, outside, high, low)

  • Did you swing at a pitch in your zone?

  • What was your timing like? (early, on time, late)

Reading the Pitcher

  • What was the pitcher doing well?

  • Did she change speeds or locations often?

  • Did she seem to have a strategy against you?

  • How did you try to adjust based on her tendencies?

Self-Assessment

  • What did you do well in this at-bat?

  • What would you like to improve next time?

  • How did your body feel — tight or relaxed?

  • Did your mechanics feel clean and controlled?

Mental Game & Emotions

  • Were you present and focused, or distracted?

  • What emotions did you feel during and after the at-bat?

  • How did you respond to the result (positive or negative)?

  • If you could rewind and re-do this at-bat, what would you change?

Game Awareness

  • How did your at-bat affect the game situation?

  • Were you trying to move a runner, get on base, or drive in a run?

  • Were you aware of the defense's positioning?

Next Steps / Focus for Practice

  • One thing I want to work on in my next practice is:

  • My goal for my next game is:

  • One mental reminder I’ll use next time I bat:

Coach’s or Parent’s Feedback (Optional):

Player Signature: ___________
Time Spent on Journal Today: ______

Keeping a batting journal turns every game into a chance to grow. It helps players become more aware of what’s working—and what needs work—while spotting patterns and building strong routines. It’s also a great tool for parents to spark meaningful conversations and for coaches to better understand how their hitters are thinking and feeling. Whether you're working on being more consistent or just building confidence, this simple habit can lead to big-time progress over the course of a season!

See you at practice,

Marisa