More #Recruiting thoughts - 1. Failure / Recovery - How good are you at moving on & letting go of a mistake? Coaches need athletes to be mentally ready to meet their next moment; can’t have athletes that let mistakes snowball into more mistakes. Win your next opportunity. 2. Energy - Do you hustle? - on a routine out, on & off the field, etc. Do you look like you genuinely LOVE to play the game? Are you in it, whether you’re on the field or not? 3. Skill Set - CAN YOU ACTUALLY PLAY THE GAME OF SOFTBALL (hot take, I know) — What is your skill set at different positions vs. within a position. The more versatile you are, the more you have to offer to a program.

⚠️COACHES/PLAYERS⚠️ Don’t discount throwing from your feet because it “doesn’t look cool.” The best of the best have it in their skill set. Here’s @dejahmulipola (@USASoftballWNT) with an absolute 🧨 🧼 Footwork & Exchange ✅ Quick release #MakeTheStandingThrowGreatAgain

With throwing, the focus should be on: 🔘 Developing clean, consistent mechanics 🔘 Reducing the risk of arm injury 🔘 Getting the job done quickly & efficiently

Personally, I feel like “knee throwing” has become an internet craze, something that “looks cool.” I think there’s entirely too big a focus on it when there are other aspects of the game that demand our attention much, much more throughout a game.

A few weeks ago I ranted about catchers/coaches who insist on throwing from their knees despite actually being ready, either they lack strength or consistent mechanics to do it.