“That’s ball four,” the umpire called. I sighed, watching the runners advance to the next base on the field. I tossed the softball into my right hand, getting ready for my next pitch. I swung my right arm back, forward and around my head, finally releasing the ball with my fingertips as I had been taught. I watched as the ball spun in the air, travelling higher and higher, and then as it dropped behind the umpire. “Ball one,” the umpire exclaimed. Three pitches later, the batter walked to first base, advancing the runners once again, and causing the team to score a run.
At the beginning of sixth grade, my softball coach had asked if I would be interested in learning to pitch for the upcoming season. I had never thought about pitching prior to that conversation, but being open to trying something new, I agreed. For a few months leading up to our first game, I practiced and tried to learn all the skills. I felt ready to pitch a great game and lead our team to a win. However, after the first inning, I …show more content…
In reflecting on my experience, I realized that I needed to listen to my coach’s advice and focus on my skills if I wanted a better outcome the next Spring. And so, after the season ended, I started an all-year pitching clinic to develop my skills. I understood that mastering pitching was going to require a lot of work. Every Sunday, my Dad and I went to the clinic, and slowly, I was able to more accurately throw the softball into the catcher’s glove. As the Spring grew closer, I made sure that I was practicing everyday. The first game of the season was a little rough, but I quickly gained confidence as this was something I had worked on all year. This past season, our Park Softball team went undefeated, and of the 15 games that we played, I pitched in seven. From this, I learned that you can’t just focus on the “win” and have to put time and effort into building the skills to help get you
At the beginning of sixth grade, my softball coach had asked if I would be interested in learning to pitch for the upcoming season. I had never thought about pitching prior to that conversation, but being open to trying something new, I agreed. For a few months leading up to our first game, I practiced and tried to learn all the skills. I felt ready to pitch a great game and lead our team to a win. However, after the first inning, I …show more content…
In reflecting on my experience, I realized that I needed to listen to my coach’s advice and focus on my skills if I wanted a better outcome the next Spring. And so, after the season ended, I started an all-year pitching clinic to develop my skills. I understood that mastering pitching was going to require a lot of work. Every Sunday, my Dad and I went to the clinic, and slowly, I was able to more accurately throw the softball into the catcher’s glove. As the Spring grew closer, I made sure that I was practicing everyday. The first game of the season was a little rough, but I quickly gained confidence as this was something I had worked on all year. This past season, our Park Softball team went undefeated, and of the 15 games that we played, I pitched in seven. From this, I learned that you can’t just focus on the “win” and have to put time and effort into building the skills to help get you