**Word of the Week: COMMUNICATION**

*High School Softball Team Newsletter*

**What is Communication?**

Communication is sharing information clearly—using your voice, body language, and listening skills—so everyone is on the same page. On a softball field, good communication turns nine players into one team.

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### Why Communication Matters in Softball

– **Prevents mistakes** – Calling “Ball!” “Mine!” or “Got it!” avoids collisions and dropped pop flies.

– **Builds trust** – When teammates talk, everyone knows their role and feels supported.

– **Improves game speed** – Quick, clear calls (“1!”, “2!”, “Cut!”, “Home!”) help us make fast decisions.

– **Keeps energy up** – Positive chatter keeps the dugout and field alive when games get tough.

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### Game Examples of Strong Communication

– **Infield fly between players**

Shortstop calls loudly and early: “Ball, ball, ball – I got it!” Others peel off.

– **Cutoff plays**

Cutoff yells: “Hit me!” or ” Hit 2,3 or Home All the way” so everyone knows who’s making the throw and where it’s going.

– **Baserunning**

Coaches communicate: “Halfway!” “Back!” “Get down!” “Score, Go Home!” to guide runners. Team and Dugout communicate: When runner is stealing yell “Going!” Batter is bunting yell “Bunt!”, Etc.

– **Defensive huddles**

Before each inning: quick, clear reminders for example “Watch and be ready for the bunt,” “Outfield, no balls over your head.”

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### This Week’s Focus for Players

1. **Be loud and early.**

Say it before the play happens, not after.

2. **Use clear, simple words.**

Agree as a team on standard calls (e.g., “I got it,” “Cut 2,” “No throw,” “Tag, tag!”).

3. **Listen, don’t just talk.**

Make eye contact with coaches and teammates in huddles and between pitches.

4. **Stay positive.**

Use communication to build up teammates: “Next one,” “I’ve got your back,” “Good pitch, same spot.”

5. **Assign voices.**

Outfielders: be loud on fly balls.

Catcher: lead the infield.

Middle infielders: call coverages and bunt defenses.

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## Parent Corner: Supporting Communication from the Stands

You play a big role in how our team communicates and stays confident.

**How Parents Can Help**

– **Model positive communication.**

In the car and at home, focus on effort and teamwork:

– “I loved how you talked on the field today.”

– “Your energy in the dugout really helped your team.”

– **Use “we” language.**

“We’ll keep working on that,” instead of “You messed that up.” This keeps the player open to learning.

– **Encourage listening.**

Ask: “What did coach say about that play?” or “What did your team talk about between innings?” to reinforce the habit of listening, not just hearing.

– **After-game question ideas (instead of stats):**

– “What’s one moment you communicated well today?”

– “How did you help a teammate with your words?”

– “What did your team do better together this game?”

– **Game-day reminder:**

Keep your sideline communication positive and focused on support, not instructions. Let coaches coach; parents encourage.

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**Team Challenge for the Week**

– Every inning, each player must:

1. Call at least one play out loud (position responsibilities, outs, or base situation).

2. Say one positive, specific thing to a teammate.

**Theme:**

When we COMMUNICATE, we COMPETE.

Let’s be the loudest, clearest, most connected team on the field this week.

THIS WEEKS SCHEDULE:

4/13/26 – 3:30PM – 5:45PM – Practice

Due to weather, practice will be held at the Studio Campus. Classroom TBA. We will be watching film on games.

4/14/26 – 3:30PM – 5:45PM – Practice

Washington Park

501 N Rose Street

Escondido, CA 92027

4/15/26 – 4PM – Softball Game vs Orange Glen High School

Washington Park

501 N Rose Street

Escondido, CA 92027

4/16/26 – 3:30PM – 5:45PM – Practice

Washington Park

501 N Rose Street

Escondido, CA 92027

4/17/26 -4PM – Softball Game vs Guajome Park Academy.

Washington Park

501 N Rose Street

Escondido, CA 92027