The biggest thing that gets in the way of success is the fear of failing.
In fastpitch softball, failure isn’t just possible—it’s guaranteed. The best hitters in the game fail 6 out of 10 times. Hitters worry about striking out. Pitchers worry about walking batters. Fielders worry about making a critical error. There is no way to eliminate fear—it will always be part of the game.
But how we respond to that fear makes all the difference.
The Power of Environment
Team chemistry and a positive atmosphere can dramatically reduce the fear of failure.
- A coach who yells after every mistake doesn’t eliminate fear—they increase it.
- A teammate who rolls her eyes or shows frustration makes things worse.
- A parent reacting negatively in the stands adds pressure instead of support.
Every player will fail at some point. That’s part of the game. What matters is what happens next.
A great example comes from the Alabama kicker who missed one of the biggest kicks in NCAA history—yet his teammates immediately had his back. That kind of support is powerful. It’s not always easy, but it is essential to building a strong, healthy team culture.
What Really Matters to College Coaches
College coaches aren’t just evaluating talent—they’re evaluating people.
They are watching:
- What kind of teammate is she?
- How does she respond to adversity?
- Does she pick others up or bring them down?
Players spend countless hours working on hitting, pitching, and fielding—but how often do we intentionally work on being a great teammate?
Even coaches need support. When a risky call doesn’t work out, it matters when players respond with confidence and energy instead of doubt.
Why It Matters
Supporting each other and having each other’s backs won’t eliminate failure—but it will change how players respond to it.
And when players are less afraid to fail, something powerful happens:
They fail less.
They play freer.
They compete harder.
They enjoy the game more.
Take pride in being the player, coach, or parent who creates a positive environment.
Because when everyone buys in…