How a coach treats their players can affect them long term. There is a big difference between good and bad coaches. Winning doesn't always come first when it comes to being a good coach.

An exciting moment for the sport of softball is to be determined in the next few months. Professional baseball merged with softball and Olympic dreams are on everyone's mind. Even fans can get in on the action by showing their support.

Batting is important if you want to score runs in softball. Sometimes batters have trouble figuring out what they are doing wrong. Here are some basic tips to improve trouble areas and make better hitters out of players.

Do you know the difference between interference and obstruction in the game of softball? Many new players are called out when they are unintentionally in the way. Runners and fielders need to know the boundaries to avoid being called out.

Communication is the key to keeping everyone informed during the game about what is going on. Communication between players is also essential for good plays. Coaches and players need to communicate for the best outcome in a game.

Many players know whether or not they will swing at the first pitch, even before they get up to bat. Some are taught to not swing at the first one. Who has the advantage - the pitcher or the batter?

Slap hitting is a fairly new technique that improves upon the basic bunt. Speed and skill are needed for potential slap hitters. Once a player learns to slap hit, they are a great asset for the offense.

The next best thing to playing softball on a team is playing in the backyard or nearest park. Although playing this way can be very casual, injuries can still occur. Play safe, unlike my family and I did this past weekend.

Coaches and players can communicate with one another using hand signals. Pitchers and catchers use signs, coaches tell players how to bat and umpires show their calls with hand signals. By communicating in this way, the other team is kept off guard.

Cold weather not only affects softball players but their bats and balls as well. With a little warming up between innings, players can continue with their game, no matter the temperature. Here are some tips about cold weather's affects on equipment too.