Guest Author - Kari Livingston

The softball off season is seems to get shorter and shorter every year. Spring softball tournaments start as early as February and Fall tournaments can last into November. With crammed schedules it is important to keep your daughter fit and healthy in the short break between Fall and Spring Seasons

Schedule Down Time

For at least two weeks following the last fall tournament, put the bat and glove away. Minor injuries and aches and pains that spring up during the season need time to heal. If any aches are persistent, schedule an appointment with your daughter's doctor. Down time also has a psychological benefit. By taking a short break, your daughter will look forward to the start of the season and continue to enjoy the sport.

Find a complimentary off-season sport

Girls are specializing in a sport at earlier ages, but during the off-season, it can be beneficial to find an additional sport. Track and basketball are both great sports for cardiovascular endurance. In addition to organized sports, martial arts, dance or gymnastic lessons can keep your daughter active.

Play catch

A lot of people overlook the importance of simply playing catch. Don't work on specific skills, just take your daughter out and enjoy a fun session. Sometimes parents and coaches take softball so seriously that they drain the fun out of the game. Playing catch brings back the simplicity of the sport.

Tee-Time

Pull out the batting tee once a week. If your daughter developed bad batting habits during the season, the off season is a great time to get back to basics and work on her batting fundamentals without worrying about game time performance.

Take your lead from your daughter. If she just can't stay away from the diamond, there are winter indoor leagues. If your daughter seems to be suffering from burnout, put the glove away for longer periods of time. Offer to play catch, but don't push her. During the off-season it is important to stay active to stay fit, but it's also important to heal both physically and psychologically.