Based on these skills, softball players must develop joint stability and connective tissue strength through the shoulder and elbow (to support and stabilize the arm action), core strength and rotary speed (to support the lower lumbar spine during throwing and hitting motion, and ability to create torque through the separation of hips and hands to generate bat speed and arm speed), posterior chain strength and power (to develop strength through glutes, hips, and legs), reactive ability and quickness (for starting speed and defensive ability), and grip/forearm strength (to create bat speed and rotation on the ball when throwing).

Although each position has its unique demands, all softball players must improve these essential basic motor abilities.

A softball player’s running ability is most often judged by her times from home to first and her 40-yard dash. Although the application of a 40-yard dash to softball specific speed is questionable, it is important because coaches use it as a solid measurement of overall speed.