Best Softball Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Softball books are essential for anyone who wants to improve their skills and knowledge of the game. From coaching manuals to memoirs of legendary players, there are plenty of options for softball enthusiasts. These books cover everything from the basics of hitting, pitching, and fielding to advanced strategies and techniques. They also provide valuable insight into the mental and emotional aspects of the game, such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, softball books offer a wealth of information and inspiration to help you take your game to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

You Got This!: Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players (Sport Psychology Series for Young Readers) Cover #TOP 1
You Got This!: Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players (Sport Psychology Series for Young Readers)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself Cover #TOP 2
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science and Philosophy Cover #TOP 3
Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science and Philosophy
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Softball Books

You Got This!: Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players (Sport Psychology Series for Young Readers)

Ickes, Dr. Curt
Jun 30, 2022
You Got This!: Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players (Sport Psychology Series for Young Readers) Cover
You Got This!: Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players (Sport Psychology Series for Young Readers)

You Got This! Mental Game Skills for Young Softball Players is a book written by Dr. Curt Ickes, a sport psychologist, to help 8-14-year-old softball players develop a great mental game. The book introduces the players to sport psychology techniques that are usually reserved for older, more advanced athletes. The lessons are taught using concise and easy-to-understand language, through a fun, relatable, engaging story. It teaches proven, easy-to-learn mental game skills that help players develop the mindset to play in the present and win the next pitch rather than worrying about failure. At the end of the book, there is a review section, and specific drills that improve mental game skills are included. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for young softball players, coaches, and parents.

Finch, Jennie
Killion, Ann
Triumph Books
Aug 1, 2011
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself Cover
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself

Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself is a book that emphasizes the importance of sports for girls' development. Written by Jennie Finch and Ann Killion, it provides scientific and anecdotal evidence to support the idea that girls who participate in athletics grow up to be healthier, more confident, and better leaders. The authors encourage young women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. This book is a must-read for parents, coaches, and young girls who want to be inspired by a strong, feminine, and accomplished athlete like Jennie Finch.

Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science and Philosophy

McCree, Michael
Feb 13, 2018
Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science and Philosophy Cover
Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science and Philosophy

Mind of a Superior Hitter: The Art, Science, and Philosophy is a must-read for any baseball or softball player looking to improve their hitting skills. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the psychological, emotional, and strategic aspects of hitting, providing invaluable advice from some of the best hitting coaches and players in the world. Hitters of all ages will learn how to deal with slumps, develop better focus, become a better situational hitter, customize their swing, and be more confident in their approach. Written by former DI collegiate baseball player Michael McCree, this book is a unique and insightful addition to any baseball book collection.

Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Volume 2 Grit - How To Use The Secret Mindset Hack

Horne, Troy
Horne, Moses
Jul 19, 2021
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Volume 2 Grit - How To Use The Secret Mindset Hack Cover
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Volume 2 Grit - How To Use The Secret Mindset Hack

The book "Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Volume 2 Grit - How To Use The Secret Mindset Hack" by Moses and Troy Horne is a must-read for parents and coaches looking to help their young athletes overcome in-game stress and sports performance anxiety. This book is the second volume of the best-selling "Mental Toughness For Young Athletes" book, which provides a foundation for the mindset exercises discussed in this book. What sets this book apart is that it is written by a young athlete from an actual young athlete's perspective, making it relatable for young athletes in COMPETITIVE sports. This book is a game-changer for young athletes seeking to improve their mental fortitude and stand out in their sport.

#TOP 5

WINNING STATE SOFTBALL: The Athlete's Guide to Competing Mentally Tough (4th edition)

Steve Knight
Apr 26, 2023
WINNING STATE SOFTBALL: The Athlete's Guide to Competing Mentally Tough (4th edition) Cover
WINNING STATE SOFTBALL: The Athlete's Guide to Competing Mentally Tough (4th edition)

WINNING STATE Softball is a sports psychology book that teaches players how to improve their performance by developing a mental-toughness skillset. The book is suitable for players of all ages and abilities who want to bring their best game to the competitive arena. It helps players eliminate distractions and apprehension, handle pressure, and fiercely compete to win. The book's unique approach focuses on mental strategies that can be implemented both in practice and competition. Overall, WINNING STATE Softball is an excellent resource for softball players looking to take their game to the next level.

Confident, Calm, & Clutch: How to Build Confidence and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes Using Sports Psychology

Alston, Valerie R
Feb 24, 2023
Confident, Calm, & Clutch: How to Build Confidence and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes Using Sports Psychology Cover
Confident, Calm, & Clutch: How to Build Confidence and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes Using Sports Psychology

This book is a must-read for young athletes looking to develop their mental toughness and confidence. The author, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, provides practical strategies to help athletes become more resilient and adaptable, able to turn setbacks into breakthroughs. The book covers topics such as regulating emotions, being a coachable athlete, building a support team, and stopping self-criticism. With its emphasis on mental strength and the champion's mindset, this book is an essential guide for any young athlete looking to take their game to the next level.

A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Baseball Stories about What Happened on and off the Field

Lingster, Roy
Dec 30, 2021
A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Baseball Stories about What Happened on and off the Field Cover
A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Baseball Stories about What Happened on and off the Field

A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Baseball Stories about What Happened on and off the Field is an entertaining read for both baseball enthusiasts and those who love a good story. The book covers past and present players, sharing their triumphs, adversities, and quirks. From a player who demanded 10 tons of guacamole and a samurai sword in his contract to a pitcher who accidentally pitched an entire game on LSD, this book has it all. The author does an excellent job of bringing these stories to life, and the book is a fun and informative read. Overall, A Game of Extremes is a unique and engaging addition to any baseball fan's library.

#TOP 8

Softball Skills & Drills

Garman, Judi
Gromacki, Michelle
Human Kinetics
Feb 14, 2011
Softball Skills & Drills Cover
Softball Skills & Drills

Softball Skills & Drills by Judi Garman and Michelle Gromacki is a comprehensive guide to mastering the essential skills of softball. With updated skills, drills, and strategies, this book is the go-to resource for players and coaches of all levels. The step-by-step instructions, full-color photos, and unique insights from the authors make it easy to improve every aspect of the game, including hitting, bunting, fielding, pitching, catching, and more. With over 230 of the game’s best drills, this book is an outstanding reference for all aspects of the game. Overall, Softball Skills & Drills is a must-have for any player or coach looking to improve their game.

#TOP 9

The Blue Book (2022): The Ultimate Guide to Fast Pitch Softball Rules for Umpires, Coaches, and Players

Martin, Billy
Malloy, Tim
Schiro, Dr. Michael
Munch, Allison
Reuter, Diane
Briscoe, Don
Mar 7, 2022
The Blue Book (2022): The Ultimate Guide to Fast Pitch Softball Rules for Umpires, Coaches, and Players Cover
The Blue Book (2022): The Ultimate Guide to Fast Pitch Softball Rules for Umpires, Coaches, and Players

The Blue Book (2022) is an essential guide for anyone involved in fast pitch softball, including umpires, coaches, players, and parents. This 120+ page book covers all the nuances of NCAA, NFHS, USA Softball, and USSSA travel team softball rules. It is an easy-to-consume format that is perfect for any level of understanding. The Blue Book is a top-rated fast pitch rules guide that has been in publication for over a dozen years in the US and Canada. The author's proceeds go directly toward educating coaches and umpires. Overall, The Blue Book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in fast-pitch softball.

#TOP 10

Softball Scorebook: Softball Score Sheets, Softball Scorecard Book for Scorekeeping, Softball Scorekeeper Book, Softball Score Keeper, Large Print 8.5 x 11 inches

publishing, lwttri
Mar 12, 2022
Softball Scorebook: Softball Score Sheets, Softball Scorecard Book for Scorekeeping, Softball Scorekeeper Book, Softball Score Keeper, Large Print 8.5 x 11 inches Cover
Softball Scorebook: Softball Score Sheets, Softball Scorecard Book for Scorekeeping, Softball Scorekeeper Book, Softball Score Keeper, Large Print 8.5 x 11 inches

This Softball Scorebook offers 100 detailed scorecards in a big 8.5x11 inches format, making it a perfect choice for keeping track of softball games. The book includes a soft matte cover and is an excellent gift for softball coaches, players, and enthusiasts. This book is a great tool for any team, providing a clear and concise way to keep track of scores and stats. The large format also makes it easy to read and fill out. Overall, this Softball Scorebook is an essential tool for any softball team, and its size and detail make it stand out from other scorekeeping options.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 13 a good age to start softball?

Ages 12 and Up While it is still plausible to introduce your child to softball after age 12, it can be very difficult for them to learn the skills they need to succeed and compete. If you're looking for your child to be a future softball college athlete, you will likely have needed them to start earlier than age 12.

2. What age should you start softball?

Tee Ball. Tee Ball Softball is for girls 4-5 years old (with a local option for 6- and/or 7-year-olds) who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. In Tee Ball Softball, players hit a ball off a batting tee.

3. Who is the best softball player of all time?

Jennie Finch Finch is probably the most well-known softball player in the history of the game, and rightfully so. She too dominated her time, winning the 2001 and 2002 back-to-back Honda awards and setting the record for winning percentage and most consecutive wins in 2001.

4. What size softball Should a 12 year old use?

12u & older 12" - Girls starting in the age group of 12u switch to a 12-inch ball. This ball is harder than most 11” models, and is in fact comparable to a regulation baseball in hardness. 12-inch fast pitch is the standard for girls' and women's softball from youth leagues through high school and college levels.

Editor's Notes

During our softball book research, we found 1,200+ softball book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,496 customer reviews through our big data system to write the softball books list. We found that most customers choose softball books with an average price of $14.65.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.