Best Softball Books of 2026

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.