As far as jitters are concerned, it's ok. Let your girls know, as I do mine, that it's ok to be nervouse and excited, but for them to play their game as you have gone over it with them. Most of all to have fun! My girls usually settle down after about 7 minutes or so, into our match. Then we get to business. Sometimes that's because of some unrealized pressure, sometimes it could be because of something they heard about the Team you are facing or the size of the girls on that particular Team. Sometimes the sun is in the wrong place. Again... Play Your Game, as they know it.

In regards to the Umpires Calls. That's a tough one. But as in soccer, the Ref has the last word. His call is usually final... wrong or right. When we scrimmage, I intentionally make bad calls, from time to time. My girls will look at me and may make a comment or two. I just say, that's the call and move on. I also explain that the Refs can't always see everything and are human too. But we must respect the call regardless, because he is the Ref. Once explained, the girls do understand. More so sometimes than the Adults.

Finally... In regards to your players getting down on themselves or each other. I do not let that fester. It will continue to the next play, game, and sometimes the season. Nip that in the bud fast! Explain to thenm that we can't always control what happens, but as long as we do our best as an individuals and Team, then you will be proud of them. No matter what! They look to you for that sense of fulfillment, success and understanding that can't sometimes be givenby a Parent or Teammate. Because you are their support as well as their Coach. It is a unique bond. Go with it.

Hope this helps. Let me know how your Team does.

Great answer Ed.

I would also suggest that your pitchers add pressure games to their practices. We play a game towards the end of practice where girls compete for most strikes in ten pitches thrown. The other girls take turns yelling at them, singing, telling funny jokes, or whatever they can think of to distract the girl pitching. It often starts off as a silly mess, but after a round or two, they focus in and learn to ignore the others.

We also talk about the three strike zones. The first is the ideal zone in a perfect world. This is what they practice for. The second is the batter's zone. This is how you pitch to the batter you are currently facing based on prior knowledge. If you know they like to swing at the high ones, then you adjust from there. The third is the umpire's zone. They need to figure this one out as soon as possible so they can adjust. The catcher and pitcher need to communicate and think of the ump like they would a batter. If the ump gives you a two ball widths low/outside, you now have an edge. If you find they have a tight zone and won't give you your favorite corner, be ready to find what they will give you and make it work for you.

For team jitters, I like to teach the kids a flashy warm up drill that they do prior to each game. They get jazzed for executing it well and work hard to make it look good. They finish smiling and pumped.

One word Focus!

Well, when my team had the jitters we just said "We own it"! That was the way we won our Championship game against the Heat. It was really cool the way when we said "we own it" it would boost our confidince up! You should try it with your team.

i like pie

1st Inning Jitters:
Consider having them go through what I have come across, called the 90-second rule. For 90-seconds have them sit quietly and control their breathing while their eyes are closed. For that time have them visual how well they are going to do in all situations, whether picking up a ground ball, catching a fly, hitting. Give them that time to change their thought process and be positive in their abilities and know what they are capable of doing on the field.

As far as the pitchers, you might want to consider having role play and go over those situations in practice (this is difficult). Talk to them prior about respecting their Officials and get them to understand that like them, they to don't get it perfect all the time but they will have to learn to adjust and come up with a solution rather then become upset. --You can always have them use the 90-second rule to calm them down, that works great as well.

Hope I was able to help you with some ideas.

JItters will always be part of most kids especially in a very competitive environment. Mental toughness training starts during off season practices. There are several techniques to help players overcome whatever fear they're feeling. Adding challenging practices will help them build their toughness and increase their confidence because it showed that they prepared enough for their game and wont let them give up or get frustrated right away.

http://www.softballperformance.com/6-mental-training-tips-how-to-improve-your-mental-toughness/

Jst tell them to think as if its the middle of the game

Deep breaths.