Looking to find softball camps near you? Attending softball camps is a great way to showcase your skills while gaining valuable training and exposure. Whether you’re searching for local camps or top college softball camps nationwide, NCSA has you covered. Explore camps below and learn how to choose the best camp for your recruiting journey.
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Insider Tip: Did you know that college coaches can send you camp invites directly through NCSA? Create a FREE recruiting profile today.
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Types of softball camps for college recruiting
Softball prospect camps
A prospect camp is a great opportunity to get in front of college coaches who are actively recruiting. These camps are typically hosted on college campuses and include position-specific training to help you improve while giving coaches a chance to evaluate your skills.
Why attend?
- Gain exposure to college coaches.
- Get feedback to improve your game.
- Experience college-level coaching and training.
Position-specific softball camps
Position-specific camps help you improve the skills needed for your position through focused technical drills, gameplay and competition drills. They’re a great way to level up your game and feel more confident in your role.
These include:
- Softball hitting camps: Improve swing mechanics, timing and power.
- Softball catching camps: Focus on blocking, framing and throwdowns.
- Softball pitching camps: Sharpen accuracy, pitch variety and mechanics.
Third-party softball camps
Third-party camps, also known as showcase camps, are competitive events hosted by outside organizations. Coaches from multiple schools and divisions attend to recruit players. These camps are great for getting exposure, but you may not get as much one-on-one coaching.
Why attend?
- Increase your recruiting opportunities.
- Get noticed by coaches from different schools.
- Compete with top players from across the country.
Performance camps
Performance camps help you become a better all-around athlete by focusing on your physical and mental skills. They help you build strength, speed and agility to perform your best.
Why attend?
- Improve speed, strength and agility.
- Work on mental performance and get nutrition tips.
- Learn how to prevent injuries and recover quickly.
Featured Camp: Softball Camp at IMG Academy
IMG Academy softball camps offer elite training with top coaches on a world-class campus. With programs for all skill levels, players can refine their skills, improve game strategy, and focus on areas like mental performance and speed & agility. Summer camps include group training, position-specific drills, and game-like play to help athletes grow and compete with confidence.
Learn more about IMG Academy softball camps.
How to choose the right softball camp
Finding the right softball camp is key to reaching your goals. Here are four questions to help you decide:
- What do I want to achieve? If you’re looking to improve your skills, a camp focused on training is the way to go. If you want to get noticed by college coaches, consider a prospect camp for more exposure.
- Where am I in my recruiting journey? If you’re an underclassman, focus on developmental or position-specific camps to build your skills and get ready for when college coaches start recruiting you in the upperclassmen years.
- Which schools interest me? Look at your top 25 colleges and see if any are hosting camps. Attending one is a great way to connect with coaches and check out the campus.
- What works with my schedule and budget? Local day camps are usually the most affordable and easiest to attend. Overnight or third-party camps may cost more and take up more time, but they can give you great exposure! Talk to your parents or coach to figure out what you’re able to do.
When to attend a softball camp
The best time to attend a softball camp depends on your goals. If you’re working on improving your skills, there are camps available all year. If your goal is to get exposure to college coaches, attend softball prospect camps hosted by colleges or third-party camps and showcases that line up with the NCAA recruiting calendar. These events are when coaches are most active in recruiting players.
Learn more about seasonal softball camps below.
Fall softball camps
Fall softball camps are best suited for underclassmen looking for fundamental and technique training. Upperclassmen looking to impress college coaches should attend summer camps when they are fully conditioned.
Winter softball camps
Much like fall camps, college camps held in the off-season are most valuable for technical development. These camps are often during winter break or Christmas break and hosted indoors.
Winter softball camps can be a great way to get back into training after taking a break following the end of fall ball. For unsigned seniors, these camps are a last chance opportunity to play in front of college coaches who still have unfilled roster spots.
Summer softball camps
Summer softball camps provide the best opportunity for athletes to be evaluated by college coaches. Athletes are out of school and have fewer scheduling conflicts during this time. To make the most out of your camp experience, a good rule of thumb is to attend a camp at a college where the coach has previously shown some interest.
Insider Tip: Try attending a developmental or position-specific softball camp before a prospect camp to give you the skills and confidence you need when coaches are evaluating you!
What’s the difference between day and overnight camps?
We outline some of the differences between these types of camps below and why you may attend one versus the other.
Day camps
Most day camps run three to five hours per day over the span of a few days to an entire week. To keep cost and travel time low, we suggest attending camps near your home. Day camps tend to be less expensive than overnight camps.
Overnight camps
Overnight softball camps combine the experience of staying on campus and attending a camp. These camps give athletes a full day of activities. Overnight baseball camps span one to three weeks.
What are the best softball camps for exposure?
The best camp for you depends on where you are in your recruiting journey. If your main goal is exposure, choose a camp hosted by a college that has shown some interest in you.
If you’re a young softball recruit looking to develop your skillset, find a camp close to home to focus on improving your technique. There are many great camps across the country. Here are a few to consider:
Insider Tip: Wear something that helps you stand out at a softball camp! Bright socks, colorful cleats, fun shoelaces, or a headband can make you more noticeable. A shirt with your name on the back is another great way to stand out and help coaches remember you.
Are softball camps worth it?
Yes, softball camps are definitely worth it! They play a crucial role in your recruiting journey by giving you the chance to:
- Showcase your skills directly to college coaches
- Receive valuable feedback on how to improve
- Compete with top athletes in your position
- Connect with coaches and other players
Have more questions about softball camps?
Your NCSA Recruiting Coach is here to help you with your camp options and recruiting journey. Log in now to schedule a conversation with your coach.
Not a member yet? Start with a free recruiting profile to connect with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist.
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