How performance metrics can transform your softball profile on FieldLevel.
In this article, we'll dive into the new performance metrics feature on FieldLevel for softball. Understanding and utilizing these metrics can significantly enhance your profile, making it a more powerful tool in your journey toward recruitment.
The benefits of performance metrics
Performance metrics provide a detailed snapshot of your abilities, offering a comprehensive way to showcase your skills to college coaches. By adding these metrics to your profile, you articulate your strengths and progression, showing college coaches you can compete at the next level.
Key metrics for softball
Here’s a breakdown of the specific metrics for softball you can include in your FieldLevel profile and why they matter:
Batting average (AVG): A measure of a batter's success rate, calculated by dividing the number of hits by the number of at-bats. It indicates how often a player hits the ball and reaches base safely.
On-base percentage (OBP): Reflects how frequently a batter reaches base through hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches, offering a more comprehensive view of a player's ability to get on base than batting average alone.
Slugging percentage (SLG): A metric that assesses a batter's power by calculating the total bases achieved per at-bat, highlighting players who are more likely to hit for extra bases.
Pitches per at bat: This measures the average number of pitches a batter sees in each plate appearance, indicating their ability to wear down pitchers and potentially draw more favorable counts or walks.
First-pitch swing percentage: The percentage of plate appearances in which a batter swings at the first pitch, useful for analyzing a player's approach or aggression at the plate.
Fielding percentage: Calculated by dividing the sum of putouts and assists by the total number of chances (putouts, assists, and errors), this metric evaluates a player's defensive reliability.
Earned run average (ERA): The average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings, providing a key indicator of pitching effectiveness.
20-yard dash: A speed test that measures how quickly a player can cover 20 yards, important for evaluating overall speed and base-running capabilities.
Home to first time: The time it takes for a batter to run from home plate to first base after hitting the ball, assessing speed and acceleration.
Home to second time: Time measured for a player running from home to second base, useful for gauging speed in situations like stretching a single into a double.
Bat speed: The velocity of the bat head during a swing, which correlates to a player's power and ability to hit the ball hard.
Exit velocity: The speed of the ball off the bat immediately after a batter makes contact, indicative of how hard a ball is hit.
Exit velocity (Top 8th) Measures the speed of the top 8th percentile of a player's batted balls, showing their peak hitting performance.
Exit velocity max: The highest recorded speed of a ball off a player's bat, highlighting their maximum hitting power.
Exit velocity average: The average speed of all a player's batted balls, providing a general sense of their hitting power.
Exit velocity (Off tee) Exit velocity is measured when a player hits a ball off a tee, which is useful for evaluating raw hitting power without pitch variables.
Infield velocity: The speed of throws made by infielders, assessing arm strength and defensive capabilities.
Overhand throw Speed: The highest speed a player can throw at, indicating arm overall strength.
Outfield velocity (In-game) Measures the speed of throws from outfielders during a game, reflecting their arm strength and defensive effectiveness.
Outfield velocity (Showcase): The speed of throws by outfielders in a controlled setting like a showcase, often used for scouting and evaluation purposes.
Fastball max velocity: The highest speed of a pitcher's fastball, indicating arm strength and potential to overwhelm hitters.
Fastball sits velocity: The average velocity of a pitcher's fastball during games, showing their typical pitching speed.
Walks and hits per inning (WHIP): A pitching statistic that combines walks and hits allowed divided by innings pitched, offering insight into a pitcher's ability to prevent baserunners.
Spin rate: The rate at which a pitched ball rotates, affecting its movement and making it difficult to hit. Higher spin rates can lead to more strikeouts and weak contact.
Strike percentage (Strike %) The percentage of a pitcher's pitches that are strikes, not including balls put into play, assessing control and efficiency.
First strike percentage (First strike %) The percentage of plate appearances that begin with a strike, indicating a pitcher's effectiveness at gaining an early advantage.
Pop time: The time it takes for a catcher to receive a pitch and then throw to a base, critical for preventing stolen bases.
Shuttle run time: A measure of agility and explosive speed involving short-distance sprints and changes of direction.
Max squat: The heaviest weight a player can squat, assessing lower body strength and power.
Grip strength (Single hand) The force applied by a player's hand, significant for batting and throwing. It's usually measured using a dynamometer.
How to add performance metrics to your profile
Log in to your FieldLevel profile.
Navigate to the "Performance" section.
Select "Add metric" or "Update metric" to update existing metrics.
Fill in your metrics with the most recent and accurate information.
Don’t forget to save your changes.
By adding these metrics to your FieldLevel profile, you not only provide a detailed account of your skill but also significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by college coaches.
Remember, your profile is your first impression—make it count with comprehensive and compelling data.
For any assistance or further questions on updating your performance metrics, feel free to reach out to our support team.