For a team to truly be successful, they must be able to perform in both the top and the bottom of the inning. While it is, of course, incredibly helpful to put big numbers up on the scoreboard offensively, a team needs good defensive skills to win. Spending practice time on fielding drills can often be the difference between winning and losing a game. Try these fun, yet effective fielding drills to help get your defense in top shape.
The USA Throw Around – Softball Fielding Drills
This drill requires a full infield. Outfielders will be used for hitting and baserunning. The infield should take their positions. The outfielder will hit the ball, keeping it in the infield. The infielders field the ball and throw to first base. The first baseman throws to second, second throws to short, then to third, the catcher, and the pitcher.
While the ball is making its way around, the outfielder runs the bases. The goal is to complete the throw-around and return the ball to the pitcher before the runner completes a home run. Run the drill at full speed until the infield can send the ball around twice before the runner reaches home.
Cut Off Relay Competition – Softball Fielding Drills
Players love competing, so turn drills into a competition. Line players in groups of three with at least 10 feet between them. On the whistle, the player at the end throws to the cutoff, who pivots and throws to the far end. That player throws back to the cutoff, who pivots and returns the ball to the start.
The entire line takes a knee to signal they’ve finished. The first line to complete the relay earns a point, and players rotate. As a variation, make the line larger, perhaps with the entire team in two lines, racing to complete the relay first.
Bump Out – Softball Fielding Drills
Fielding errors can cost runs and seasons. Set up defense as in a game. Have backup players ready. The coach hits or throws balls into play. Any player who makes a fielding or throwing error is “bumped out” and replaced. Players track how often they’re bumped out. The coach should call out different baserunning scenarios to vary the throws.
Using these and other fundamental fielding drills in practice will help your defense handle any game situation. What are your favorite fielding drills? Comment below and let us know! If you have questions or need clarification, reach out at coach@elitesoftballdrills.com.
Get out there and play ball!
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