Coming up with new ideas for [tag]coaching fastpitch softball[/tag] can sometimes be a challenge. Here’s a drill that one of my readers sent it. Give it a try; excellent results!
From Bruce…
We have a [tag]softball drill[/tag] that we like to use frequently. We call it “Crush & Rush“. It’s a lot like a star drill only with ground balls mixed in. This is how it goes:
Divide your team evenly at each base and home plate. Start at any base (say home), the first girl throws a hard grounder to the girl at third and follows her throw (sprint hard) to back of the line, the girl at third gathers the [tag]softball[/tag] properly as if a hit grounder and then pivots and throws as if making the out at second and follows her throw.
The girl at second receives the throw and throws a grounder to first (again follows her throw), first gathers, pivots and throws to home. Continue this rotation as many times as possible without errors. Note, the additional girls at each bag simply replaces the girl ahead of her making a throw giving the sprinter a little break.
After several revolutions try reversing the direction, this will generate a lot of errors initially but they will soon recover. If you’re an evil [tag]softball coach[/tag], you can send the team on a quick jog to the outfield fence and back whenever an error occurs. A couple of jogs to the fence brings some quick focus to the practice.
I find it to be a great drill for accuracy, good throwing and ground ball mechanics. The pace is brisk and the girls really start talking it up and calling for the ball once a few rotations get going. Plan on a good reward for a job well done. They will have earned it!