Defensive Fastpitch Softball Drills

This is one of the [tag]defensive softball drills[/tag] that Rich sent to me. Try this [tag]softball[/tag] [tag]drill[/tag] with your team.   This is excellent to teach how to handle [tag]catching[/tag] into the sun.

From Rich…
Drill:
Sun Ball

Purpose:
Give players practice at catching fly balls that go into the sun.

Equipment:
softballs, softer training balls, or tennis balls for young players

Setup:
Pair players up and have them stand about 15 — 20 yards apart. Position the players so the sun is directly behind one player.

Execution:
The player with the sun on his back will [tag]throw[/tag] the ball to the other player as a fly ball, trying to arch it so it will be in the sun for the other player.

The player [tag]fielding[/tag] the ball will use his glove to protect his eyes and catch the [tag]fly ball[/tag].

Remind players to look below their glove for the ball as it gets in the sun.

Have each player throw a few fly balls and then switch.