In today’s video blog post, we are talking about three important softball drills for developing more effective outfielders.

2 Ball Drill

The purpose of this drill is to get the outfielder working on their reaction to the ball. It’s also a good cardio workout!

  • The coach is going to toss the ball to the outfielders left side
  • The outfielder is going to back up and catch it, make a throw and then sprint to her right.
  • Repeat this combination and move the player back and forth.
  • Use a mix of fly balls, as well as ground balls.

Barehand Drill with softie balls

The purpose of this drill is so the outfielder can work on seeing the ball into their glove. In this drill, we’re going to use the softie ball, and the player is not going to use any glove — they are going to work barehanded. That way the player can concentrate on seeing the ball go into their glove hand. This drill is not an easy drill, and it takes a lot of concentration.

  • You’re going to work both sides — the player is going to go out, turn their shoulders and work on their over the shoulders
  • Work the left side and the right side.
  • The player is going to use their glove hand only, and they are going to work their backhand side and their glove side.

Gap Communication Drill

The purpose of this drill is to get the outfielders to communicate with one another so they can make a play on the ball, whether it be a fly ball or a ground ball — whether it’s shallow or one hit over their head. As you do this drill, you need to designate a center-fielder. This will alleviate any confusion when two outfielders are calling for the ball. When two-outfielders are calling for the ball, the rule of thumb is that it is the center-fielders ball. Make sure you have your outfielders call it at the peak flight of the ball, and make sure they call it out a few times. If you are not the outfielder fielding that ball, then you need to get into that backup position as quickly as possible.

TIP #1: As an outfielder, as you run for the ball you want to pump your arms, which helps with your leg drive.

TIP #2: You never want to call the ball for another fielder — only call the ball if YOU plan on catching it!

TIP #3: Be sure that if you are the backup player on a ground ball, that you do not overrun the play. You need to get into the support position on a ground ball as well.

 

Will you be trying these outfielder drills with your players? To see the full 57 minute online clinic, including 18 wickedly effective practice drills for your defense, go to http://www.softballspot.com/sp/tof.html

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