I have done this type of [tag]softball hitting drills[/tag] with young kids and even older ones and they all seem to enjoy it. You can add your variations to it to match the skills of your [tag]softball[/tag] players.
Basically the hitter stands in the batter’s box or backed up to a fence and the pitcher, usually one of the [tag]softball coach[/tag]es, stands about 20 feet away. The [tag]batter[/tag] stands like he would be hitting, however the catch is he must turn his head away from the pitcher, like back towards the catcher.
The ball is thrown, pitched underhand for the small kids, and then the coach yells “ball” and the batter must turn her head back toward the pitcher, pick up the softball and then try to hit it. This tends to make the batter focus more on picking up the ball, and improves bat speed as well.
I usually start with whiffle balls or rubber or softer balls. Also the distance can get shorter between the pitcher and batter as the hitter gets better.
MOTIVATION TIP
Sometimes it is hard to get the girls interested in [tag]softball practice[/tag], especially the younger ones. I find that if I make it fun they will pay attention more. When practicing pop ups I tell the girls that if they catch 3 in a row, I will run a lap around them. If they miss 3 in a row they run a lap around the field.
It is so fun to watch them try so hard to make the coach to have to run.