If you’re in need of some fresh [tag]softball practice ideas[/tag], try these three [tag]softball drills[/tag]. These are quick, effective and keep the practice moving. Helps with conditioning as well!
We like to do a [tag]softball drill[/tag] called “crossfire”.
Players form 2 lines at SS and 2B, with a player at 1B and 3B, and a catcher for the coach at home plate. The softball coach alternates hitting ground balls to the SS and 2B; the SS throws to the 1B, the 2B throws to the 3B, and both 1B/3B throws to the catcher at home. After the player takes a grounder, she goes to the back of the other line she wasn’t in. We do this for about 10 minutes, and it gets the kids in pretty good shape.
Another infield [tag]softball[/tag] drill I do is have a base runner and an infield. No pitcher. When the coach says GO, the runner starts around the bases, catcher throws the ball to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 1st, 1st to SS, SS to home, then reverse, home to SS, SS to 1st, 1st to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to home. The object for the infield is to beat the runner home. It’s pretty fun for the players.
We have been working on quick feet with good throws. 2 lines, facing each other, throw a ground ball, other line charges, proper body position, quick change in feet and a good throw back to the other line. After every touch of the ball, the player moves to the end of the other line.
This moves fast and can keep them focused on the softball (grounders) and also on quick feet with placement of the feet (left foot forward throw for right handers for example) and gets them throwing on the run.
These drills have worked wonders in our group.