Purpose
A fielding drill to teach fielders to keep hard-hit balls in front of them
What's Needed
- A bucket of softballs or balls
- A bat
- Gloves
Time/Duration
3 to 6 minutes per team of three
How the Drill Works
- Divide the palyers into four teams of three, assuming there are 12 players available. Players should have their gloves with them.
- One team spreads out between first and second base.
- Another team spreads out between second and third base.
- Both teams situate themselves halfway between the infield and outfield.
- Two other teams stand in the outfield and back up the first two teams.
- The coach hits a baseball to the team on one side of the diamond.
- The infielders try to prevent the baseball from reaching the outfield grass.
- The couch then hits a softball to the team on the other side of the diamond.
- If the ball reaches the outfield grass, the other team receives one point.
- Each infield team fields four to six balls, then rotates with the teams in the outfield.
Softball Coaching Tips
- Fielding the ball does not necessarily mean making the catch. Make sure team members are keeping the ball in front of their body.
- Have fielders try to catch each ball. However, if they can't, they can save runs by staying in front of the ball and slowing it's movement.
- Players will want to dive to keep the ball from going into the outfield; the coach decides to make or break this rule.