8 Best Softball Tryout Drills

As a softball coach, one of the most daunting tasks is conducting tryouts. 

The softball tryout process entails carefully assessing the abilities of your players, identifying those who show exemplary character, and ultimately selecting players who are a well-rounded fit for the team.

This blog outlines the 8 best softball tryout drills to evaluate your players, whether you are a Little League or high school coach. Covering the core skills from fielding to pitching, these drills will provide you with the insights needed for making team placement decisions.

How to Run Successful Softball Tryouts

Hosting a successful softball tryout starts well ahead of time, long before players step onto the field. Here are some tips below:

1. Plan Ahead: Set tryout dates, drills, and evaluator assignments at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
   
2. Set Evaluation Criteria: Use standardized scoring sheets or evaluation apps like SkillShark to ensure consistent feedback and objectivity.
   
3. Use Position-Specific Drills: Craft different drills for pitchers, catchers, infielders, and outfielders.
   
4. Prioritize Safety and Flow: Set up stations ahead of time to avoid dead time and ensure proper spacing between drills.
   
5. Provide Feedback: Discuss with your team the best method(s) for providing athlete feedback (to both players and parents).

Top 8 Softball Tryout Drills

1. Softball Running Drill: Round the Bases

Aim

This softball running drill is designed to develop players’ base running and conditioning in a fun environment.

Preparation

1. Line up players behind the home plate.
2. The coach positions themselves 10-12 feet from home plate in a soft-toss position. 

Execution

1. The first base running player steps up to the plate.
2. Next, the coach tosses a softball, and the player hits a line drive and then proceeds to round the bases.
3. Baserunners earn one point for each base they touch.
4. Repeat the drill until all players have had at least one chance to round the bases. 

2. Softball Outfield Drill: The Shoestring Catch

Aim

This softball outfield drill helps players refine their technique by practicing catches on balls that drop in front of them.

Preparation

1. The player and coach stand approximately 15-20 yards apart in the outfield. 

Execution

1. The coach will throw or hit a ball directly at the player’s feet.
2. The players will sprint in, attack the ball, and attempt to use proper technique to make the play (shoestring catch).
3. After making the play, the player returns the ball to the coach, returning to her starting position.

3. Softball Hitting Drill: Power the Hips

Aim

As the hips are the most essential part of producing bat speed, this softball hitting drill is designed to develop a player’s hip power.

Preparation

1. Place a series of cones at a safe distance from each other, but close to the fence.
2. Position every player beside a cone.
3. Provide every player with a ball and a bat.

How To

1. The coach will blow the whistle, and players will begin hitting their ball into the fence while powering their hips through the hitting zone. 
2. Run this drill for 5-8 minutes.

4. Softball Batting Drill: Fast Hands

Aim

This softball hitting drill is specifically designed to improve hand speed in players.

Preparation

1. Have the player stand at home plate in an athletic batting stance.
2. The coach will stand to one side of the player.
3. The players assume their batting stance, ensuring they are in an athletic position with a relaxed grip on the bat.

Execution

1. The coach throws a soft toss, and the player swings away.
2. The first player on home plate will repeat this drill 3-5 times, focusing on timing, swing path, and follow-through.

5. Softball Pitching Drill: The Three-Minute Drill

Aim

This softball pitching drill helps players develop pitching speed, run speed, and endurance.

Preparation

1. The pitcher stands on the mound.
2. The catcher stands on the home plate.

Execution

1. The pitcher throws as many pitches as they can in one minute before taking a one-minute rest.
2. They then repeat this twice more for a total of 3 minutes of pitching, hence the name “three-minute drill.”
3. After the three minutes are complete, two new players will assume the roles of the pitcher and catcher.

6. Softball Infield Drill: Start From the Second

Aim

This softball infield drill is designed to teach players how to score when on second base. 

Preparation

1. Have three players in the outfield with a catcher at home base.
2. All remaining players should form a single-file line behind second base.
3. The coach or another player is at home base with the bat and balls.
4. An assistant coach will play the role of the 3rd base coach.  

Execution

1. On your whistle, throw the ball to the first player behind second base.
2. The player will try to score unless stopped by the 3rd base coach. 
3. Repeat this drill by giving each player multiple chances to score from 2nd base. 

Note: Ensure that the 3rd base coach provides the runner with verbal and visual cues.

7. Softball Fielding Drill: Outfield Grounders

Aim 

This softball fielding drill focuses on developing a player’s fielding techniques.

Preparation

Have your players line up in the outfield or put them in designated outfield positions. A coach, player, or even a machine will hit the balls into the field. 

Execution

1. The player, coach, or machine hits a ball for each outfielder so that they can field using the correct techniques. 
2. Be sure to hit a combination of varying balls on the fielder, including directly to them and to their forehand and backhand sides. 

8. Softball Pitching Drill: Pitching Knees

Aim

This softball pitching drill helps players develop their pitching form and speed. 

Preparation

The pitcher will be on bent knees, preferably facing the catcher with the coach nearby. 

Execution

1. Ensure the pitcher starts in the “open-door” position with their wrists cocked.
2. As they swing back, have the pitcher complete a full windmill throw to the catcher.
3. Be sure to complete 3 sets of 10-15 throws, pitching with an emphasis on snapping the wrist.
4. Ensure the pitcher has a good posture, keeping their core tight and body straight.

Looking For an Easier Way to Manage Evaluations at Softball Tryouts?

Using SkillShark, you can easily score softball players on your smartphone or tablet. Once your evaluation is complete, instantly gain access to player reports. Review player data and draft teams on the same day!