8 Best Softball Drills For Your Next Tryout

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

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

To achieve these goals, it is important to have your players participate in softball tryout drills that can showcase their potential and capabilities for the team.

This blog outlines the 8 best softball tryout drills for evaluating your players, giving you the insight and confidence needed for making team placement decisions.

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8 Softball Tryout Drills For Evaluating Your Players 

1. Round the Bases

Aim

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

Preparation

1. Separate the tryout players into three teams.
2. The first team are baserunners at home plate.
3. The second team are fielders starting behind 1st base.
4. The third team are fielders starting behind 3rd base.
5. The coach or player positions themselves 10-12 feet from home plate in a soft-toss position. 

How To

1. The first base running player steps to the plate.
2. Next, the coach tosses a softball, and the player hits a line drive and then proceeds to run around the bases.
3. The 1st player in the fielding lines from bases 1st and 3rd immediately runs to field the ball. 
4. As soon as both fielders touch the ball, the baserunner must stop.
5. Baserunners earn one point for each base they touch.
6. Repeat the drill until all players have had at least one chance to round the bases. 
7. Ensure you keep track of points to declare a team the winner. 

2. The Shoestring Catch

Aim

This softball outfield drill is designed to improve outfielders’ techniques by catching balls that land in front of them or at their feet, hence the name “shoestring” drill.

Preparation

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

How To

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.
4. Reassure players that the ball will not bounce higher than their knees; this will allow them to catch the ball with confidence. 

Watch the “Shoestring Catch” drill in action

3. Power the Hips

Aim

This softball hitting drill is designed to develop hip power in the swing.

Preparation

1. Ensure every player has a bat.
2. Place cones at a safe distance from each other but close to the fence.
3. Provide every player with a ball.

How To

1. Ensure that players are aware that turning their hips through the hitting zone is the focus of this drill.
2. Have players stand at their designated cones while ensuring or “double-checking” that there is sufficient safe distance between each player.
3. The coach will blow the whistle, and players will begin hitting their ball into the fence while powering their hips through the hitting zone. 

Learn more about the “Power the Hips” drill

4. Fast Hands

Aim

This softball batting drill is specifically designed to improve hand speed in players while hitting the ball. 

Preparation

1. Have the player stand at home plate in their athletic batting stance.
2. The coach is set up to the side of the player.

How To

1. The players assume their batting stance, ensuring they are in an athletic position and relaxed.
2. To grip the bat, the player moves their bottom hand all the way up to the top of the handle. Then, the player inverts their top hand so that the palm faces the pitcher and places it above the bottom hand. Finally, the player lines the bat up with their top hand’s fingertips.
3. The coach throws a soft toss, and the player swings away.
4. Repeat, with a focus on speed, concentration, and proper techniques. 

5. The Three-Minute Drill

Aim

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

Preparation

1. The pitcher stands on the mound.
2. A coach or player is next to the picture with a bucket full of softballs.
3. The catcher is at home plate.

How To

1. The pitcher throws as many pitches as they can in one minute before taking a one-minute rest. They then repeat this two more times for a total of 3 minutes of pitching, hence the name “three-minute drill.”
2. Ensure the pitcher completes her pre-pitch routine each and every time. 
3. Once the pitch is completed, have the player or coach quickly pass the pitcher the next ball. 

6. Start From 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 of the remaining players should be in a line directly behind 2nd base.
3. The coach or another player is at home base with the bat and balls.
4. An assistant coach or another player plays the role of the 3rd base coach. 

How To

1. Have the coach or players hit fungo singles.
2. Now, the 2nd base runner 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. 
4. Ensure that the 3rd base coach provides the runner with verbal and visual cues. 
5. To make the drill slightly more challenging, you can have players start from 1st base rather than 2nd. 

7. Outfield Grounders

Aim 

This softball fielding drill focuses on developing correct fielding techniques while also serving as an excellent run and warm-up for players. 

Preparation

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

How To

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. Pitching Knees

Aim

This softball pitching drill helps the coach evaluate the core strength and balance of the pitcher. 

Preparation

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

How To

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 to 15 throws, pitching with an emphasis on snapping the wrist.
4. Ensure the pitcher has a good posture, keeping her core tight and her body straight up and down. 

Expanding Your Coaching Toolkit

While our primary focus has been on the softball drills, it’s valuable for coaches across all sports to have a versatile approach to evaluations and selection of softball players. If you’re involved in coaching softball or looking to expand your understanding of softball tryouts, you can enhance your ability to run efficient and effective sessions. Here’s a brief overview to get you started:

Softball Tryout Format

• Warm-Up: Dynamic exercises focusing on agility and flexibility.
• Softball Throwing and Catching Drills: Assessing players’ defensive abilities, focusing on coordination between players and accuracy.
• Softball Hitting drills: Evaluating hitters’ technique and power.
• Base Running: Timing players’ running speed and assessing their decision-making skills.
• Softball Fielding Drills: Assessing players’ reaction time and arm strength.
• Game-like scenarios: After running through softball drills, emulate a “real-life” game scenario during tryouts.

Softball Tryout Plan

1. Set Clear Objectives: Determine what skills and attributes are most important for your team.
2. Schedule Softball Drills: Allocate specific times for each drill or activity, ensuring a smooth flow and minimizing downtime.
3. Include Evaluation Time: Build in moments for coaches to discuss and note observations about players’ performances.

Softball Tryout Checklist

• Equipment Ready: Balls, bats, gloves, helmets, bases, and any necessary protective gear.
• Drill Stations: Set up stations for each planned activity to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Evaluation Forms: Prepare forms or digital tools (like SkillShark for softball) to record player performances.
• Staff Assignments: Ensure each coach or helper knows their role and what they’re evaluating.
• Player Registration: Have a system in place for player check-in and information collection.

Looking For an Easier Way to Evaluate Softball Players?

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