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 a player who is 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 assurance you need to make informed drafting decisions.

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 round 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 outfield softball 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, 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 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 to each outfielder for them to field using the correct techniques. 
2. Ensure to hit a combination of varying balls to 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 with 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’ 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?

Using SkillShark, you can easily score softball athletes using your smartphone or tablet. As scores are entered, data is automatically stored on the backend. When you are ready to deep dive into player insights, head to the SkillShark’s report section and simply click on which report you would like to run.

That’s it! No fighting with formulas and no diving into design work. Reports are ready for you to run.

SkillShark Testimonials

Explore how SkillShark has transformed careers and organizations through real-life success stories. Join our community and streamline your softball evaluations today.

• 

  SkillShark has made tryouts for our baseball club so much easier, and the customer service has been top notch!!

  

  Jill Blake Sutherland

• 

  SkillShark provides a superior solution with added video and statistical performance.

  

  Bill Edwards

  Hofstra Head Coach

• 

  SkillShark has probably saved me about 120 hours overall.

  

  Jordan Draeger

  Owner/Operating at Going Yard Baseball

FAQ — Softball Player Evaluations

What is SkillShark, and how can it help in evaluating softball players?

SkillShark is a leading evaluation software and app designed to assist coaches in assessing and improving the performance of softball players. It streamlines the evaluation process by providing instant feedback reports after each assessment, saving coaches valuable time compared to traditional data entry into spreadsheets.

Can SkillShark be used for other sports besides softball?

Yes, SkillShark is a versatile tool suitable for evaluating athletes in various sports. While this blog focuses on softball, SkillShark can be applied to multiple sports, making it a valuable resource for coaches across different disciplines.

How do I get started with SkillShark?

Getting started with SkillShark is easy. You can request a free demo to learn how the app works and see if it suits your coaching needs.

There are no strings attached to trying out SkillShark, and the demo will provide you with valuable insights into its features and benefits.

What are the main features of SkillShark for softball evaluations?

• Customize evaluation templates
• Score athletes on your mobile device
• Instantly access player data
• Provide player report cards
• Compare & rank players
• Draft teams on the app

Can SkillShark be used by coaches of all levels?

Absolutely! SkillShark is suitable for coaches at all levels, whether you are working with beginner-level players or professionals. The customizable templates and flexibility of the app make it adaptable to your coaching requirements, regardless of the players’ skill levels.

Is SkillShark suitable for both individual and team evaluations?

SkillShark is versatile and can be used for both individual player evaluations and team assessments. Coaches can tailor the evaluations to meet their specific coaching objectives, whether they are working with individual players or entire teams.

Can SkillShark be used for softball evaluations at different skill levels, including youth players?

Yes, SkillShark can be used for softball evaluations across various skill levels, from youth players to professionals. Coaches can adapt the assessment criteria and templates to suit the developmental stage of the players they are working with.

We dive deeper into youth softball drills here.

What are some softball tryout tips to consider?

1. Choose drills 2-3 weeks ahead of tryouts.
2. Select evaluators 1 week before and communicate with them (i.e., run through the drills and explain what they should look for at each station they are evaluating).
3. Focus on positive relationships. Aside from coaching softball tryouts, take the time to get to know athletes and provide verbal tips for improvement when you can.

Where can I find a softball tryout template?

SkillShark offers a free printable softball tryout template. All you have to do is download and print, then you are ready to evaluate!

While we do offer a softball evaluation form, we do recommend checking out the SkillShark app, removing pen-and-paper evaluations.

What is included in a softball practice plan?

A well-structured softball practice plan ensures you make the most out of your available time.

1) Set clear objectives of what you want to accomplish.
2) Schedule the necessary softball drills & game scenarios.
3) Include time to properly take notes and provide verbal feedback during practice.