Softball Fielding Drills

Ground balls, line drives, and fly balls. These types of batted balls can all become scoring opportunities if not fielded properly. With proper technique, players can react quickly, control the ball, and make accurate passes to limit opponents' chances.

We walk through 6 softball fielding drills to help your players build consistency, improve reaction time, and make faster transitions & throws.

Field and Toss

Set up:

• Pair up players.

• One will assume the tosser, and the other will assume the receiver.

• The tosser will have three balls in hand.

• The receiver will have a glove placed on their dominant throwing hand.

Execution:

• To start the drill, players should stand directly across from one another.

• The tosser will throw the 1st ball slightly to the receiver's right side.

• The receiver will shuffle to the ball, field it cleanly, and toss it to the side opposite their glove hand.

• The receiver will remain in position while the tosser shuffles across to line up directly in front of them.

• Players will repeat the same sequence with the 2nd and 3rd balls and then switch roles.

Quick Feet and Catch

Set up:

• Pair up players.

• One will assume the tosser, and the other will assume the receiver.

• The tosser will have a bucket of balls nearby.

• The receiver will have a glove placed on their dominant throwing hand.

• Place two pylons about 5-6 feet apart. This will guide receivers on how far they can shuffle.

• The receiver will start by standing beside one cone.

Execution:

• The receiver will begin by executing quick feet with their glove down by their chest.

• After 2-3 seconds of quick feet, the receiver will run to the opposite cone.

• As they make their way to the other cone, the tosser will throw the ball.

• The receiver will catch the ball and lightly toss it to the side in one swift motion.

• Repeat this drill for 3 minutes before partners switch roles.

Blind Catch

Set up:

• Line up players in a single-file line.

• Each player will have a glove on their dominant hand.

• To start the drill, two players will stand about 12-15 feet apart with their backs to the outfield.

• Coach will be centred behind both players in the infield.

Execution:

• When ready, you will say “go” to signal the start of the drill and toss a ball towards the players (aim for the middle).

• Right after you say “go,” the two outfielders will turn, locate the ball, and communicate with each other as to who will catch it.

• The outfielder who catches the ball will throw it back to the coach.

• Repeat 2 more times before switching out players.

Throw Around the Bases

Set up:

• Divide players evenly into three groups. All players will have a glove.

• One group will be behind first base, third base, and home base.

• Coach will stand behind the home plate with a bat and a bucket of balls.

Execution:

• Coach will start by hitting a ground ball to the player at third base.

• The third base player will field the ball and throw it to the player at first base.

• The first base player fields the ball and throws it to the player at home base.

• After the player at home base fields the ball (and places it in the bucket), the drill will resume with new players at the front.

Field in The Box

Set up:

• Use four pylons to create a large rectangle.

• Pylons should be spaced approximately 7 feet apart horizontally and 5 feet apart vertically.

• Place an additional pylon directly in the center.

• The coach will stand across the center pylon with a bucket of balls.

• Line up players outside the rectangle. Each player will have a glove in hand.

Execution:

• The first player will stand in front of the middle cone.

• The coach will throw a soft pop-up to one of the four corners.

• The fielder will run to catch the ball, ensuring proper footwork and tracking.

• Upon catching the ball, the fielder will throw it back to the coach.

• The next player in line will take their turn.

Hit the Cone

Set up:

• Place a tee on home plate (as high up as possible).

• Place a small cone on top of the tee.

• Players will line up in a single file line (about 20-25 feet) directly across from the tee.

• Coach will stand beside the tee with a bucket of balls.

Execution:

• Coach hits a ground ball to the first player in line.

• Player will field the ball and then quickly adjust their shoulders & feet to line up with the target.

• Player will throw the ball and attempt to hit the cone.

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