8 Best Softball Tryout Drills

Softball tryouts are a critical step to assembling a competitive and well-rounded team. The softball tryout drills 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.

In order to run successful softball tryouts, it's important to run a series of position-specific drills that provide coaches with the data needed to make educated drafting decisions.

Keep reading to learn the 8 best softball drills that can help you evaluate talent quickly and effectively.

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 apps like SkillShark to ensure consistent feedback and objectivity.

3. Use Position-Specific Drills: Craft 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 ahead of time 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

Objective

This softball tryout 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 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. 

5. Ensure you keep track of points to declare a team the winner. 

2. Softball Outfield Drill: The Shoestring Catch

Objective

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

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.

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

3. Softball Hitting Drill: Power the Hips

Objective

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. 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.

Execution

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 a 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. 

4. Softball Batting Drill: Fast Hands

Objective

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

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.

Execution

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. Softball Pitching Drill: The Three-Minute Drill

Objective

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

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.

Execution

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. Softball Infield Drill: Start From the Second

Objective

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. 

Execution

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. Softball Fielding Drill: Outfield Grounders

Objective

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

Objective

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 Evaluate Softball Players?

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!