How to Run Effective Softball Tryouts

Checking in players and running softball drills. While some might think that this is all you need to run a successful softball tryout, there are numerous components for it to be an effective one.

This blog breaks down everything to ensure your softball tryouts run smoothly every time. With your date, time, and evaluators set, we will guide you through the rest of the process step-by-step!

Step 1: Debrief Evaluators

Time: 20 minutes

A couple of hours before tryouts start, we recommend conducting a short debrief with all of your evaluators. Hosting an evaluator session right before tryouts ensures that the information will be fresh in their minds.

Run through your template

Whether utilizing pen-and-paper forms or an athlete evaluation tool to make the scoring process easier, walk your evaluators through the template so that each player is assessed fairly and consistently.

Showcase what makes a perfect “10”- It isn’t enough to state, “Please ensure unbiased and fair scoring.” While you don’t have to explain what makes a perfect score for each softball skill, provide general tips for what evaluators can look for, such as:

• Consistency- Accuracy & quality of execution
• Technique- Mechanics of the movement
• Form- Overall body position
• Athleticism- Speed, agility, strength, and coordination
• Game awareness- Reads plays & anticipates actions
• Attitude- Effort & enthusiasm

Step 2: Check-in Athletes

Although a start time will be set for tryouts, athletes will be arriving at staggered times. Some might come an hour early, while others might arrive minutes before the allocated start time.

To have a smooth check-in process, here are a few of our best tips:

Provide name tags or bibs- These should be made ahead of time and double-checked to ensure accuracy. Having the player’s name, desired position, and jersey number labelled clearly on the tag or bib will streamline the scoring process for your evaluators. 

Send out forms ahead of time- Any medical forms and waivers should be emailed out at least one week before tryouts. This speeds up the check-in process and ensures paper forms (if used) don’t get lost or misplaced. 

Hire volunteers – Having a couple of people at the registration counter is a great start. However, athletes will often have questions about where they need to go upon check-in. Have 1-2 volunteers beside the check-in desk who are solely designated to direct traffic.

Use a digital evaluation platform- SkillShark provides a seamless player check-in system to sign in players at the click of a button. Simply upload your players to the SkillShark app ahead of time using Excel or a player management software. On the day of tryouts, use your phone or tablet to search for the player and check them in. If any information needs to be changed last minute (such as their desired position or jersey colour), this can be updated at any time.

Step 3: Warm up

Time: 20 minutes

Arm circles- Athletes will extend both arms out to the side, executing slow & controlled arm circles forward and backward. *Arm circles can be started small until a full 360-degree rotation is achieved.

Leg swings- Without moving the upper body, athletes will swing their left leg forward and backward (in one fluid motion). After 10 swings, switch legs.

Frankenstein kicks- Athletes will start by kicking one leg straight up while simultaneously reaching towards it with the opposite hand. After 10 reps, athletes will switch sides.

Windmill stretch- Athletes will start with their feet wider than shoulder-width apart and arms extended. While legs/arms remain straight, athletes will slowly reach their right hand down to their left foot (while the other arm remains upward). After returning to the starting position, athletes will alternate sides. 

High knees- Athletes will jog in place while lifting up their knees as high as possible. Make sure their arms are pumping to increase momentum & power.  

Run around the bases- Set a timer for 30 seconds to start. Athletes will aim to run around the entirety of the bases within this time limit. Run this drill 5-7 rounds.

Cross-body arm stretch- Athletes will extend one arm straight across their chest. They will then use their opposite arm to gently pull the extended arm closer to their chest. 15-20 second hold per arm.

Wrist stretch- Athletes will have their left arm extended straight in front of them with their palm facing up. Athletes will use the other hand to gently pull their fingers towards their body. After both hands are stretched, they will switch palms to face down, pulling fingers towards their body for another deep stretch. 15-20 second hold per arm.

Ankle stretch- Athletes will lift one foot off the floor and extend their arms out to the side for balance. With the lifted foot, athletes will rotate their ankle in a circle 10 times clockwise and then switch directions.

Step 4: Drill Debrief

Time: 20 minutes

Although you might be inclined to start running the drills immediately after a warm-up, take 15-20 minutes to demonstrate the drills and answer any questions from your athletes.

Why demonstrate softball drills to athletes?

• Each tryout brings athletes with a range of expertise and experience.
• While your seasoned veterans might know each drill, it never hurts to run through them again to ensure they understand the proper technique/form. When it comes to newer athletes, going over the drills maximizes their learning experience.

Take 1-2 minutes for each drill and highlight these 3 areas:

• Starting positioning- explain the correct upper-body & foot positioning, body alignment, and glove positioning for starting each drill.
• Common mistakes- show what to avoid. I.e., Bad posture, overreaching, or dropping the glove.
• Movement patterns- demonstrate the movement and highlight key points of motion. I.e., Show what an effective throw looks like (the movement) and mention the importance of following through (key point of motion).

Step 5: Fundamental Softball Skills Evaluation

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Softball Fielding Drills

Shuffle & Catch

Purpose: Improves lateral quickness. This simulates real-game scenarios where athletes need to move laterally, field, and throw quickly.

• Place two buckets on the field, about 3 yards (9 feet) apart, to begin.
• One player will begin in the middle of the two buckets. *Line up the remaining players.
• Roll a ball to the first player. *Don’t mention which direction you are rolling the ball ahead of time.
• The player will quickly shuffle to the appropriate side, field the ball, and drop it into the designated bucket.
• Run the drill for 2 minutes.
• Ensure each player has at least two turns.

Quick Hands

Purpose: Helps players develop fast glove work by fielding the ball and getting it out of their glove hand in seconds.

• Pair up your players across the field.
• One will assume the position of the pitcher, and the other the position of the fielder.
• The pitcher will start with a softball in hand. The fielder will be in “ready” stance- knees slightly bent, weight distributed on balls of feet, and their glove hand in front at chest level.
• The pitcher will softly throw the ball towards their partner.
• The fielder will maintain possession of the ball, quickly transfer it to their throwing hand, and toss the ball back to their partner.
• After 3 turns, players will switch positions.

Note: When making a throw to their partner, fielders will stay low and balanced with their knees slightly bent. This position ensures a quick yet controlled throw.

Softball Hitting Drills

Follow-Through Hitting

Purpose: As a follow-through is an important step for achieving a powerful & fluid swing, this drill focuses on mastering that motion.

• Set up on a tee on home plate with a bucket of balls beside the tee.
• Have your players line up in a single-file line behind the tee. *Each player will have a bat in hand.
• The first player in line will take their turn. As they swing, they will keep their eyes on the ball the entire time.
• After hitting the ball, they will continue to swing naturally:
  • Shoulders & hips will rotate through the swingBody weight shifts forward
  • The bat should finish high and over the front shoulder
• Each player should have 2-3 turns.

Fungo Hitting

Purpose: Improves a player’s overall technique: swing path, follow-through, and accuracy.

• Set up 4 targets (with cones) on each corner of the field.
• Set up a tee on home plate with a bucket of balls beside the tee.
• Have your players line up in a single-file line behind the tee. *Each player will have a bat in hand.
• The first batter steps up to the plate, aiming to hit a ground ball to each of the targets.
• Each player should have at least 2 turns.

Tip: Players should be taking controlled, downward swings rather than trying to hit hard. Players must only make contact with the top half of the softball, which creates a better arc for hitting targets.

SkillShark’s Swing Analysis

Looking for a better way to score your player’s softball swings? With SkillShark’s new AI Swing Analysis, get:

• ✅ Objective scores for hitting mechanics
• ✅ Detailed metrics like hand speed, shoulder rotation, hip rotation, and stride length
• ✅ Actionable feedback that helps athletes progress and build confidence

Softball Pitching Drills

Kneeling Pitch

Purpose: Helps players focus on their upper body mechanics: arm motion, wrist snap, and follow-through.

• Pair up your players. One will assume the position of the pitcher, and the other the position of the catcher.
• The pitcher will begin the drill by:
  • Kneeling on one leg (the same leg as their throwing arm) with their foot pointed towards their partner.
  • The glove hand will be pointed straight towards their partner at either chest or shoulder height.
  • The throwing arm will be relaxed by their side.
• The catcher will be standing 20-25 feet away.
• When ready, the pitcher completes a full arm circle, finishing with a sharp wrist snap & a smooth release of the ball towards their partner.
• As the throwing arm comes forward, the glove hand will be tucked into the body at the chest or hip level.
• After 4 turns, players will switch positions.

Note: During the throw, the pitcher’s hips will stay square to their partner. However, their torso can rotate slightly as the throwing arm comes forward.

One-Leg Pitching

Purpose: Helps players improve balance, weight transfer, and stride mechanics.

• Pair up your players. One will assume the position of the pitcher, and the other the position of the catcher.
• The pitcher will start by:
  • Standing on one leg (opposite leg of their throwing arm).
  • Stride leg will be lifted slightly off the ground.
  • The glove hand will be pointed straight towards their partner at either chest or shoulder height.
  • The throwing arm will be relaxed by their side.
• The catcher will be standing 20-25 feet away.
• When ready, the pitcher completes a full arm circle (while maintaining good balance on their back leg), steps forward on their stride leg, and releases the ball with a sharp wrist snap.
• After 4 turns, players will switch positions.

Note: During the throw, the pitcher must ensure a smooth weight transfer. Think one fluid motion from the back leg, through the hips and torso, onto their front leg.

Softball Catching Drills

Block-to-Throw

Purpose: Players will learn to catch ground balls and swiftly transition to making an accurate throw towards base.

• Pair up your players. One will assume the position of the catcher, and the other the position of the pitcher.
• The catcher will begin in a normal crouch: their glove hand will be slightly in front of them (between their legs).
• The pitcher will lightly toss a ball towards the catcher, keeping the toss low to the ground.
• The catcher will drop to their knees and block the ball with their body. **No catch is made at this point.
• After the block, the catcher will quickly assume position: the gloved hand will secure the ball, they will pop up from their knees into standing position, and their throwing arms will come through in a smooth motion.
• After 3 turns, players will switch positions.

Sliding Catch

Purpose: Improves a catcher’s hand-eye coordination and reaction time while moving to catch a ball.

• Line up your players anywhere on the field.
• One at a time, athletes will begin in a “ready” stance- knees bent, weight distributed on balls of feet, and glove hand open.
• You will roll (or hit) ground balls toward the athlete.
• *However, you won’t mention which direction you are rolling/hitting the ball ahead of time.
• The athlete will slide toward the ball and catch it in a bent-leg slide.
• After 3 turns, players will switch positions.

Note: Weight should be shifted smoothly as the athlete makes contact with the ground, and both knees should stay bent.

Step 6: Scrimmage Situations

Time: 30 minutes

Divide players into teams for a short scrimmage. Keep the scrimmage similar to real-game scenarios: same field size, rules, and number of players. Additionally, make frequent breaks throughout the scrimmage to correct:

• Swing mechanics
• Throwing accuracy & strength
• Base running
• Stance & ready position
• Glove work
• Pitching mechanics
• Situational awareness
• Communication

Tip: Have your athletes rotate through different positions.

Why rotate softball players through multiple positions?

• Some athletes may think they want one position, but tryouts might show they perform better elsewhere.
• Ensures an athlete’s preferred position (identified on their registration form) is, in fact, the best fit for them.

Step 7: Cool Down & Debrief

Time: 30 minutes

Tricep stretch- Athletes will bend one arm and place it behind their head. Using the other arm, they will push down on the elbow of the bent arm for a deeper stretch. 30-second hold per arm.

Hamstring stretch- Athletes will sit on the ground with one leg bent and the other leg straight. They will lean forward towards the straight leg. 15-20 second hold per leg.

Quadricep stretch- While balancing on one leg, athletes will grab the ankle of the opposite leg and hold it behind them to stretch. The stretch should be held for 30 seconds per leg.

Shoulder stretch- Athletes will raise one arm to around shoulder height against a wall. Stepping one foot forward, they will lean into the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds per arm.

Calf stretch- Athletes will sit on the floor with one leg extended. They will use a towel or resistance band and place it around the ball of their foot, gently pulling their toes forward while the leg remains straight. Hold 20-30 seconds per leg.

Hip flexor stretch- Players will lunge forward with one leg, keeping their back knee on the ground. Hips will be gently pushed forward, yet squared (no rotation). Hold 20 seconds per leg.

Standing leg circles- With one leg lifted off the ground, athletes will make slow & controlled circles clockwise and counterclockwise. 20 circles per leg in each direction.

Provide information on next steps

After the cool-down, take 10 minutes to explain to athletes when they can expect to hear back about tryout results. Clarify the timeline for when results will be posted and the method of communication. I.e., Will they need to check your website, or will the results be sent directly via email?

Wrapping Up

There you have it, the ultimate guide to running effective softball tryouts! Ensure you debrief evaluators, incorporate softball drills that test fundamental softball skills, and add in a proper warm-up and cool down.

Looking for a softball evaluation app that does it all? Look no further than SkillShark! Customize your evaluation template, share with evaluators, and score athletes on any mobile device. Switching to a softball evaluation tool saves you hours of time and eliminates the stress of repetitive tasks.