Defense: Throwing Drills

Provided by: Practice Perfect Softball - Human Kinetics

Four Corners

Equipment:
- Four Bases
- One to four softballs

Setup:
Split up players evenly at each base. Start with one ball at home plate. Dictate which way the ball is thrown and whether the thrower follows the ball (runs to the next line or stays at the base).

Execution:
The receiver at the first target calls for the ball. The thrower throws to the target and runs to the end of the next line. The receiver catches and makes a tag (if appropriate, with footwork), moves the ball on to the next base, and follows her throw to the next base (figure 10.2). Continue as long as you like, changing direction as necessary. To increase difficulty and improve communication, add a second ball at second base (athletes should stay at the base where they start).

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Star Drill

Equipment:
- Four bases
- One softball

Setup:
Split up athletes into equal lines at all infield positions (excluding pitcher). You should have five lines 1 B, 2B, 3B, SS, and C (figure 10.3).

Execution:
The ball originates at home plate. C throws to SS and then runs to the back of the SS line, following her throw. SS throws to 1 B, 1B throws to 3B, 3B throws to 2B, and 2B throws to C, where you can terminate the drill or continue until every player has been to every position.

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Next Play

Equipment:
- Four bases
- One ball
- One bat

Setup:
One athlete at every infield position including pitcher

Execution:
Depending on your script, hit the ball to the first player and let her begin the ball move¬ment. Potential scripts (figure 10.4 a-d):

After the pitcher fields and throws the ball, she needs to exit the field to avoid being hit by a throw.