All hitters become aware of the challenge of softball hitting at some time in their career, and many have to rebuild confidence as they move up to higher levels of competition. The hitter must remind herself that her swing is the same regardless…
The Secret to Coaching an Ace Softball Pitcher
Physical talent doesn’t always translate onto the field, especially the softball mound. Softball pitchers must possess the ability not just to hit the corners and follow through on every pitch but also to always be mentally prepared.
Infield Drill – Four Corners Quick Catch Drill – Ricci Woodard – Texas State Univ.
Coach Ricci Woodard explains and her players demonstrate the Four Corners Quick Catch Drill
Infielders Throwing Mechanics – Ehren Earleywine – Univ. of Missouri
Coach Ehren Earleywine discusses Infielders Throwing Mechanics
Bat Path Drills – Jordan Stevens
Coach Jordan Stevens discusses and demonstrates bat path drills
Squeeze Bunt (Suicide Squeeze)
One of our favorite plays is the squeeze bunt, or suicide squeeze. This play is a good option when the team has a fast runner on third base and a good bunter at the plate. Some of our best bunters have also been power hitters, and the defense is…
First to Third Infield Drill – USA Softball
Coach Mike Candrea runs this First to Third Infield Drill
3rd Base Fielding Drill with Kyla Holas
Coach Kyla Holas explains and demonstrates a 3rd Base Fielding Drill
Pitching Break Points – Beth Torina – Louisiana State Univ.
LSU’s Head Coach Beth Torina explains a Pitching Break Points Drill
Hitting Contact Points – Gordon Eakin – BYU
Coach Gordon Eakin explains and demonstrates Hitting Contact Points
Catcher’s Drill – Bounce Toss – Lindsay Leftwich – Louisiana State Univ.
Watch: Catcher’s Drill – Bounce Toss – Lindsay Leftwich – LSU
Indoor Practice Competition Drill – Jordan Stevens
Watch: Indoor Practice Competition Drill – Jordan Stevens
Giving Signals from the Dugout
Cindy Bristow discusses tips for giving signals from the dugout
Slapping Drills – Rise and Drop Ball Tees – Ehren Earleywine – Univ. of Missouri
Coach Ehren Earleywine Expalins a Slapping Drill – Rise and Drop Ball Tees and his players demonstrate
Double Play Turn -2nd Base – Blake Miller
Coach Blake Miller discusses the positioning and mechanics for a 2nd base turn on a double play
Spin Drills with Mike Stith – Team Mizuno
Coach Mike Stith explains and players demo Spin Warm up Drills
Infield Mechanics – Forehand – Ehren Earleywine – Univ. of Missouri
Coach Ehren Earleywine discusses Infielder Mechanics
The Why of Drills – George Wares – Central College
Coach George Wares explains the importance of players understanding the purpose of each drill
Softball Conditioning for 7-Inning Strength
Softball conditioning can include plyometric and agility workouts for power and quickness and tempo runs to improve aerobic fitness and aid recovery. But it’s also important to include workouts for speed endurance with active recovery. Some might…
Tackling Signs & Signals for Enhanced Communication
Signs and signals deal with communication, which is important in any endeavor. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about softball or business or education or marriage, communication is important.
Strategies For Running From Home To First Base
Assume that the player hits the ball to the infield and there is likely going to be a play at first base. When running out of the box, the player should run in a straight line and maintain that line as she crosses first base (see figure 3.2).
Seven Tips to Effective Conflict Resolution
All of us experience disagreement and conflict in our lives. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us have never had any training on how to address and resolve a miscommunication or disagreement; situations become a hodgepodge of ignoring the…
Defensive Coverage For Pickoffs
Now let’s look at a few coverage options for running the pickoff at different bases. Pickoff attempts require a specific defender to cover the base to try to catch the runner off base. Because several infielders can cover each base, you may want…
2-Ball Intense Team Defense
2-Ball, keeps everyone, starters, back-ups and coaches, engaged in the drill at ALL times. The concentration needed to do the drill is extremely important. Each player needs to know where each coach is hitting to and what job they have on that hit.
First & Third: Defensive Options
The goal of the defense is to keep runners from advancing and to get at least one out on the play. Primary attention must always be paid to the runner at third. Teammates must yell “Home” the instant the runner at third breaks. The defense gives…
Receiving Throws for Force-Outs
When a ball is hit to the infield, the first-base player sprints to first base in anticipation of a throw to first. She drops the right foot back directly toward first base to allow a direct line to first and turn herself in a direction that…
Infield Practice Drills
When practicing with all infielders in their defensive positions, the key is to keep everyone active. Combination drills with throws to various bases keep everyone in the game. Drills should be fast paced so there is little standing around. Using…
Defense – Steal Coverages
One of most common flaws in the infield is that little or no communication occurs before the pitch about which players are covering the bases for steals in various situations. You may use option A when the offense does plan A and use option B for…
Drills for the Pitcher as a Defensive Player
The drill works best with at least three pitchers, a catcher, and a hit-t er. If you don’t have three pitchers, another player may play first, and pitchers rotate only on the mound. Pitchers form a single-file line at the mound, and one pitcher is…
Infield Drills – Kim Sowder – Long Beach State
Players are working on reaction to the ball and getting rid of the ball quickly, as if for a close play. The drill is harder than it sounds. Players will tire and must concentrate more than ever by the end of the drill. You must keep the drill…