Softball Catcher Drills

The catcher is one of many important positions such as second base, right field and pitcher, in the sport of softball. The catcher squats behind home plate and not only catches all the pitches, but is also responsible for many pop-ups, fly balls and for tagging runners out at home plate. An athlete must be strong, fast and accurate. There are several softball catcher drills for athletes that will help with skills needed to successfully play this position. These drills can be run with most ages of softball players.

  1. Backstop Drill

    • The backstop drill for catchers consists of retrieving balls, making the play at the plate and maintaining accuracy. A bucket of balls is placed behind the catcher at the mound. The catcher squats in her catcher stance, and with the pitcher halfway between the pitcher’s mound and catcher, the catcher turns around to grab a ball. The catcher then backhands the ball to the pitcher who should be running in to make the fake tag to the runner coming into home plate. Some coaches do this up to 30 times. The goal is for the catcher to run this intense softball catcher drill many times, over and over until she is able to accurately backhand the ball to the pitcher numerous times in a row.

      Not only does this drill improve the accuracy of the catcher’s throws, this drill also creates a sense of security for the pitcher when faced with this play during a game.

    Pop-up Drill

    • The pop-up drill is great practice for the catcher to go after pop-ups under pressure. A coach or assistant stands behind the catcher. The catcher has full gear on and is in the ready stance. The coach tosses the ball up high into the air and yells “ball” or “up” or “go.” The catcher needs to react quickly, throw off the gear and get the ball before it hits the ground.

    Quick Feet

    • The “Quick Feet” drill helps the softball catcher develop quick feet. The catcher is in position. The coach says whatever the designated word is. For example, the word could be “go” or “jump.” When the coach yells the word, the catcher jumps up and lands so that she has turned 90 degrees from the original stance. Each time the coach yells the word, the catcher jumps up and lands 90 degree difference from the previous stance. During the entire drill the catcher stays in the stance. The coach can run this drill up to 10 or 12 times.