Slow Pitch Drills

Fun and competitive drills are an effective way to teach proper technique to slow-pitch softball players. Use hitting, catching, pitching and base running exercises to help players hone their skills and incorporate them into games. Adjust the drills based on players' ability to get the most out of the exercises.

  1. Defense

    • Pepper is a popular fielding drill that trains players' reactions, throwing ability and communication skills. Divide players into two groups and have them stand in a line, with two to three feet between each individual. Position yourself about 15 feet from the players and have someone next to you to catch their throws. Hit ground balls and line drives in random order and have players field the ball and make an accurate throw. Players are eliminated from the game if they miss the ball or make an errant throw. The top two from each group advance to the final round, and the last player standing is the winner.

    Hitting

    • Use a batting tee to help players work on their swing and plate coverage. Have players stand in the normal stance and make sure they can touch the other side of the plate with their bat. Position the tee according to the player's needs. To work on inside pitches, set up the tee in front of the plate on the inside corner. Put the tee just behind the plate and off the outside corner for pitches on the outer edge of the strike zone; leave the tee right in front of the plate to simulate pitches down the middle. Do this drill in a batting cage or in front of a soft toss net and have the players work on hitting the ball to all parts of the field.

    Running the Bases

    • Have a player in each fielding position, with the remaining players lined up next to the coach at home plate. These players will act as base runners. The coach hits balls into the outfield, and the runners must advance as far as they can. Coaches should primarily hit balls that would usually be singles, but tell the base runners to run hard to first base and try to stretch the hit into a double. The purpose of the drill is to teach aggressive base running and pressure the defense.

    Pitching

    • The pitching distance drill is ideal for pitchers who struggle with control and accuracy. Have the catcher positioned behind the plate, and have the pitcher stand halfway between the plate and the mound. After the pitcher throws a certain number of strikes -- the coach should set a certain target -- have the pitcher move 10 feet farther back. Repeat the process until the pitcher is twice the normal pitching distance from home plate. Stress the importance of maintaining the same form regardless of the distance and flicking the wrist upon release of the ball.