Advanced Softball Drills

Even for intermediate players in softball, practice is very important. Without practice, a player's performance can simply deteriorate. Often in sports, practice entails doing a set of drills that helps the body maintain its condition and momentum. Drills are often done in repetition. Consequently, as the body repeatedly does something, it becomes better at it. Just as in any other discipline, the kind of drills to carry out depends on the level of the player.

  1. Butterfly Relay Drill

    • In this advanced softball drill, the players are separated in two equal teams. There are two choices in this drill: to have each group compete against one another or to match the team against the clock. Four bases or small red cones are used to construct a squarelike drill course. The cones or bases may be positioned 60 feet apart or a different distance depending on the preferred distance of the coach. Ideally, the cones should not go smaller than 40 feet square. The player starts at the first one then crosses to the next before going straight to the other cone. The idea of the drill is build the player's speed and footwork. The crisscross pattern will help the players learn how to best run. The team or player with the least time wins or gets a point. This drill should be done at least five times.

    Bunt Defense Drill

    • This softball drill requires repeated bunt fielding and throwing toward a certain base. Five players are needed. Each player should take her place at the five different positions: catcher, pitcher, first base, second base and third base. The rest of the team will take their spots along the first base line. Each player will take turns catching the ball. The first baseman, second baseman and third baseman will each have an empty bucket. The coach will be at the home plate with a bucket full of balls to field.

      Basically, the coach will roll or bunt a ball towards the first base. The player at the first base will throw the ball to the second. The player at the second base will put the ball in the bucket before rolling a bunt to the third. The player at the third base will then throw the ball to the first base. The player at the first base will put the ball in the bucket. The cycle is done repeatedly until all players get their chance. The purpose of the drill is to each player how to properly field a bunt and throw a ball towards a certain base. Second basemen will also get the chance to practice throwing and receiving.

    Four-Star Drill

    • It's very important for a softball player to master throwing and catching. That is, advanced players should be able to throw between 30 to 60 feet in a game. The four star drill allows players to develop a certain throw within the 40 feet range. Aside from throwing and catching, this advanced drill also helps improve a player's reaction.