College Softball Drills

Preparing for college softball games requires a lot of practice, which incorporates drills. Drills prepare players by putting them in situations similar to a real game so reactions become instinctual. Repetition of drills throughout the season helps players remember appropriate body movements, such as where to place the glove when a softball approaches from a certain direction, and stances. Avoid drill monotony by spacing one drill out every couple of practices.

  1. Infield

    • Infielders deal with a range of hit balls including grounders, which are balls that hit the ground and roll or bounce through the infield; line drives that are hard, fast shots through the infield; and pop-ups, which shoot straight in the air off the bat. The most difficult of the three to stop at the college level is the long-range grounder because it moves fast and requires a diving motion to grab it. College softball players hit grounders that move faster than players at the high school level, which means college infielders must prepare for a grounder that approaches at faster speeds and bounces harder off infield divots. To help infielders stop long-range grounders, have half the team stand in a line at third base and the other half of the team form a line at first base. Use a strong hitter as the batter so players can field balls hit with maximum force. Allow each player to field a long-range grounder to her right side if she is on first base and to her left side if she is on third base. Because first and third basemen stand moderately close to their base during a game, avoid having the player dive toward the base to avoid injury. This drill works a player's forehand and backhand, and provides practice on extending her dives.

    Outfield

    • Teamwork is an important concept for outfielders because fly balls often are hit between two players. Practice communication skills by hitting a fly ball between two players. When one player calls the ball, the other must back her up by standing a few feet from the receiving player in case she misses the catch. Work in throwing practice by asking the player who catches the ball to immediately throw it to a designated base. This technique will assist the outfielder in retrieving the ball and discarding it quickly and accurately.

      College softball players are more likely to hit balls that reach the outfield fence and beyond, so hit fly balls that would land just outside of the fence. Have the players attempt to reach over the fence to snatch a fly ball before the hit turns into a home run. When the ball is caught, have the player throw it to a designated base to avoid giving runners time to tag up and sprint to the next base.

    Pitching

    • Softball pitching is entirely different than baseball pitching; a softball pitcher delivers the ball using a circular arm motion starting at the front of the body, extending up and around and finishing with the ball's release at the hip. To enhance a softball player's pitching speed and accuracy, start by working on the pitcher's spring from the mound. The explosive action is similar to a sprinter's first step. Have the player leap forward off the mound, focusing on speed and a comfortable leap.

      Work in the second major motion, which is the downswing. Have the pitcher lean the top portion of her body backward when her pitching arm reaches full extension and is pointing toward second base. This action will assist her in gaining speed for the release.

      End the pitching drill by helping the player reach the final motions of a pitch. Measure the landing leg and tell the player that is must be at a 15 to 25 degree angle. Repeat the landing until the leg angle is correct. Encourage an erect body posture with the shoulders at maximum three-quarter closed and the hips at maximum halfway closed.