Softball Tee Drills

Conducting T-ball drills is a fun way to introduce youngsters to softball. Many children do not know what to do or how to act during a game, so the coach must be patient. By having the team participate in a variety of hitting and fielding drills, a coach can teach the players how to play the game the right way.

  1. Baserunning

    • Teach the players how to properly run the bases during softball practice drills. Many young players do not know when to stop running after they get a hit. Tell the players that once they hit the ball, they need to watch the first base coach for instructions. Start the drill by having the first batter hit the ball off of the tee. Have the first base coach call the batter by name, while also waving them to first base. Run the drill for each player on the team, until they all remember to look to the first base coach after getting a hit.

    Fielding

    • Fielding drills will help the players learn to avoid getting in each other's way during a game. Many young players tend to race with their teammates to field a ground ball, instead of giving way to the closest player. Because the ball does not travel far after a hit in T-ball, one way to let the players field is by letting them take turns. This gives everyone a chance, instead of just the fastest players. Have the team line up in a semicircle. Stand on home plate to conduct the drill. Hit the ball off the tee and call one player by name to field the ball. Continue the drill until everyone on the team fields at least three ground balls. Step in to correct a player's fielding technique when necessary.

    Throwing

    • Show the players the right way to throw during softball drills. Have the team line up across the infield, roughly 3 feet apart. Stand 5 feet away from the line and roll a softball to the first player. Have the player field the ball and throw it back. Step in to make corrections to either the player's fielding or throwing technique. Repeat the drill until everyone has made three good throws.

    Hitting

    • Have the team line up for batting practice. Show the first player in line how to swing the bat at the proper angle to hit the softball off of the tee. Once the batter is able to hit the ball consistently, speed up the pace of the drill. Tell the batter that after she gets a hit, you will put another ball on the tee right away. Make her hit five balls in a row without missing. Repeat the drill with the rest of the team. If any of the players have problems hitting the ball, make a suggestion to their parents to work on the player's swing at home.