Fastpitch Softball Fielding Drills

Fielding is an important part of the game of softball. Natural athleticism will contribute to effective fielding, but technique and skill development are also very important, and these activities can improve the defensive game of players of all abilities. Coaches of competitive teams should have a game plan for all of their softball practices with clearly defined objectives and time frames. A variety of fielding drills should expose the players to multiple defensive scenarios during a game such as infield ground balls and bunts, and outfield line drives and pop flies. Youth players should develop a well-rounded defensive game and the ability to play multiple positions.

  1. Reaction Time

    • Have your infielders assume positions where they would normally play, but instruct them to face the outfield instead of the plate. With a bat that makes a noise when ball contact is made, hit ground balls to the infield from home plate. Instruct the players that they can only turn around when they hear the sound of contact. Instruct them to field the ball using the proper mechanics—staying low to the ground, fielding the ball between their legs, looking the ball into the glove—and make the play to first. This drill will improve quickness and reaction time.

    Fielding Triangle

    • Break the players up into groups of four and give one of the four players in each group a bat and ball. Have the three other players form a triangle with point "c" extended about 30 feet from points "a" and "b," which should be five to 10 feet apart. Instruct the player with the bat and ball to join the player at point "c." To start the drill the batter will hit a ground ball to the player at point "a." They will then field the ball and throw or underhand pass it to the player at point "b," who will then pass the ball to the fielder at point "c." This drill should be done as quickly as possible while emphasizing the importance of fielding the ball cleanly and making accurate throws.

    Team Defense Drill

    • This drill calls for ten players. Put four players in the shallow outfield around and behind the infield. Position another player at shortstop and one at second base. Nominate two hitters (or two coaches) to stand between home and first and home and third, and give each hitter a catcher. To start the drill, have each of the hitters hit ground or fly balls to the groups of players in front of them—their hits should cross paths. Instruct the players to communicate, field the ball effectively and throw it in to the catcher beside the hitter that hit the ball to them. To make things competitive, coordinate the two hits so that they mirror each other and award a point to the first team that gets the ball to their catcher. Rotate players into different positions every few hits.

    Reading Fly Balls

    • Write large numbers from one to five on white balls and hit them to your outfielders. Instruct your outfielders to shout out the number on the ball before they catch it. This will teach them to keep their eye on the ball all the way into their glove.

    The Paddle Drill

    • Strap or tie ping pong paddles to the inside of a fielder’s hands and hit them tennis balls. The fielder must successfully field the ball and place it to the side without it bouncing around or getting by them. This drill teaches the importance of soft hands. Player will have to cradle the ball and trap it with both hands to be successful.