3 Easy Ways to Become a Better Fielder
It can be argued that defense wins games in softball. The teams who are still standing at the end of tournaments are usually the ones who have solid pitching and defense, along with the ability to score runs. When teams have a dominant pitcher in the circle with a defense behind her that can make plays, this takes the pressure off of the offense. Runs are precious in softball and sometimes one run is enough if the pitching and the defense are on that day.
Fielding practice in softball is often overlooked. It is common for coaches to get too caught up in a team’s ability to hit/score runs and they will schedule practices around the offense. Hitting position players a few ground and fly balls each at practice during full-team defense isn’t going to benefit the fielders. The reps become even less on game days due to lack of warm up space and time is crunched. Most coaches would rather spend game day warm-up time on hitting.
Think about how many swings hitters take off a tee at practice. Then reflect on how many pitches a pitcher throws at practice, in lessons, and on her own time. Hitters practice hitting, pitchers practice pitching, catchers practice blocking and throwing, fielders need to practice fielding! Fielders should practice fielding the same amount of reps they take when hitting balls off a tee. If the question of time comes up, then make time.
Below are three easy ways to become a better fielder.
Drills Drills Drills: Fielding is no different than hitting, pitching, or catching when it comes to the importance of drill and skill work. Infielders should practice roll ground balls to their forehand, backhand and straight on as well as incorporate short hops into their warm up. These drills should be done every single time an infielder steps on the field. After completing the team throwing progression set aside five minutes for these glove work drills. Outfielders should set aside time for drop steps as well as tracking drills for groundballs and fly balls. Infielders and outfielders who practice drills regularly will make the plays on game days.
Always go Full Speed: Infielders and outfielders should play every ball like they would in a game. This means diving for balls that are just out of reach in practice because it will carry over to games. “I will do it in a game,” is no longer an acceptable excuse at practice. If fielders go all out in practice, no ball or play will be out of reach on game days. If players can practice going full speed, this will become a habit, and they will quickly elevate their game.
One Play Ahead Mentality: This skill will be learned and developed as players get older. It’s called the one play ahead mentality, because the fielders will be doing just that, always thinking one play ahead. This means fielders will think about and know where they are going with the ball (if it is hit to them) on every single play. When the ball is hit to them, they don’t have to waste time thinking about where to go with the ball; they will know and execute it. Errors are made when players think while they are making a play. The more advanced fielders will think in between pitches where to go with the ball and they will play the game at a much faster pace.
