Core Training

Basic Fundamentals Never Go Away in Softball

It’s critical that softball coaches take the time in practice to go over fundamentals with players. Fundamentals are typically introduced and taught at the 8U and 10U playing levels, but they don’t stop there. When players make it to college, fundamental drills are executed and completed at almost every practice. Fundamentals allow the athlete to develop and maintain skills with muscle memory for an extended period.

Each position on the softball field is going to require different skills to be mastered. Below are defensive positions and basic fundamental practice drills that can be implemented and completed before or during a full team practice.

Pitchers: It’s important that pitchers take the time to break down their pitches and go through a warm-up progression for all of them that focuses on proper drill form. When pitchers throw in games, their focus is on delivering a strike and their mechanics begin to deteriorate over time. Encourage your pitcher to spend more time on her form and spins in practice. This will create muscle memory and proper form that will carry over into games. Five common warm-up drills for pitchers are: wrist flicks, T’s, K’s, kneeling arm circles, and standing arm circles. Each drill should be practiced on a power line and the pitcher should be in the open position.

Catchers: Catchers serve a critical role behind the plate. Just as pitching is a very detailed and precise craft, the catching position needs just as much if not more time and focus. Catchers should always take time to practice to work on the mechanics of their overhand throw. Tape a line on the balls the catcher will throw with at practice to challenge her to throw over the top and get perfect spin. Catchers should always revisit blocking, receiving, framing, and transferring drills at practice. Catching for pitchers should always come after these drills have been completed. That way the catchers can have something to focus on behind the plate, rather than just going through the motions and creating lazy habits.

Infielders: There are plenty of infield drills for coaches to choose from. Before breaking off and sending players to their positions to hit ground balls, break it down one step further. Infielders should also practice overhand throws with a lined ball. After the arms are loose, partner drills are a great way to touch on those fundamentals. Players could roll ground balls to each other from their knees or standing, with or without their glove. These drills are designed strictly for proper fielding form and hand-eye coordination. Infielders can also practice footwork on groundballs and drop steps for those pesky pop flies that hover between the infield and outfield. Once the drill work is completed, the bat can be added in.

Outfielders: There are plenty of drills outside of fly balls and ground balls off a bat that outfielders can work on in practice. Outfielders should always line a ball before throwing with it in practice. The over-the-top throwing motion is highly recommended for outfielders, and it will improve their accuracy and keep their arms healthy on their long throws to the plate. One basic fundamental outfield drill is working on the drop step since the outfielders first step to play a ball should always be back. Using tennis balls to practice having soft hands when catching a fly ball is also beneficial for when the outfielder puts their glove back on. Challenge them and break them out of their comfort zones. If they are afraid or are hesitant to dive for a ball in games, acknowledge it at practice it. Then break it down into basic drill form. When athletes break through fears in practice, it carries over to games and makes the team stronger.

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