Softball drills
Softball baserunning drills
6 free Softball drills for baserunning, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
6 drills
BaserunningFitness & agilityBase running relay raceTwo teams race around the same diamond from opposite corners, touching every base in order and handing off with a high-five, so everyone practises rounding the bases at speed.10 min · 6–16 players · U6+
BaserunningDecision-makingBaserunning: reading the ball off the batRunners on second learn to read the ball off the bat: go on balls hit behind them, hold on balls hit in front, freeze on line drives.15 min · 6–14 players · U12+
SlidingBaserunningFeet-first slidingRunners learn a safe bent-leg, feet-first slide on grass or a slide mat, then build up to sliding into a loose base at game pace.15 min · 3–12 players · U10+
SlidingBaserunningHook and pop-up slidesSenior runners learn the pop-up slide to get straight back on their feet and the hook slide to avoid a tag, on a slide mat or wet grass before the dirt.25 min · 3–14 players · U16+
BaserunningLeaving the base on the releaseRunners on every base practise a rocking start so they leave the instant the pitch is released, never early, and get back under the look-back rule.12 min · 5–15 players · U11+
BaserunningRun through first baseBatters hit off a tee, set the bat down and sprint through first base at full speed, touching the front of the bag, then break down, look for an overthrow and walk back.10 min · 2–12 players · U6+