Softball drills
Softball team defence & relays drills
10 free Softball drills for team defence & relays, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
10 drills
Team defence & relaysBacking up bases and throwsThe whole defence learns where to go when the ball isn't coming to them: behind the base the throw is heading for, in line and deep enough.20 min · 9–14 players · U12+
Team defence & relaysBuntingBunt defence coverageThe infield practises its bunt coverage with a runner on first: corners charge, the catcher calls the play and the middle infielders cover the bases.20 min · 8–14 players · U13+
Team defence & relaysDecision-makingDefensive positioning by hitter and countThe defence learns to move before every pitch: shading for slappers, pull hitters and power hitters, and adjusting again as the count changes.25 min · 10–16 players · U16+
Ground ballsTeam defence & relaysDouble play feeds and pivotsMiddle infielders practise the feed to second and the pivot to first, turning a ground ball with a runner on first into two outs.20 min · 6–14 players · U13+
Team defence & relaysCatcher skillsFirst-and-third defenceWith runners on first and third, the catcher and middle infielders practise stopping the steal of second without giving up the run at home.20 min · 8–14 players · U14+
Fly ballsTeam defence & relaysOutfield communication and priorityOutfielders practise calling fly balls in the gaps: the centre fielder has priority, the caller shouts early and the other fielder peels off to back up.15 min · 4–12 players · U12+
Catcher skillsTeam defence & relaysPickoffs and back-picksCatchers and infielders run timed back-picks to first and third when runners take big leads after the pitch, with legal coverage that leaves runners a path to the base.25 min · 7–14 players · U16+
Fly ballsTeam defence & relaysPop-up priority in the infieldInfielders, pitcher and catcher practise who takes a pop-up: call it early, follow the priority order and give the caller room.15 min · 6–12 players · U12+
Team defence & relaysThrowingRelays and cut-offsOutfielders and infielders practise the relay on a ball in the gap: hit the relay player, who lines up and fires to the right base.20 min · 8–14 players · U12+
Team defence & relaysThrowingRundownsFielders practise running down a runner caught between bases: drive the runner back, make one throw if possible, tag and get out of the way.15 min · 5–12 players · U12+