Drill library
Softball drills
44 free Softball drills, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier. Pick a skill or filter by age, level and squad size.
44 drills
Ground ballsAlligator ground ballsYoung fielders learn to field a rolled ball with the glove open on the ground like an alligator's jaw, the throwing hand snapping shut on top.10 min · 2–12 players · U6+
Ground ballsThrowingBackhand and forehand ground ballsThe shortstop fields balls rolled to the glove side and the backhand side, sets the feet and throws to first.15 min · 3–10 players · U11+
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+
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+
HittingBatting tee basics: stance, load, swingYoung batters build a simple swing off a tee into a net: an athletic stance, a small load back, then step, turn and swing through to a full finish.15 min · 1–8 players · U5+
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+
Catcher skillsCatcher blocking balls in the dirtCatchers learn to drop to the knees, smother pitches in the dirt and keep the ball in front, straight on and to each side.15 min · 2–6 players · U11+
Catcher skillsThrowingCatcher pop time and throw-downsCatchers receive live pitches and throw down to second and third against a stopwatch, working on transfer, footwork and an accurate throw to the bag.20 min · 4–10 players · U16+
Catcher skillsCatcher receiving and framingCatchers learn a quiet glove, catching the ball out front and sticking pitches on the edges of the zone so they stay strikes.15 min · 2–6 players · U11+
PitchingDecision-makingChange-up and pitch sequencingPitcher and catcher build a change-up that looks like the fastball, then plan three-pitch sequences against a live batter and chart the result.30 min · 3–6 players · U16+
Cool-downCool-down and reviewAn easy jog round the bases, a circle of slow stretches for the throwing arm and legs, then a short team review where every player names one win and one thing to work on.10 min · 2–20 players · U10+
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+
Fly ballsDrop step and drift on fly ballsOutfielders drop-step on the coach's point, run to the spot without backpedalling, and drift in to catch above the throwing shoulder.15 min · 3–10 players · U10+
Warm-upFitness & agilityDynamic warm-up and arm careA ten-minute moving warm-up across the field, then band work and a partner throwing build-up that gets arms ready before anyone throws hard.15 min · 4–20 players · U10+
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+
Fly ballsFirst fly balls with a tennis ballA coach tosses high, soft tennis balls; young fielders call for it, move under it and catch it with two hands above the head, first bare-handed, then with a glove.10 min · 2–10 players · U6+
PitchingFirst windmill pitching: wrist flips to full circleNew pitchers build the underhand windmill in three steps (wrist flips, a half circle from straight up, then the full circle with a stride), moving back as each step gets smooth.20 min · 2–8 players · U8+
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+
Decision-makingGameForce out or tag?A coach sets up runners and rolls the ball to a fielder, who shouts “Force!” or “Tag!” and makes the right play, so young players learn when stepping on the base is enough.15 min · 6–14 players · U7+
HittingFront toss hitting behind a screenA feeder tosses underhand from behind a protective screen while the batter works on a short, level swing and hitting line drives up the middle.20 min · 3–10 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+
Ground ballsInfield ready position and fieldingInfielders creep into a ready position on every ball, attack the ground ball, field it out front and throw to first.15 min · 4–12 players · U10+