10+ Best Softball Drills Every Coach Should Use

Are you a first-time softball coach? Maybe you're a veteran coach looking to polish up the ol' softball practice plan. Or, you're an elite softball player who is looking to get better on the diamond. Either way, the softball bat experts at JustBats are here to help make yourself and your team excel. Hitting, fielding, pitching, and catching drills are all equally important and need to be practiced tirelessly so that team goals can be accomplished.

Without further ado, here are the best softball drills for fastpitch softball. For simplicity, these top softball drills are categorized by position. Each category includes the two best applicable softball drills or tips, with a short description of both. Now, let's build on those fundamental skill sets and become more productive and efficient on the diamond. 

Fundamentals of Effective Softball Training

Developing softball players takes more than just running through mechanical drills. Effective training requires a balance of skill development and game-like situations. Players tend to retain more when skills are practiced in realistic scenarios rather than isolation, thanks to the pressure and decision-making involved in actual gameplay.

The best softball practice focuses on three key components:

1. Technique development
2. Situational application
3. Competitive elements.

Key Factors of Successful Softball Drills

Not all softball practice drills are created equal. The most effective softball drills share a few key traits: they’re purposeful, repeatable, and offer immediate feedback. Players need to understand not only how to execute a drill but also why it’s essential for their performance on the field.

When introducing new softball drills, coaches should demonstrate the correct technique, explain the drill’s purpose, and offer specific feedback as players execute it. This approach has been shown to significantly speed up skill development compared to practicing without guidance.

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Best Fastpitch Softball Drills 

Infield Drills 

The Ozzie Drill

You won't find a drill that helps players work on their instincts, hand-eye coordination, and transitions better than the Ozzie drill. Have your infielder start on their knees and draw a half-moon circle in the dirt around the front of their body (their softball glove must not go outside of this circle). As the coach (or parent), stand on the pitching mound and start throwing balls with bad hops in their general direction. It is the player's job to keep their fingertips down and scoop the ball out of the dirt and throw it back to you as quickly as possible. Make sure the player is using the frontside and the backside of their fastpitch glove when reaching for the softball. 

Double Play Drill

The double play, also known as the 6-4-3 or turning two, is a momentum changer on any diamond. But completing a double play is anything but easy, which is why it must be practiced. To start, have a group of your players (anywhere from 3-5) line up with one player standing opposite the line, and then place a ball at the front of the line. The player with the ball throws it to the player opposite her and then immediately runs to the other side, while the receiver catches with two hands and continues the cycle. The ball should always be chest high, and the throws can be done underhanded and overhanded, depending on how far apart the lines are. 

21 Outs Drill

The 21 Outs Drill simulates the pressure of completing a game. Line up your players and assign them positions. Start with one out and challenge your players to work together to get 21 consecutive outs, without making any errors. This drill reinforces communication and situational awareness, making it an excellent choice for building teamwork under pressure.

Outfield Drills & Tips

Cut Two

For this outfield drill, you'll need your catcher, second baseman, and pitcher to participate. The goal of this drill is for your outfielders to practice making the long toss from the outfield to home plate with precision. Have your outfielders take a ball and scatter across the outfield. They will then take turns attempting to throw their ball to home plate so that the catcher can tag out a runner without moving. As the outfielders take turns, it is the catcher's job to determine whether or not the ball is on line or off line. If the catcher believes the ball is off line, they must yell, "Cut Two." Once this phrase is yelled, the pitcher must cut off the ball and make a throw to second base. Repeat as many times as desired or until your outfielders make a certain number of throws in a row without having to cut two. 

Can of Corn

For those who have never heard the phrase can o' corn, it is a high, easy-to-catch, fly ball hit to the outfield. Grab your fungo bat and start hitting softballs as high into the air as possible. Your outfielders must then communicate who is closest by yelling "Can of Corn!" If one of your players drops a catch, have them do conditioning, sit-ups, or push-ups. This is a simple, yet fun drill that all outfielders will appreciate. 

Pitching Drills & Tips

Pitchers should always have a go-to pitch to complement the handful of other pitches in their arsenal. Do you have a favorite pitch you choose when you're in a jam? Regardless of whether you do or don't, read on, and you may find your new favorite pitch. Need a pitcher's glove? Our teammates at JustGloves have over 100 options to choose from, with all the top brands. 

How to throw a drop ball

• Lay your fingers across the smile of the ball with the thumb opposite your middle finger.
• Snap and pull the ball up as it releases from your fingertips.
• Upon release, your shoulders need to be over your front knee.
• Always have a strong arm circle.

How to throw a curveball

• Lay your middle finger on the smile of the ball and tuck your index finger with your thumb on the opposite side.
• Snap the ball across your body on release with your palm up.
• Have your stride be slightly off center and pull across your body.
• Always have a strong arm circle. 

Catching Drills & Tips

Catchers easily have the most physically demanding position in softball. Squatting for an entire game does serious damage to the knees and other joints. When it comes to becoming an elite player behind home plate, it all starts with your stance. Here is Ashley Holcombe's, a former catcher for Team USA, stance tips.

• Always start shoulder-width apart. 
• Put your weight on the inside balls of your feet.
• Place your mitt in a position where you can conceal your pitch signals.
• Stay as relaxed as possible and don't get stiff.

Next up is the importance of being able to throw runners out at second. It is the responsibility of a catcher to keep an eye out for baserunners looking to steal. 

• The most important thing is that you get rid of the ball as quickly as possible. 
• Focus on the catch first and then quickly to the ear. 
• Stay balanced and bend your legs as you stand up. 
• Point your elbow at your target and throw the runner out.

Base Running Drill

3-2-1 Softball Drill

This drill helps players develop focus and accuracy under pressure. Start by dividing your team into two groups. The first group attempts to make three outs, and the second group tries to score two runs before the first group gets all three outs. Then, switch roles. This drill emphasizes speed, teamwork, and decision-making in a game-like scenario.

Hitting Drills & Tips

Before we dive into the top two hitting drills, watch two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Smith give a softball hitting tip.

To recap, follow these two simple steps when hitting off a tee:

• Make sure the ball is slightly behind your front foot on contact.
• Your stride should put you in a position where your weight is on your back leg and that your direction is toward the path of the ball. 

Drop Ball Drill

One of the best hitting drills for increasing bat speed and improving hand-eye coordination. Have your player stand in the batter's box as normal (or have your hitter face a fence or net for easy retrieval). Stand just outside the plate and towards the mound, but outside of the swing plane so that you don't get hit. Hold a softball above your head and then drop the ball directly into the contact zone. The player must then try to hit the ball with proper mechanics before it hits the ground. Adjust your drop higher or lower depending on the batter's speed, and make sure not to let the hitter use improper mechanics to cheat the drill.

Live Batting Practice 

Honestly, there is no better hitting drill than to take live batting practice. Whether that be in a batting cage or with your pitcher on the mound and catcher behind home plate is entirely up to you. Fundamentals and mechanics are of equal importance, but if you're not practicing at game speed, it is hard to improve your hitting ability. So, grab your softball bat and go through an entire bucket of balls (or 10) and improve your hand-eye coordination, timing, and overall swing speed.

Drills to Run at a Softball Tryout

When running a tryout, it's essential to test players’ skills in different areas. Some great drills to include are:

• Hitting Drills: Start with a tee drill or soft toss to test their bat speed, accuracy, and contact consistency.
• Fielding Drills: Run through basic infield and outfield drills (like the Ozzie Drill) to see how well players track and field the ball.
• Base-Running Drills: Test their quickness and ability to read pitchers by having them run from base to base under pressure.
• Throwing Drills: Evaluate arm strength and accuracy by having players throw to a target or through specific drills like the Double Play Drill.

These tryout drills allow you to assess a player’s all-around ability and readiness for the team.

Measuring Progress and Success of Softball Drills

Measuring progress during softball drills is crucial for assessing player development and ensuring that practice is translating into game performance. One of the most effective ways to track improvement is by setting specific, measurable goals for each drill. For example, if you're working on the Double Play Drill, track how many successful double plays your team can complete in a given time. For pitching drills, monitor how often pitchers can execute their pitches with precision and control under pressure.

A simple way to measure progress is through consistent feedback. Whether it's time taken to complete a drill, accuracy of throws, or reaction time, measuring tangible improvements will give players a sense of accomplishment and help coaches pinpoint areas for further development. Keep a record of each player's performance over time to evaluate long-term growth and ensure your drills are truly enhancing their skill sets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Softball Drills

While mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, there are some common errors that can significantly slow progress during softball drills. Being aware of these pitfalls can help coaches and players avoid setbacks and maximize their training efforts. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Neglecting the Fundamentals

It’s easy to get caught up in advanced techniques, but neglecting the basics will limit progress. Always ensure players master fundamental skills before moving on to more complex drills. Proper form and technique are the foundation for success.

2. Not Providing Enough Repetition

Softball requires muscle memory, and players won’t improve without consistent practice. Repetition is key to developing proper mechanics, and drills should be performed regularly to help players execute skills under pressure during games.

3. Lack of Communication

Communication is critical in team sports like softball. Whether infield or outfield, players need to communicate when calling for the ball or coordinating movements. Lack of communication leads to confusion and mistakes, so encourage clear and consistent dialogue throughout each drill.

Wrapping Up Your Softball Drills

There you have it. These are some of the best softball drills for practice.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite drill that we left out? Let our Bat Experts know so that we can add it to the list. Remember, if you have any specific softball bat related questions, our Bat Experts are available via phone at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. Don't forget, we'll be here for you from click to hit!