Softball Fly Ball Fielding Analysis

In order to be able to fully help your softball players to be good fly ball fielders, it is beneficial to have a thorough understanding of the skill from as many angles as possible. Following is what can referred to as a referent model or softball fly ball fielding analysis for softball throwing that will give you some ideas on how to improve small specific pieces of the skill that need to be refined.

Softball Fly Ball Fielding Analysis Considerations

The best way to analyze softball skills is with video analysis.  The ability to slow the motion down and see specific movements by the player will allow you to not only take not of the refinements but also allows the player to see it as well.  This will be useful in the development of kinesthetic awareness.

Technical / Tactical Skill Factors

We don’t always consider it but fielding fly balls is a technical and tactical skill.  How and when the player fields the ball will determine the ultimate success.

Some Technical Errors for Fly Ball Fielding

Technical Errors	Improvement Strategies
poor timing	take many types of fly balls
slow to the ball	agility / speed drills
not reading the ball off the bat	take many types of fly balls
glove in front of the eyes	ensure it is at throwing shoulder
incorrect first step	practice with balls right at you
incorrect first step	practice with balls right at you
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Some Tactical Errors for Fielding Fly Balls

Tactical Factors	Improvement Strategies
poor positioning	position game and practice
inability to read the batter	get specific experience
lack of experience	watch and play games
did not survey the field	add it to pre-game checklist
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Psychological Requirements

Softball is a game that has a lot of psychological barriers for athletes during competition.  The psychology of fielding fly balls requires skills that are going to have a

• Narrow Focus – watching the ball off the bat to the glove
• Broad Focus – awareness of surroundings
• Confidence – willingness to take risks in getting the ball
• Concentration – not distracted by surroundings

Some Psychological Challenges for Fielding Fly Balls

Psychological Factors	Improvement Strategies
afraid to miss the ball	positive self-talk
scared of getting hurt	be prepared – check field
throwing to the wrong base	cue words
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Physical Requirements

Softball is a power sport that requires the following biomotor skills:

• Coordination – catching then transition to throwing
• Balance – catching the ball while moving
• Speed – getting to the ball successfully
• Agility – quick feet in the transition
• Flexibility – using the full range of motion to attain success

Some Physical Challenges for Fielding Fly Balls

Physical Factors	Improvement Strategies
coordination	quick coordination drills
speed	wind sprints / weight training
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Performance Outcome Factors

Every softball skill is executed with a desired outcome.  That outcome however can be broken down just as the skill itself is.  Here are some expected outcomes that you might have.

Expected Outcome	Mechanics / Biomechanics
Accuracy	Grip
Correct location	Stride
No effort required by receiver	Arm / wrist action
High velocity	Body rotation  / wrist snap
Quick transition	Follow through
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Interventions

As coaches, error detection and correction is what we do.  There is a time and a place however for that activity to occur.  During competition is generally not the time.  Following is a few recommended paths you can take to help your players improve their skills.

Intervention	Timing
Break down the skill	During practice
Kinesthetic feedback	During practice
Skill instruction	During practice
Provide a mentor	During practice
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