Softball Fielding Throwing Focus Drill

Softball Throwing Towel Drill - softball drills

This Softball fielding throwing focus drill has everything in it.  Even some baserunning.  Trying to out throw the baserunner is something that happens during competition all the time.  Sometimes it can cause panic when the defense is trying to get the out with runners on base.

Softball Fielding Throwing Focus Drill

It works on every aspect of the game–Hitting, Fielding, Throwing, Base Running and requires two teams of 5 players. (It can be played with 6 players or more but each player scores for herself.)

One team takes the field at first, second, shortstop, third, and catcher. The other team is at bat. The batter hits a ground ball (from a tee, soft toss, or just tosses the ball up and hits it. Fly balls are outs. When the infielder fields the ball she throws to first. who then throws to one of the other infielders. That fielder throws back to first. First base then throws to a different infielder (who hasn’t touched the ball) who throws back to first. The ball then goes around the horn (first to shortstop to second to third) and then to the catcher.

Each fielder must touch her base before throwing except for around the horn and home. If the batter-runner can run all the way home before the ball gets home, 1 run scores.  If the ball gets home first, one putout is made. Fielders rotate one position clockwise and the next batter hits. Every catch and throw must be accurate or a run scores. The team at bat stays up until 3 outs are made then change sides. Batters need to wear helmets. Play 3-7 innings.  At least 10 players are ideal for this drill.

Here’s an example:

Ball hit to 3rd.

  • 3b catches batted ball, steps on 3rd, throws to 1b
  • 1b catches ball, steps on 1st, throws to ss
  • ss catches ball, steps on 2nd, throws to 1b
  • 1b catches ball, steps on 1st, throws to 2b
  • 2b throws to 1b (now around the horn)
  • 1b throws to ss
  • ss throws to 2b
  • 2b throws to 3b
  • 3b throws to c and c steps on home plate