Softball Hit Down The Line Drill

Softball Throwing Towel Drill - softball drills

Tracking and getting in position to field a ball in the air or on the ground, as an outfielder takes practice and timing.  This softball hit down the line drill is a good way also to practice the run through which is actually easier for some players than using the most common methods of fielding from the outfield.  It is critical that there be backup when fielding this way because as we know if that ball gets past the outfielder it is extra bases every time.

Put runners on base to add variations to the drill and to put some stress into the situation.  Be sure to have the baserunners wear batting helmets for safety purposes.

Softball Hit Down The Line Drill

Purpose:

To practice fielding balls and taking angle for balls to the outfield down the line and up the alley.

Procedure:

This drill requires four outfielders, receivers at second base and third base, a hitter, and a catcher.  Because the center fielder is always involved on balls to the gap, it is best to use two, one in left center and one in right center.

The left and right fielders are in their normal positions.  The ball is hit alternately to the two pairs of outfielders in the alley and down the line.  The first ball is hit down the left field line, the second to the right field line, the third to the left field alley, and the fourth to the right field alley.

Outfielders work on short angle and deep angle coverage and hitting the relay or bases.  Have each fielder throw to both second and third base.  Also have the outfielders throw to the relay if the ball gets past the fielder.  This is actually an important thing to practice because we know that it happens.  Use extra outfielders or pitchers to cover the bases if the infielders are busy elsewhere. Have players return balls to the catcher or use a bucket at each base.

From: Softball Skills & Drills, Judy Garman