As we know throwing is the one skill that can lose a game with the most consistency. This softball throwing baserunning drill relies on throwing under pressure and with a sequence that needs focus and the ability to stay calm.
Softball Throwing Baserunning Drill
This game 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 base, second base, shortstop third base, and catcher. The other team is at bat.
The batter hits a ground ball (from a tee, soft toss)
Fly balls are outs.
- An infielder catches the ball and throws to first base
- First then throws to one of the other infielders
- That fielder throws back to First
- First then throws to the other infielder (who hasn’t touched the ball) who throws back to first
- The ball then goes around the horn (1b to SS to 2b to 3b) 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 next batter hits. Each Fielder has caught 3 balls and made 3 throws. Every catch and throw must be accurate or a run scores.
Bat until 3 outs are made and change sides.
Batters need to wear helmets..
With more than 10 players – Fielders can rotate in at 3b
Sample Round:
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
