softballdrills.blogr.com - Tag 'youth' (RSS 2.0)

Softball Hitting Drills – Line Drive Dri...

softballdrills — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:48:51 +0100

Purpose: To improve the hitter's hand-eyes coordination

Procedure: Equipments required is a bat, a crate of softballs, a protective screen, and the location would be a batting cage, A feeder sits on a chair behind the screen in the batting cage and pitches to a batter. Strictly adhering the proper softball hitting technique, the batter should attempt to hit a line drive if the batter pops up or hits a ground ball (instead a line drive), the players switch roles.

Softball Hitting Drills – Fungo Drill

softballdrills — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:45:52 +0100

Purpose: To improve the hitter's bat control.

Procedure: Equipment required is a fungo bat, a crate of softball; the hitters should stand on the grass along the baseline near home plate. He should then toss the ball to himself and attempt to hit the ball to a designated infielder. This softball hitting drill is designed to improve the player's bat control by forcing him to hit line drives and ground balls to a specific location. If a fungo bats not available, the drill may be done with a regulation bat.

Softball Hitting Drills - Color Coded Hi...

softballdrills — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:13:02 +0100

Purpose: Improve hand-eye coordination and quicken reaction time in order to consistently hit a variety of pitches.

Procedure: Equipments that are required are Bats, softballs, pitching machine and L-screen, white and yellow dimpled balls and white, yellow and red tennis balls. As a warm up a pitcher flips a ball from each hand at the same time and instructs the batter to hit one of the two balls. For example, "High" for the high pitches, or Low for the low pitch. Another option is to use two different colored balls with the batter instructed to hit one or the other. Advanced hitters can hit at balls numbered from 1 to 3 with the goal of calling out the number on the ball before contact. For the main drill, gather up three different colored tennis balls: white, yellow and red. Set up a close range batting practice session or short toss drill from behind a screen. The batter should practice a different hit according to the color of the ball White means bunt (e.g. safe color). Yellow means curveball (e.g. caution), so the hitter should try and stay back and hit the ball the other way. Red means fastball (e.g. dead red) so sit back and rip! For further practice, perform a http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-drills/category/hitting/" target="_blank">softball hitting drill with the pitching machine using white and yellow dimpled balls. Try hitting the white one and bunting the yellow, Or hit-and-run the white, and hit to the right side for the yellow. But stress the importance of picking the ball up as early as possible. These exercises work on improving hand-eye coordination through concentration from release to contact and the actual grip of the ball at the pitcher's "L" focus upon release. Remember: Hitters shouldn't guess. These drills develop instinct and train the hands to react quickly and efficiently.

Fun Softball drills - Kick Softball

softballdrills — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:10:27 +0100

Purpose: Teach toddlers about positioning, backing up, and some basic rules of the game.

Procedure: This drill is for the age group of 6-8 equipment required is Bases and Soccer ball. Make a softball hitting and fielding team. Draw a three-foot square in the dirt around home plate. A strike is a ball which rolls over this area, and a ball is for anything outside. Have the pitcher roll the ball to the batter at moderate speed. After a fair ball kick, the batter runs to first base. No leading or base stealing. You can also try kicking a stationary ball.

Softball Baserunning Drill - Three-Base...

softballdrills — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:52:07 +0200

Purpose:Softball baserunning drill- To develop proper sliding techniques.

Procedure: Place three bases spaced at least 10 feet part in a grassy area out in foul territory. Divide players into three lines, one line 45 to 60 feet behind each base. Players should not wear cleats for this drill. (This is a safety precaution.) On the “go” command, the first player in each line runs and slides into the base. After sliding, the player returns to the end of the line, and the next person in line slides. When players slide, they must not start the slide too early or too late depending on their age and size, players should begin the slide when they are about three to five feet from the base. Players should lift their hands over their heads when sliding to prevent hand injuries. On the slide, the trail leg bends dramatically 45 degrees or even more while the lead leg bends slightly.

Softball Pitching Drills - Team Flat Sur...

softballdrills — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:50:08 +0200

Purpose: To improve the softball pitching windup.

Procedure: All the pitchers line up next to each other on one of the white lines on the field with about 10 or more feet between each player. On the 'go" command, the players wind up using the white line as the pitching rubber. Their first step back (six to eight inches) should be with the foot opposite the pitching arm. The players pivot toward the side (the non throwing shoulder should face home) and then lift the front leg. The players then drop forward using the lower torso to generate hip rotation. The players repeat this motion several times very slowly In the middle of the windup, when the opposite leg is lifted, pitchers can freeze and try to maintain a balanced position for several seconds.

Youth Softball Drills - Bat Size Drill

softballdrills — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:11:31 +0200

Purpose: To choose proper bat size and weight so that the batter can hit comfortably.

Procedure: In youth softball drills the selection of bats in various sizes and weights is very important.The player selects the bat that he wants to hit with and holds at by the knob with the arm extended. The arm is extended in front of the player with the bat horizontal to the ground.If the player can hold the position for 30 seconds,the bat size is OK. If he cannot, the bat might be too heavy.If the bat starts to drop or even shake a little in the player's extended hand, the player should choose a lighter bat.Bat selection is important for softball players of all ages, especially younger ones, because they tend to use bats that are heavier than necessary.

Smaller players should use lighter bats for a quicker swing.Lighter bats also increase bat control.Parents should evaluate different bat sizes and weights for their kids before spending a fortune. Sometimes a $30 bat is just as effective as a $203 bat.Coaches should emphasize the importance of being flexible in bat choice rather than falling in love with a particular bat.

A second technique for selecting a bat is for the player to hold out one hand horizontally. With the other hand, he holds the bat near the end of the handle with the bat resting against his side. The player raises the bal into the same horizontal position as the free hand, without bending the elbow, and holds it for 30 seconds. Not being able to hold up the bat usually means that the bat is too heavy The coach should recommend a lighter bat.

Softball Pitching Drill - T- Drill

softballdrills — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:59:25 +0200

Purpose:This is a competitive Softball Pitching Drill.

Procedure:Protective screen or soft toss net, tee, and regulation balls. Ruks: Set up a screen or net just behind home plate. Place a tee, with a ball on top of it, on the plate. Pitchers throw from the rubber. For indoors, use a portable mound and measure off the proper pitching distance according to the age level. Three pitches per person. An instructor should record the points (see below). Declare a winner per station, age group, or up to 25 points, for example. Assign a set pitching order. Attempt to maintain equal rounds of throwing. The on-deck person should be the hall feeder. Pickup the halls as a group. Older players can alternate between the four- and two-seam fastballs as well at the stretch and wind-up.

Scoring includes:
3 points: Pitch which hits the ball off of the tee.
2 points: Pitch which hits the tee (pole only).
1 point: Pitch which hits the screen.

Softball Fielding Drills - Circle Drill

softballdrills — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:07:26 +0200

Purpose: To improve concentration when fielding a ball

Procedure: Equipment required several softballs, gloves.Players form a large circle with plenty of space between them,The coaches standing outside of the circle, throws a ground ball to a player to start the softball fielding drill.The player catches the ball and then throws a ground ball to any player in the circle except for those very close to him. The next player throws a ground ball to someone else in the circle.After each catch, the coach yells out the number of times in a row the team has caught the ball without errors.The coach then adds a second ball to the drill.

Softball Practice Drills - Movement

softballdrills — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:17:54 +0200

Purpose:Pitchers strive to add movement to their pitches and variety to their softball pitching repertoire.

Procedure:Pitchers should play catch with another pitcher as part of the daily warm-up. Pitchers throw from the mound with the goal of adding late movement to each pitch—either in and out or down (way from the batter's hands). To add movement to
the pitch use different Grips (fingers on or off the seams), vary ball placement in the hand (e.g. choke it for a changeup), and use different pressure points on the ball, applying more pressure for increased movement and less for more velocity. Changing speeds with breaking pitches (changeup, curve or slider) can throw off a hitters timing, especially his/her stride. Pitchers can focus on developing their aptitude for the essential skills of pitch selection and focus, control (strikes) and command (location), movement and changing speeds, velocity, and getting people out These skills can be developed in a variety of ways. Experiment each day with a different grip, ball placement, or pressure point. Keep the same arm speed but use a different arm angle. Try for movement with a different pitch on each throw. Ask hitters for feedback. See what the other pitchers on your team are doing. Work with the coaches. Always maintain proper mechanics, balance, and follow through when performing any type of softball pitching drill. And remember that the most important pitch is Strike 1!

Softball Throwing Drills - Flick Drill

softballdrills — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:15:02 +0200

Purpose: To practice good wrist action.To observe good rotation of the softball.

Procedure:Players set up with a partner or a target at a distance of 7 to 10 feet, with one softball. Apply a proper four-seam grip to the ball. Your glove will support your throwing elbow at dual height. Your elbow will be bent 90 degrees, Cock your wrist so the ball faces the sky. The ball should be in a position above eye level. From this starting position,flick the ball to the target using only your wrist.This softball throwing drill is also effective for pitchers as they develop new pitches such as the curve ball or circle change.

Softball drills - Glove On Bat Drills.

softballdrills — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:53:34 +0200

Purpose: To receive the ball with the bat,softball hitting.

Procedure: Place your glove on the end of the bat. As with the bunting stick, attempt to receive the ball in the glove. Rock back To catch the softball.Check for proper grip. Stress the proper mechanics throughout the bunting drill, bunt strikes only. Balls should be thrown at half distance or game-like velocity.

Fastpitch softball drills - The Bunting...

softballdrills — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:50:15 +0200

Purpose: To receive the ball with the bat.

Procedure:Cut off the last eight inches of the top or barrel of a wooden bar and attach a lacrosse stick pocket to the end. Or use a lacrosse stick for the bunting drill, making sure it's not too long Try to catch the ball in the netting. Rock back to receive the ball.Check for proper grip. Stress the proper mechanics throughout the drill. Bunt strikes only. Balls should be thrown at half distance or game-like velocity.

Fastpitch softball drills - The Bunting...

softballdrills — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:48:11 +0200

Purpose: To receive the ball with the bat.

Procedure:Cut off the last eight inches of the top or barrel of a wooden bar and attach a lacrosse stick pocket to the end. Or use a lacrosse stick for the <a href=http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-drills/category/bunting/>Bunting Drill</a>, making sure it's not too long Try to catch the ball in the netting. Rock back to receive the ball.Check for proper grip. Stress the proper mechanics throughout the drill. Bunt strikes only. Balls should be thrown at half distance or game-like velocity.

Softball Pitching Tips: Team Softball Pi...

softballdrills — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:22:57 +0200

Purpose: During a softball pitching session, accomplish the many variations. First work on the proper techniques, then loosen the arm up, progress to long toss, and conclude with specialties.

Procedure: Equipment required is a softballs gloves, and home plates (can also use white towels). This drill is for 9 years and up.Rules are Partner up. Start with the proper grip while holding the glove out front just under eye level. Continue at each formation until the group leader switches the discipline. Points that you need to Consider: Turn with the ball and glove, make a smooth transfer behind the back, get the ball above the throwing shoulder, rotate back, tuck the glove, snap the ball out from beyond the head, continue the body forward, swing the back leg through, and be in a balanced fielding position.
Perform each drill according to the desired discipline, each completed with a throw.
1.2 knee : Work on the hip pivot,
2.1 knee : Glove-side foot in front; work on bringing the ball back and up.
3.1 Leg: Glove-side leg in front with a wide stance; work on transfer and swinging the back leg through.
4.Stretch: Feet shoulders width apart facing either first or third base; work on striding to the plate and weight shift.
5.Wind-up. Work on a small step back, the balance point, and coordination throughout.