Coaching youth softball requires prioritizing fun and engagement while teaching the fundamental skills. These simple, dynamic drills use positive reinforcement to build good habits.
1. The "Throwing Chain" Drill (Throwing)
- Goal: Teach proper grip and arm motion.
- Setup: Players stand 10 feet apart, making short, controlled tosses. Slowly increase the distance as success is achieved. Focus on "thumbs to the thighs, fingers to the sky."
2. The "Soft Hands" Catching Drill (Catching)
- Goal: Develop "soft hands" and correct glove positioning.
- Setup: Coach tosses soft, light balls (like tennis balls) at the player. The player focuses on catching the ball and immediately pulling the glove hand toward their body to absorb the impact, preventing the ball from popping out.
3. The "Traffic Cone" Fielding Drill (Ground Balls)
- Goal: Learn to get the body in front of the ball.
- Setup: Place a cone 5 feet in front of the fielder. The player must get their glove down in the "alligator mouth" position before the ball passes the cone.
4. The "Tee Power" Drill (Hitting)
- Goal: Consistency and contact point.
- Setup: Use a batting tee. Place the ball slightly in front of the plate. Focus on hitting the center of the ball squarely, maintaining balance, and driving the hips through the swing.
5. The "Base Sprint" Relay (Baserunning)
- Goal: Speed and conditioning.
- Setup: Time players sprinting from home to first base, focusing on running through the bag. This promotes aggressive running habits immediately.
6. The "Backwards Walk" Drill (Outfield)
- Goal: Proper movement for fly balls.
- Setup: Coach points in a direction; players shuffle/run backward, keeping their eyes on the imaginary ball. Teaches fielders to retreat effectively without stumbling.
7. The "Water Balloon" Drill (Throwing Accuracy)
- Goal: Accurate throwing (for older youth).
- Setup: Stand 30-40 feet apart and throw water balloons. The incentive to throw accurately and catch gently makes this a highly focused and fun drill.
