| In the sport of softball, the outfield is the last line of | | | | 2. The left fielder runs into center field where the |
| defense. They are the pitcher's last hope to record an | | | | second baseman throws a fly ball. The player catches |
| out and possibly save a win for the team. Therefore, | | | | the fly and throws it to second base. |
| it's very important that a team is able to put together a | | | | 3, Then the player runs into right field where the |
| solid outfield and that they have the necessary skills to | | | | second baseman throws a ground ball toward the foul |
| play a position that can be really difficult at times. | | | | line. The player fields the ball and throws to third base. |
| Putting the outfielders through various drills, can help | | | | 4. Lastly, the player runs to left field where the batter |
| them acquire these skills and keep the skills they | | | | hits her a ground ball which is thrown home. |
| already have as sharp as possible. Here then are five | | | | After the player completes the circuit, the outfielder |
| drills for softball outfielders to practice. | | | | becomes the catcher at home, the catcher rotates to |
| Here then are five drills for softball outfielders to | | | | third base, third base rotates to second base, and |
| practice. | | | | second base rotates to left field. Additional players are |
| Drill 1-Grapevine | | | | waiting their turns at the outfield position. |
| Purpose: To improve the footwork, concentration, and | | | | Drill 3-Shoestring Catch |
| catching ability of all fielders while they move in both | | | | Purpose: To practice making diving and shoestring |
| directions. | | | | catches. |
| Procedure: The coach stands about 10 feet in front of | | | | Procedure: This drill uses 2-10 players. The players |
| a line of players facing her and takes the ball from the | | | | form three lines, standing about 60 feet from the |
| first player in line. The coach points to the right. Player | | | | coach. The lines are positioned about 20 feet apart. |
| turns shoulder and hips to that side and runs | | | | The coach has all the softballs. The first player in line A |
| perpendicular away from the coach. After about three | | | | runs toward the coach. When she is about halfway to |
| or four steps, coach points in the other direction. Player, | | | | the coach, a soft underhand toss is made to the |
| using the crossover step, turns the other direction, still | | | | player's left, right, or straight ahead. If the player makes |
| running in a straight line away from the coach, never | | | | the diving catch, she should hold the ball up so the |
| losing sight of the ball. After another three or four | | | | coach can see it. This will help the player remember to |
| steps, coach points in original direction. Player then | | | | hold the ball up in games so the umpire can see that |
| repeats previous crossover step and turns in original | | | | she caught the ball. The player attempts to make the |
| direction. Coach then throws a fly ball in the direction of | | | | catch, tosses the ball to the coach, and runs to the end |
| the original point forcing the player to catch the ball by | | | | of her line. The first player in line B then runs toward |
| stretching over that side's shoulder. Player makes the | | | | the coach and then the first player in line C. |
| catch and brings the ball back to the end of the line. It | | | | Drill 4-Bump Out |
| is important that the drill be executed full speed in a | | | | Purpose: To put game-like pressure on the infielder or |
| dead sprint, and that the player changes direction only | | | | outfielder. |
| when the coach makes the signal. Also, the player | | | | Procedure: Set up for any of the defensive drills listed |
| should never lose sight of the ball. The flys should be | | | | above. An additional player waits off to the side of the |
| challenging and require a great deal of effort to make | | | | drill. When a fielder makes a throwing or fielding error, |
| the catch. By the time the fielder has caught the ball, | | | | she leaves the drill and the player who is waiting |
| the next player in line has already set herself in the | | | | replaces her. Every time an error is made the fielder |
| ready position. | | | | steps out and the waiting player steps in. |
| Drill 2-Outfield Loop | | | | Drill 5-Full Field in Between With Tennis Balls |
| Purpose: To field an assortment of batted balls and to | | | | Purpose: To practice communication among all |
| field with different footwork positions. To throw to | | | | outfielders handling in-between batted balls. |
| different bases and to condition. | | | | Procedure: All outfielders and infielders are at their |
| Procedure: This drill uses 5-9 players. Players are in left | | | | positions. A fungo hitter is at the plate with a tennis |
| field and at second (with a ball) and third base, with a | | | | racket and tennis balls. The fungo hitter hits balls into all |
| player catching and a fungo hitter at the plate. One | | | | sections of the field. Tennis balls are caught and |
| player works through all the defensive plays that | | | | thrown off to the sides of the field. All fielders need to |
| follow. | | | | stay focused on the hitter, as the hitter alternates hits |
| 1. A ground ball is hit to the left fielder who throws it | | | | to the left and right side of the field. |
| home. | | | | |