| Learning how to throw a softball is really important if | | | | Procedure: Start with one or more players at each |
| you play the game. It's one of the basic skills of the | | | | base. The player at home begins with the ball. The |
| sport and something that all good defensive players | | | | player at first base faces the plate and calls for the |
| know how to do very well. Throwing a softball occurs | | | | ball, yelling, "One, one, one!" and the player at home |
| in many different game situations and so the better | | | | throws the ball to first base. If the ball is thrown to the |
| you know how to throw the ball then you are much | | | | inside of the base, the right-handed receiver does a |
| more likely to help your team get out of a possible | | | | 180-degree quick hop, turning toward the inside of the |
| tough jam. This article has some softball throwing drills | | | | infield and setting up to throw to second base. If the |
| that will help you with throwing a softball the correct | | | | ball is thrown toward the outside of the base, the |
| way. Take the time to practice these fastpitch softball | | | | receiver should turn her back toward the infield and |
| drills because you're defensive game will greatly | | | | set up to throw to second. The ball is thrown around |
| benefit as a result: | | | | the bases. Players should pivot based on where the |
| Drill 1 - Bent Knee | | | | ball is thrown. When the ball gets back to home plate, |
| Purpose: To isolate the arms to focus on the proper | | | | continue around or switch directions. Throw the ball |
| use of both arms and the arms working in opposition. | | | | around the bases for 4-8 minutes. |
| Procedure: Partners take positions 15 feet apart and | | | | Drill 5 - Hit the Cutoff |
| kneel on the leg of the throwing-arm side. The other | | | | Purpose: To teach outfields to hit the cutoff or relay |
| leg is bent with the foot flat on the ground. The | | | | person for all balls hit past them and to give the middle |
| thrower points her glove at the target and throws | | | | infielders practice serving as the relay person. |
| using proper arm action. The receiver catches the ball | | | | Procedure: Begin with at least one outfielder in right, |
| and repeats the action. | | | | center, and left fields. Spread three balls out behind |
| Drill 2 - Dead-Ball Backhand Flips | | | | each fielder close to the fence line. A shortstop and |
| Purpose: To practice backhand flip to bases. | | | | second baseman are needed in the infield. Starting with |
| Procedure: Place three balls on the ground on the | | | | the right fielder and taking turns, each outfielder starts |
| first-base side of second about 10 feet from second | | | | in ready position at her normal depth. The coach says |
| base. A player runs in and executes backhand flips to | | | | "Go," and the first fielder sprints to the ball, picks it up |
| the shortstop standing at second base. The player flips | | | | on her back foot, and throws to the relay person, who |
| all three balls, approaching each ball with a short run. | | | | comes out to get the ball. The outfielder should be |
| Drill 3 - Release and Spin | | | | required to throw 60 percent of the distance between |
| Purpose: To develop proper release and spin. | | | | where the ball lies and home plate. If the ball is hit on |
| Procedure: Partners face each other from about six | | | | the left side, the shortstop goes out and is the relay |
| feet away. One player holds the ball in her throwing | | | | person while the second baseman covers second. If it |
| hand with proper grip and puts the throwing-arm elbow | | | | is hit on the right side, the second baseman goes out |
| in her glove at about chest height. Partners throw the | | | | and the shortstop covers second. If it is hit up the |
| ball back and forth at least 25 times. This exercise | | | | middle, the two middle infielders communicate and |
| isolates the wrist action so that the players can feel | | | | decide for themselves. It's best that the player with the |
| this particular component. They should feel the wrist | | | | stronger arm take as many relay throws as possible. |
| action, emphasize proper release, and check the | | | | When that play is complete the middle infielders rest, |
| vertical spin. | | | | and the center fielder, then the left fielder, go back for |
| Drill 4 - Around the Horn | | | | a ball and make the same play. Continue until each |
| Purpose: To develop quick hands, quick feet, and | | | | outfielder has thrown at least three balls. |
| throwing accuracy. | | | | |