Purpose: To practice blocking low pitches or balls in the dirt for softball catchers. This is a key skill drill for catchers, with the benefit of providing a good conditioning element as well.

Procedure: Catchers can work with another catcher or a coach serving as a tosser. The catcher, in full gear, starts in the ready position for receiving a pitch. The tosser stands approximately 20 feet in front of her. The tosser begins by throwing a ball in the dirt (or on the ground if working inside) directly at the catcher. The catcher should drop to both knees as her glove drops, palms up, directly between her legs. At the same time, she should drop the chin to the chest and round the shoulders, creating an enclosure. The ball should stay in front of the catcher. Each catcher blocks two sets of 5 or 10 balls.

Purpose: To learn how to advance a runner to third base when softball hitting.

Procedure: First, second, and third baseman are in place and a runner is on second. The outfielders are behind the cage at home, with one hitter hitting while the others wait in line. Hitters and runners should wear helmets. A coach is on the mound behind an L-shaped screen, either throwing or feeding the pitching machine. The hitter hits the ball to the right side of the diamond to move the runner to third base. Mix in a few drag or push bunts to advance the runner.

Purpose: To teach the softball infield the flip used as a throw when players are within close range of the target and on the backhand side. Using this technique ensures that the ball will not be overthrown.

Procedure: The players are in corner ready position. Player one drops the ball straight down, close to the middle of her body. With knees bent and chest parallel to the ground, she scoops up the ball with both hands and places it in her throwing hand. She then lifts her elbow so that the tricep is parallel with her back and the arm forms a 90-degree angle at the elbow. She extends her hand toward her partner, flipping the ball in her partner's direction at waist height. The partner in turn drops the ball and flips it back. Players should flip the ball to each other 15-30 times or until the skill is mastered.

Purpose: A drill for softball hitting that lets players learn to keep the head still during the stride.

Procedure: The sun must be behind the player so that she can see her shadow. She places a ball on the shadow of her head. She takes her step and make sure that her head not move off the ball.

Purpose: Drill for softball sliding that has players review various slides and steals, including bent leg, pop up, head first, back door, and pop tag.

Procedure: Divide players into four groups: one group each at home, first, second, and third. The group at home works on reading the first baseman coming of the bag and avoiding a tag by using the pop-tag slide method. The group at first works on stealing second, using either a bent-leg slide or a pop-tag slide. The group at second works on stealing third, using the head-first slide. The group at third work on stealing home, using the pop-up slide. Also have this group work on pop-tag and back-door slides as if they were scoring from second. Rotate stations every three minutes, and rotate groups of runners after about 15 minutes.

Purpose: To help fielders improve lateral movement. This drill provides a good softball conditioning element as well.

Procedure: Players set up with a partner and stand facing each other approximately 6-10 feet apart. One player has a ball, and her partner begins in her infield ready position (outfielders can use a middle infield ready position). The partner rolls the ball to the fielder's side, and the fielder responds by shuffling her feet to move to field the ball (as opposed to making a crossover step). After fielding the ball with both hands the fielder immediately tosses the ball in the air back to her partner, and the partner then rolls the ball to the fielder's other side. Perform this for two or three sets of 10 or 15 tosses.

Purpose: This is a drill for softball pitching to simulate a ball hit hard back to the pitcher off their shins or elsewhere on their bodies.

Procedure: The pitchers line up at the mound area, and the first pitcher up begins about 2 feet in front of the mound, facing home plate. A receiver is at first base ready for the throw from the pitcher. A coach stands close to the pitcher with a ball. The pitcher closes her eyes, and the coach gently tosses a ball off the pitcher's body. The pitcher must find the ball, scoop it up with two hands, and get into position to throw to first. The pitcher surrounds the ball so it is on the back foot as when fielding a bunt. Each pitcher fields 10 balls.

Purpose: This drill works on the basics of base running by having players learn how to cross over and pivot on the right foot.

Procedure: The players pair up. One player (stealer) is in a stealing position and the other (partner) stands in front of her, just off her right foot. The partner holds a batting glove in front of herself, about waist high. The stealer reaches with her left arm to grab the glove and then crosses over. As she she grabs the glove, she crosses over with her left foot and pulls her left arm back in sync. The grab-and-crossover action puts the arms and legs in sync on the first step, developing the quickness needed to steal a base.

Purpose: To develop the technique and bat control used for safety and sacrifice bunts.

Procedure: Mark off two lines five to ten feet away from home plate. Cones or balls can also be used to mark off a certain area. Then set up a pitcher and catcher, and one player on each of the base lines to retrieve bunted balls. Get in the bunting stance before the pitcher releases the ball. Work on the techniques of the sacrifice bunt, trying to bunt the ball into the designated areas. Have each player bunt the ball to both sides several times.

Purpose: Drill for the outfield defense to let them develop accurate throws to bases. This drill emphasizes keeping the ball low and using one hop.

Procedure: Begin with outfielders in their positions. Place a large trash can on its side at home plate, with the open end facing the outfield. From the edge of the grass, toss grounders and fly balls to the outfielders. The outfielder fields the ball and throws it into the can on one hop (if possible). Outfielders field and throw 10-15 balls each; the total can vary depending on how much other throwing will be done that practice session.