Purpose: To learn to catch a fly ball for the outfield defense when playing in sunny conditions.

Procedure: Before the drill begins, each fielder should identify the sun's position. Fielders should put their gloves up slightly sideways and closed to shield their eyes from the sun. This will prepare them for the drill. This preparation also needs to be done in the game on sunny days. Fielders can set up anywhere in the outfield where there is room. A partner tosses a ball in the air directly into the sun, and the outfielder holds up her glove as described above. If a fielder loses the ball in the sun she has to look down and try to pick up the ball as it comes out of the sun. Toss five balls and switch roles. Repeat this drill twice.

Purpose: To teach the use of the total body for the outfield defense, staying back, and moving into the ball.

Procedure: A tosser stands 5 feet in front of a fielder. Another player stands 50-100 feet from the fielder and acts as a target. The tosser begins by throwing a ball straight up in the air directly in front of the fielder. The fielder stays back and waits for the ball to come down, then catches the ball while moving forward and throws to the target all in one motion. Each player throws 5-8 balls.

Purpose: To improve conditioning for the outfield defense while catching fly balls.

Procedure: Four players start in a line in left field. A tosser throws a ball to the first player, who fields and throws the ball back to the tosser and then runs toward center field to catch another ball thrown by the same person. The fielder returns that ball to another tosser at second base, who repeats the sequence as the fielder continues to run toward right field. A third thrower at first base repeats the sequence. Fielders wait in right field and then repeat the drill going the other way. This is a good drill for all players.

Purpose: To communicate and establish coverage for the outfield defense on balls hit between the infield and outfield.

Procedure: A catcher, middle infielders, and outfielders take their normal fielding positions. Use a ball machine or fungo bat to hit bloopers between the infielders and outfielders. Emphasize the infield going back hard until called off. If necessary, outfielders should  dive for bloopers to make the catch. Players return the ball to the catcher at home, who feeds the hitter or machine.

Purpose: A drill for the outfield defense to let them practice circling around the ball when catching fly balls.

Procedure: Outfielders form a single-file line. A catcher sets up to the left of a hitter. The fungo hitter hits high, soft fly balls to the left side of the outfielder, high enough to allow the fielder time to get in position. The outfielder comes around the ball to line up for a throw to the catcher. Repeat the drill in the opposite direction with the catcher setting up to the right of the hitter.

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.

Purpose: This drill for the outfield defense is to have outfielders practice fielding balls and taking angles for balls down the line and in the alleys.

Procedure: This drill requires four outfielders, receivers at second base and third base, a hitter, and a catcher. Because the center fielder is always involved on balls to the gap, it is best to use two – one in left center and one in right center. The left and right fielders are in normal position. The ball is fungoed alternately to the two pairs of outfielders in the alley and down the line. The first ball is hit down the left-field line, the second to the right-field line, the third to the left-field alley, and the fourth to the right-field alley. Outfielders work on short-angle and deep-angle coverage and hitting the relay or bases. Have each fielder throw to both second and third base. Use extra outfielders or pitchers to cover the bases if the infielders are busy elsewhere. Have players return balls to the catcher or use a bucket at each base.

Purpose: Drill for the outfield defense that has adjacent outfielders practice communicating, taking an angle to the ball, and backing up each other.

Procedure: Two lines of outfielders about 40 feet apart face a hitter with a catcher. Balls are hit between the two fielders. One outfielder calls for the ball and takes the direct (short) angle to the ball. The other outfielder takes a deep (long) angle and backs up her teammate, ready to field the ball. Players can put balls in buckets to save time and arms. Players rotate to the end of the opposite line.

Purpose: To learn to play the fence, which is very important for the outfielder.

Procedure: The drill uses outfielders, a relay, and a catcher. The outfielders form a line in left, right, or center field. A tosser about 15 feet from the fence throws the ball so that it lands against the fence. From a fielding position about 20 feet in front of the fence, an outfielder goes quickly to the fence, plants her foot against it, picks up the ball, listens for the relay's voice, and throws to her. Emphasize the bent front leg for the throw and hitting the relay.

Purpose: This drill is to improve the fastpitch softball defense by working on the left fielder's ability to hold the batter-base runner to a single.

Procedure: Several outfielders form a line in left field. A second baseman and catcher are at their normal positions. The outfielder assumes a normal defensive position. The hitter fungo hits down the left-field line. The runner makes an aggressive turn toward second, putting pressure on the left fielder to field the ball cleanly and hold the runner at first.