Defensive Softball Drills – Fly Balls – Partner Toss

Purpose: For the outfield defense to learn to stay back on a fly ball and develop momentum into the throw.

Procedure: The outfielder starts on the left field foul line facing fair territory, and another player (or the coach) stands around 5-10 feet slightly in front and to the side of the fielder. A third player stands directly across from the outfielder around 100-150 feet away and is the receiver of the throw. The partner or coach tosses the ball in front of the fielder, high enough so that she has time to set up. After the ball is tossed, the outfielder turns sideways with her feet at a 45-degree angle to the throwing target, left foot in front of right (for right-handers). The fielder brings her hands up, turning the glove slightly sideways so her thumb is parallel to the ground, and places her throwing hand on the side of the glove. The object is to set up the body to throw so when the ball is caught the player can throw quickly. The fielder should stay behind the ball, wait for it to come down, catch the ball on her throwing side, and throw to the receiver. Toss five balls to each fielder, then switch so the receiver is the fielder. Repeat twice.