Fastpitch Softball Drills – Backhand Drill

Purpose: To develop the ability to catch a ground ball backhanded. This is a good defensive tool for midfielders. Read this for more softball fielding tips for midfielders

Procedure: You will need a bucket of softballs and gloves. Separate the team into two groups and send them to different parts of the field. One coach assists each group.

Players in each group line up behind one another. The coach stands approximately 15 feet in front of the players and throws a ground ball to the backhand side of the first player in line. A backhand catch is one in which a player crosses the body with the glove hand to catch the ball, either in the air or on the ground. The fielder starts in the ready position then runs in the direction of the thrown bail, keeping the glove open. After making the catch, the player throws the ball back to the coach then goes to the end of the other coach's line. Each player in line takes a turn making a backhand catch.

This is a progression-type drill. Introduce it early in the season by instructing the players to get the ground balls on their knees. Remind the players to keep their gloves open. Remind players to keep their eyes on the ball al all times. Stopping the softball and knocking it down can be just as effective as making a clean catch.

To ensure that everyone actively participates, set up as many lines for this drill as there are coaches and parents to assist. Players should rotate in and out of the drill quickly.