Fastpitch Softball Drills – Hole in the Diamond

PURPOSE: To teach fielders to keep hard-hit balls in front of them. This drill emphasizes on this softball fielding tip

PROCEDURE: The team will be needing a  bucket of softballs, a bat, players have their gloves with them. Divide the players into four teams of three, assuming there are 12 available players.  One team spreads out between first and second base and another team spreads out between second and third base. Both teams situate themselves halfway between the infield and the outfield grass. The two other teams stand in the outfield and back up the first two teams. The coach hits a softball to the team on one side of the diamond. The infielders try to prevent the softball from reaching the outfield grass. The coach then hits a softball to the team on the other side of the diamond. If the ball reaches the outfield grass, the other team receives one point. Each infield team fields four to six balls, then rotates with the teams in the outfield. Some players might want to dive to keep the ball from going into the outfield the coach must decide whether this should be allowed or not. Coach's should remind players should watch the ball go into the glove.

*Fielding the ball does not necessarily mean making the catch. Keeping the ball in front of the body can be just as effective. Teach fielders to try to catch each ball. However, if they can't, they can save runs simply by staying in front of the ball and slowing its movement.