Free Softball Drills – Pitcher and Catcher Throw Downs

Purpose: To have the catcher practice throw downs to the shortstop covering second. It's also a good softball pitching drill because it lets the pitcher practice fielding bunts and throwing to first.

Procedure: The drill requires a catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second baseman, and first baseman. Place empty buckets behind second base and first base. The pitcher and a coach each have a bucket of balls. The pitcher pitches a ball to the catcher in proper receiving position. The catcher should wear all gear to make the drill gamelike. On the first pitch the catcher throws down to the shortstop covering second. The coach, who is standing near the catcher, then rolls out a bunt, and the pitcher makes the play to first with the second baseman covering. The shortstop and second baseman both begin in their regular defensive positions so that base coverage is realistic. When players catch balls at the bases, they immediately drop them in the nearest bucket so that the drill can proceed rapidly.