Purpose: To practice hitting a softball off the machine on a field with fielders.

Procedure: The pitching machine is on the mound and is set on the hitting speed and location for that day. All the players have a partner and they take turns hitting off the machine. One hitter gets to hit until she hits a fair ball. Then it's the partner's turn. There is a certain amount of time that's given by the coach for each pair combination. Fielder and base runners can also be used.

Purpose: Works on the basics of base running by making players show good judgement in running the bases; let the defense properly execute relays.

Procedure: Play on a field that's right for the age group, with three (fastpitch) or four (slow pitch) players in the outfield and three more in the infield (second base, third base, and shortstop) making up the defensive team. One runner is on first base, with all other players lined up near first base, making up the offensive team; these players will rotate in as runners. A coach fungo hits singles to the outfield. On the hit, the runner tries to advance from first to third base, while the defense fields the ball and relays it to either second or third base. Award one point each time a runner safely reaches third base. If runners judge they cannot make it to third, they should stop at second base. Clear the bases after each hit and have the runners go to the end of the line at first. Switch groups after each runner has had two turns.

Purpose: To defend the squeeze bunt with a runner on third base on defense; to execute squeeze bunting on offense.

Procedure: Play 6v6 on a field that's right for the age group, with players positioned in the infield (first base, second base, shortstop, and third base) and a pitcher and catcher for the defensive team. To start, a runner is placed on third base and a batter is at the plate, with the other offensive players waiting in the on-deck area for a turn at bat. The pitcher throws pitches that are not hard to hit, and the batter tries to bunt the ball. You can practice both the safety and suicide squeeze plays in this game. If you are practicing the safety squeeze, the runner on third tries to score only after the batter bunts the ball; for the suicide squeeze, the runner on third goes no matter what, and the batter has to get the bunt down. The defense tries to throw the runner out at home plate or force the runner at first base. Award two points to the defense if the runner is out at home, one point if the batter is out at first. Switch teams after each player on the offensive team has had a turn at bat.

Purpose: To develop proper footwork for softball catchers in order to ensure a quick release and an accurate throw.

Procedure: The catcher begins in a ready position, and a receiver is at the designated base. Start with throws to first base, then second, and finally third. The coach is in the batter's box and drops balls out in front of the plate to simulate bunts. The catcher identifies where the ball has been bunted and begins to surround the ball. She should not run directly at the ball but instead she surrounds the ball in the direction of the base on which the play will be made so that she fields it at her back foot. The back foot is perpendicular to the target. For example, if the ball is bunted toward the first base side and the throw is going to first, the catcher comes out and begins to turn her back to third and position herself so the ball is at her back foot and both her feet are pointing toward the first base foul line. Once the body is in position, the catcher fields the bunt with both hands and makes the throw. She can use the back of her glove to stop the spin and scoop the ball. Each catcher fields 10 bunts in various areas.

Purpose: To work on the basics of base running and learn how to execute a double steal on a right-handed pitcher.

Procedure: Divide your players intwo two groups: outfielders at first base, infielders at third base. Players form lines at each base. Place infielders at all positions, with a right -handed coach or pitcher on the mound. Signal to runners whether you want them to steal second and hold at third or delay-steal at first and send the runner on third home. The pitcher or coach gets set, checks the runner, and throws home. The offense runs a play and reacts to the defense. Rotate the groups after five to ten minutes.

Purpose: To recognize when to run the ball and toss it to first base instead of throwing it to first base. This skill is normally used when no one is on base, and the batter is not a slapper. A good drill for defense of softball pitching.

Purpose: To practice inward rotation of the front side, stride, and weight transfer  for softball hitting, helping the hitter develop essential timing and rhythm.

Procedure: Assume a perpendicular position at the plate as the pitcher stands 40 to 50 feet away behind a screen. As the pitcher starts to release the ball, rotate inward toward the catcher with your lead shoulder pointing at the pitcher. Swing and hit the ball, using proper mechanics.

Purpose: To develop communication among the outfield defense and to practice fielding fly balls and grounders.

Procedure: Place the outfielders in their right positions. A fungoer will hit from home or near the pitcher's mound. The fungoer hits fly balls and grounders in between each fielder. One fielder calls the ball, and the other moves to back her up. The fielders can either toss the balls into a bucket or throw them back to a receiver. Perform for 10-15 minutes or until adequate repititions are completed.

Purpose: To practice the basics of base running and learn the proper techniques of stealing home.

Procedure: The runner takes a stealing lead from third while focusing on the pitcher. The pitcher winds up and throws to the catcher. A hitter at home shows bunt. Make sure to go through this setup several times, then let the runner attempt to steal home.

Purpose: To teach the sidearm throw to the softball infield, used primarily by the middle infielders for short distance throws of about 10-15 feet.

Procedure: Two players stand around 5-8 feet apart, facing opposite directions but on the same plane (like on a foul line). Both players are in the ready position. One player, in a corner ready position (ready position for first and third basemen) drops the ball in front of her. She picks the ball up with both hands and releases it with a sidearm motion to her partner. The standing partner receives the ball at chest height. After receiving the ball, the player gets into the corner ready position and repeats the sidearm throw back to her partner. Increase the distance between players as control is gained and have each player make 10 sidearm throws the right way.