Softball Pitching Drills – Shell Drill
Equipment Needed: Bases, balls, bats, gloves and position players to perform throwing and fielding skills with accuracy.
Objective: This drill is used to provide a consistent workout for pitchers through a fundamental series of work. It allows for pitchers to perform throwing and fielding skills with accuracy.
Execution: Pitchers and other personnel should set up in their regular positions. This is a great drill series for a two or three player pitching staff. Each pitcher can rotate and complete this series of drills in less than 10 minutes. Coaches can use this drill in the first part or the last part of practice. Emphasize good fundamentals.
1) The pitchers sets up in the circle. The coach hits the first ball to the pitcher on the ground to her left or right. The pitcher fields the ball and throws accurately to first base. The ball is then thrown from first to the shortstop who then throws it back home.
2) A second ball is then hit to the pitcher, and it is thrown to home plate where the catcher uses quick feet to throw to first base to complete a 1-2-3 double play.
3) Prior to the third ball being hit to the pitcher, communication from the shortstop to the pitcher is necessary. The third ball is hit, and the pitcher fields and turns glove-side, attempting to turn a 1-6-3 double play. The first baseman works on a pivot throw to home plate, where the catcher catches and works on applying the tag.
4) The fourth ball is bunted down the first or third base line. The coach communicates for the third baseman and the first baseman to hold their base. Communication is critical between the catcher and the pitcher fielding the bunt. Once the ball is fielded, the catcher or pitcher turn and throw to either base.
5) The last ball is a line drive back to the pitcher. The scenario is that the bases are loaded. The pitcher has to look for the double play ball. It is the coaches choice which base the pitcher will throw to in order to complete the double play.
While this drill is being conducted, the second and third baseman can field dozens of ground balls up the third base line.
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