Softball Practice Drills – Beat Ball

Purpose: Throwing accuracy and running speed all come into play in this game. Coaching softball requires teaching base running and accurate defensive plays.

Procedure: Prepare bases, gloves,  and helmets. Make two teams with about seven kids on each. One team runs the bases. The other team places a person at each infield base. Include a pitcher and catcher. Extra fielders can back up, or rotate into the action after each throw. Play begins with the pitcher throwing the ball to the catcher who then throws to the first baseman. This person must tag the base with their foot before throwing to the second baseman, and so on, until the ball reaches home plate. Simultaneously, the first runner, who starts at first base, sprints around the bases in an effort to "beat" the ball home. If successful, a run is scored; otherwise, an out is called. After three outs, the teams change positions and the game continues. For safety purposes, fielders should throw "inside" or "outside" of the runner.