Softball Practice Drills – Do or Die Fly Ball Drill

Purpose: To develop the outfieIder's abiIity to judge the fIight of a fly ball and move to make the catch. This is a good softball fielding tip for outfielders

Procedure: You will need a bucket of sofballs and gloves, both the coach and the outfielder face the same direction. On the coach's command, the outfielder should sprint deep into the outfield. At that point, the coach throws the ball to the outfielder. The distance the outfielder runs depends on the flight of the ball. The coach's throw should lead the player so that they continue running in order to make the catch. The out fielder should look back over her shoulder for the ball as she runs. Once the coach releases the ball, the outfielder should judge where the ball will land (she should take her eyes off the ball to look at that spot. She should then adjust her angle of pursuit to get to that spot. Once she nears the spot, she should lookup for the ball as she sets up to make the catch.

The player should be thrown fly balls to her left, to her right, and over her head. This drill is an excellent vehicle for addressing the conditioning factor in the outfielders.