Softball Practice Drills – Reaction Drill

Purpose: To test and develop a player's reaction time when fielding an oncoming ball. This is a good mental training drill as well.

Procedure: Place four cones in a square with 10 to 15 feet between cones. The coach stands in the center of the square, and the first player stands next to a corner cone facing away from the coach. The coach throws a tennis ball toward the player, then immediately gives the "go" command. On the "go" command, the player turns and reacts to the ball, trying to make the catch. After catching the ball, the player drops it on the ground next to him. The player runs to the next cone, turns toward the coach, who has already thrown a ball in his direction, and tries to react to the tennis ball in the air before making the catch. When the first player has been to all four cones, it is the next player's turn. Players should be ready to catch the ball as they turn around and should calch the ball with both hands. Players should concentrate on making sure they calch the ball before running to the next cone.