Softball Throwing Drills – Closed Eyes Drill

Purpose:  To promote good overall mechanics and to generate accurate throws. This also helps with mental training by teaching players to concentrate on what they are doing.

Procedure: Players set up with their partner or a target and one softball. Start with a distance of about 40 feet. Start with your hands together and toes pointed at the target. Shut your eyes, take a positive step, and begin the throwing process. Follow through to complete the action. If players are throwing to a partner, stress that only the thrower will shut his eyes, not the receiver! Gradually increase the distance. As the player throws the ball, have them call out whether they think it was an accurate throw. They can simply yell "Yes" if it was on target, or "No" if it was not. This calling out helps players to get a feel for their throws. This drill can be incorporated with the other drills, but take note that it may impact the goal or objective of that drill.