Youth Softball Drills – Tag Plays at the Plate

Purpose: Drill for softball catchers where they will develop the proper set-up position to receive the ball and take a collision with the runner attempting to score.

Procedure: The catcher sets up 1-2 feet up the third base foul line. The catcher's feet must be facing the direction from which the ball is being thrown. The left foot is close to the third base foul line, taking away most of the plate. The coach throws balls to the plate on one bounce from the mound or a little deeper. As the catcher receives the ball, she begins to square her body toward third base with her feet facing third. Her knees must be bent. In a game situation, if the runner slides, the catcher simultaneously receives the ball and begins to go down on both knees to tag the runner with two hands to prevent the ball from being knocked out. If the runner tries to avoid the tag by sliding to the back of the plate, the catcher must take her hands to the plate for the tag. She doesn't try to chase the runner – the runner must come to the plate to be safe. Each catcher takes 5-10 throws.