Start with the basics

These kids’ softball drills teach the basics (hitting, running, throwing, and catching) in simple, fun ways that beginners will understand and enjoy!

do not miss

This hitting drill emphasizes making contact with the ball and proper bat placement once the batter has hit the ball. You will need a tee, a ball, a bat, gloves for each player, and a hula hoop.

Divide the team into two sides. The fielders will play as usual. Hitters take turns hitting off the tee, focusing on making solid contact with the ball. Once they have hit the ball, they must throw their bat into the hula hoop on the ground next to the base before they can run to first. If the player misses the ball or knocks it off the tee, it is a strike. After three strikes, the player is out. The player is also out if he does not place his bat in the hula hoop before running to first.

red light/green light

This kids’ softball helps beginners get used to running with a glove and ball in their hands. Each player will need a glove with a ball inside. Have the players form a line in front of the coach, who is about 60-90 feet away.

The drill begins with the coach walking away from the players and yelling “green light”. The kids run to him as fast as they can, making sure to hold on to his balls. Periodically the trainer will yell “red light” and spin around. If the coach sees any of the players moving after he/she has called a “red light”, those players are out. The first player to approach and take out the coach wins.

hit the coach

This is a fun beginner softball drill to teach throwing accuracy. The children form a line in front of the coach, each holding a small foam ball or other type of soft ball.

When the coach says to start, all the kids try to hit him with their balls while the coach tries to avoid being hit. Children can run to retrieve their balls after they have thrown them, but they must throw them from the starting line. Once the trainer has been hit three times, kids can force him to do something silly, like a dance or animal noise.

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This kids’ softball drill teaches beginning players how to catch fly balls in the outfield. When first learning softball, many kids are afraid to look up to catch the ball. This drill will get them comfortable catching from below.

This drill requires small foam balls and as many tall people as possible (coaches, assistants, or parents) to stand next to the children and drop the balls on their heads. The children look up with their hands up and try to catch the balls. At first they should use both hands and not wear gloves to get used to catching with both hands. Eventually, they may move on to wearing gloves.