Competitive fast-pitch softball is one of the most popular sports played by girls in the United States. The games often feature pitchers who can throw an array of pitches, including fastballs that approach speeds of 70 mph; the equivalent speed of a fastball in baseball would be more than 90 mph. Games are often close and low-scoring, and players can build their skills with a number of hitting, fielding and bunting drills.
Hit the Ball Where It's Pitched
When batters come to the plate to face pitchers who can throw fastballs, drops, risers and change-ups, they do themselves no favor if they try to pull every pitch for power. The best hitters in softball know how to go with the pitch. In this drill, the batter---right-handed---tries to hit the first three pitches to right field, the next three to center field and the last three to left field. The coach uses a pitching machine to make sure the ball comes over the plate in the correct spot. Hitters soon learn that they can hit the ball just as hard to the opposite field as they can by pulling it. This helps the team score important runs when the game is on the line.
Three in a Row Drill
Defense is a key to winning at competitive softball. Not only do players have to use their skills to field and throw the ball, they must make the play to the right spot on the field. In this drill, coaches hit three ground balls to each infielder. On the first grounder, the infielder makes the play to first base. On the second, the infielder makes the play to second base as if it were a force out. On the third, the fielder comes home with the ball. The goal of the drill is for the infielders---including the pitcher---to make each play cleanly.
Sacrifice Bunt Drill
In the late innings of a close game, a team may be looking to tie a game, build a lead or add to it. If the lead runner gets on base, the batter may be asked to hit a sacrifice bunt. This allows the runner to advance. On the first pitch of the drill, the bunter tries to lay a bunt down the third base line. On the next attempt, she goes up the first base line. On the next, she pushes a hard bunt toward the shortstop hole, and on the final bunt she will do the same toward the second baseman. Do two rounds of this for each batter.
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