The shortstop, filling the most demanding infield position, must be ready to field grounders, catch pop flies, turn double plays, receive relay throws and make accurate throws to any base. Playing shortstop is challenging but can be fun and comes with lots of action.
Hole in the Diamond
Shortstops need to know where to position themselves and how to get in front of ground balls. Softballperformance.com recommends playing "Hole in the Diamond." Divide the team into two groups. One team spreads out between first and second base and the other goes between second and third. The coach hits softballs to the team on one side of the diamond and the infielders try to prevent the softball from reaching the outfield grass. The coach then hits softballs to the team on the other side. If the ball reaches the outfield grass, the opposing team receives one point.
Four Corners
The shortstop is typically acknowledged as the captain of the infield and must be able to interact with her teammates well. The youth sports online site WePlay suggests playing "Four Corners." Split the team up evenly among the bases. The first person in line at each base will start the drill. The ball starts at home plate, where the first player throws to a player at third, then second, then first, then back home. After the player makes the throw, she should rotate to the back of the line or follow her throw and get in line at the next base. This drill will improve footwork and throwing technique.
Bucket Relay
If a ball is hit deep into the outfield, a shortstop will have to react and possibly cut off the throw. Softballperformance.com suggests doing the "Bucket Relay," where the players are divide into two teams and must throw softballs back into the infield, presumably to the shortstop. The shortstop must then throw the ball toward empty plastic buckets stacked at home plate, trying to knock down as many as possible.
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