Your softball pitcher isn't only responsible for getting the ball to home plate. Once the batter hits the ball, the pitcher also becomes a defender on the field, making it important for her to learn the proper mechanics of fielding in addition to her pitching responsibilities. Using repetitive drills can help teach and reinforce proper fundamentals and make your pitcher a defensive asset out on the field.
Situation Drill
This drill helps your pitcher mentally prepare for situations she might encounter during a high-pressure game. Place all infielders in their proper spots. Give the pitcher the ball and have her set up on the mound. Before she pitches, set up a scenario, such as runners on first and second with one out, the team looking for a double play to get out of the inning. Have the pitcher pitch the ball to home plate. The batter does not swing at the ball but starts running once the ball goes into the catcher's mitt. Throw a ball to a certain spot on the field, such as the left to the pitcher. The pitcher's job is to react appropriately to where the ball is, depending on the scenario. In this case, the pitcher must field the ball and determine whether she has time to throw to second in time for a double play. Do different scenarios that require the pitcher to either field the ball or cover a base for another player.
Bunt Drill
One of the pitcher's main responsibilities is handling bunts during the game to prevent players from gaining an easy base. Try the bunt drill to help him improve in this area. Have the pitcher set up on the mound with a ball. Stand at home plate next to the catcher. After the pitcher delivers the ball, toss another ball out onto the field to simulate a bunt. Have a player run to first base as if he had just bunted the ball. The pitcher must run to the ball and field it cleanly to get the player out. Throw the ball to the same spot until the pitcher is able to get the player out, then toss the ball to another spot on the field.
Passed Ball Drill
In the event of a wild pitch or a passed ball, the pitcher must be ready to field the ball at home plate to prevent a runner at third base from scoring. For this drill, have the catcher set up at home plate, with a runner at third base. While the catcher isn't looking, place a ball somewhere back behind home plate. On the whistle, have the catcher go find the ball while the pitcher races to home plate to prepare to receive the throw and tag the runner out. Set a goal for the number of times the pitcher must get the runner out in a row to end the drill.
Member Comments