Throw Softball

How to Set It Up

• Player position:
  Players line up behind a cone, facing the coach.
• Coach position:
  10 to 15 feet in front of the player line with a bucket of balls.
• Active Player:
  Second cone placed a safe distance from the line.
  The active fielding player goes to this cone and stands “Softball Ready”.

How to Run the Drill

• Ready stance:
  First player stands at the “play cone” with knees bent and glove open on the ground.
• Controlled roll:
  Roll or Toss a ball at the player with enough speed to reach them.
  Keep the angle direct enough the player is not chasing the ball.
• Alligator trap:
  Cue the player to bring their top hand down over the ball.
  The “Alligator Trap” is made by their glove and free hand snapping shut.

• Bring to chest:
  Instruct the player to squeeze the ball and bring two hands directly to their chest.
• Fast rotation:
  Have the player toss the ball into the return bucket and jog to the end of the line.

Coaching Tips and Variations

• Alligator Tag:
  Show players the alligator snap with your glove.
  Start a game of tag where everyone can become a snapping alligator, if they get snapped.
  Good for younger players that struggle with the positioning
• Foam ball start:
  Use soft foam balls or tennis balls first to eliminate fear of unpredictable bounces.
• Triangle shape:
  Draw a triangle in the dirt to show where feet go and where the glove should meet the ground.
• Barehand progression:
  Remove gloves and use soft tennis balls to force players to use both hands together.
• Stationary feet:
  Keep feet planted during early reps so fielders focus entirely on eye-to-glove tracking.
• Short shuffle:
  Add a two-step side shuffle to the left or right before rolling the ball once players catch consistently.
  Good for older players that have the fundamental down and can add a layer