3830 Valley Centre Dr.,

Suite 705 - Box 201,

San Diego,

CA 92130

(858) 643-9790

Coach's Manual

North Shore Girls Softball League

2009  

( Click here for the Word document version)

Division 6

• Positioning
• Throwing
• Running Bases
• Hitting
• Fielding
• Fly balls

Division 8 and 10

• Positioning
• Throwing
• Hitting
• Running Bases
• Fielding
• Fly balls

Division 12 and 14

• Positioning
• Throwing
• Hitting
• Running Bases
• Fielding
• Fly balls

Division 6

Positioning

back to the top

• 1^st  base - 1 to 2 feet to the right of 1^st base and 2 to 3 feet in front of 1^st base
• 2^nd base – Half way between 1^st and 2^nd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• Shortstop - Half way between 2^nd and 3rd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• 3^rd - to 2 feet to the left of 3rd base and 2 to 3 feet in front of 3rd base
• Left field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line
• Left center field - on the grass behind 2^nd base between shortstop and 2^nd base
• Right Center - on the grass behind 2^nd base between 2^nd baseman and 2nd base
• Right field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line.

Throwing

back to the top

• Proper throwing technique – Scarecrow, Arnold (muscle), Jackknife (rotate hip) and snap. Practice as drill.

  • Scarecrow – After fielding a ball, the player must first turn her body perpendicular to the target. During this transition, the throwing hand retrieves the ball from the glove and grips the ball with the index and middle finger across the seams of the ball.  The thumb will be under the ball directly on the stitching.  The wrist is cocked back.
  • Arnold (muscle) – The arm comes back as the weight of the player shifts to their back foot.  The throwing arm is flexed at the elbow. The player’s front arm should be pointed at the target and the player should be looking at the target.
  • Jackknife (rotate hip) – The player rotates their hip the shoulders turn to be parallel to the target.  As the hip is rotated the player takes a step transferring their weight from the back foot to the front foot.
  • Snap – The player snaps their wrist as they release the ball and follow through by bringing the back foot forward and landing in ready position.  The player’s body should finish roughly parallel to the target.

• Instruct players to always make sure the player they are throwing to is looking at them before they throw the ball.
• Snap Drill - Warm up on one knee, two partners facing one another, elbow bent with other hand supporting throwing hand, using just the wrist snap the ball to your partner.
• Towel Drill – Have player hold towel in their throwing hand with their wrist cocked back.  Have the player snap their wrist forward.
• Basketball Drill – Have the player practice throwing baskets with the softball.  Make sure that they snap their wrist when they shoot.

Running Bases

back to the top

• Drop bat prior the running, do not throw bat.  Practice as drill.
• Run through 1st base and home plate
• When running to 1st base the player must run in the running lane and touch orange base.  Once stepping on 1^st base turn towards foul territory except when advancing to the next base.
• Stop on 2^nd and 3^rd base
• When running from 1^st base to 2^nd base, 2^nd base to 3^rd base and 3^rd base to home the player must run in the base path.

Hitting

back to the top

• Proper technique -Hold bat with fingers, line up knuckles, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Position bat as if talking on the telephone. When swinging move hands directly at the ball. Rotate back hip towards pitcher.
• Always hit ball in front of plate.
• Position tee in front of plate or place hitter in back of box so the front foot is even with the back of the tee and the barrel of the bat is in the middle of the tee when the arms are extended.
• When throwing batting practice with wiffle balls and pitching in games try to throw balls at a speed fast enough for the ball crosses the plate level with the ground.
• Tee Drill – Have player hold bat behind their back with both arms.  Set up tee in line with the layer’s belly button.  The player rotates their hip and back foot hitting the ball off the tee.

Fielding

back to the top

• Field balls above the waste with the fingers of the glove facing up, the throwing hand next to the glove and thumbs together.

• Field balls below the waste starting with the glove on the ground and the finger of the glove facing away from the player.  Throwing hand next to the glove with pinkies together.

• Triangle Drill - With the player’s feet shoulder width apart draw a triangle with the point 1 foot in front of the player and have player with the pocket open place glove down on ground. Roll balls to player, having player practice field ball in front of them and starting with their glove on the ground and moving it up when the ball bounces up.  Start rolling balls straight to player and then once they understand the proper technique roll balls side to side.

• Cross fire Drill - Have half the players line on the 3^rd base foul line half way between 3^rd and home.  Have the half of the players line up half way between 2nd and second.  Have a coach next to each line.  Have the coaches roll a ball the player in the front of the line opposite them.  After fielding the ball the player hands the ball to the coach next to them.

• Attack drill – Line up players on the infield in a single file line. Draw a line 2 to 3 feet in front of the first player in line.  Roll the ball the player.  The player attempts to field the ball in front of the line.

Fly balls

back to the top

To catch a fly ball, the player should position the glove according to the flight of the ball. If the ball is below the waist, the fingers and the palm of the glove hand should be pointed down with the mitt fully open. If the ball is chest high, the fingers and the palm of the glove should be pointing out, with the thumbs pointing to the sky. If the ball is above the chest, the fingers point toward the sky.  In all catching attempts, a player should:

·   Keep eyes on the ball

·   Have both hands ready, with arms relaxed and extended towards the ball

·   Bend the elbows to absorb the force of the throw

·   Watch the ball into the glove and squeeze it.

·   After the catch, the player should immediately grip the ball with the throwing hand in the correct overhand throwing technique.

• Foam balls will be provided

• Drill –Using the foam balls practice throwing fly balls to the players.  Start with short distances and throw to the side of the player until the player is comfortable catching.  Players can also throw balls to themselves.

• Wide Receiver Drill – Each player has a ball.  The players line up about 10 ft from the coach.  The player at the front of the line throws their ball to the coach and starts running diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws the ball in the direction the player is running.

    back to the top

Division 8 and 10

  Positioning

back to the top

• 1^st  base - 1 to 2 feet to the right of 1^st base and 2 to 3 feet in front of 1^st base
• 2^nd base – Half way between 1^st and 2^nd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• Shortstop - Half way between 2^nd and 3rd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• 3^rd - 1 to 2 feet to the left of 3rd base and 2 to 3 feet in front of 3rd base
• Left field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line
• Left center field - on the grass behind 2^nd base between shortstop and 2^nd base
• Right Center - on the grass behind 2^nd base between 2^nd baseman and 2nd base
• Right field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line.
• Every play every player has a job to do.  The 3 B’s of softball are ball, base and backup.  The player’s first priority is to field the ball.  Second priority is backup the ball hit in there direction.  The infielders third priority is to cover the base, while the outfield’s third priority is to backup the throw.
• Backing up

  • Right fielder backups balls hit to 1^st and 2^nd and throws to 1^st base and from left field to 2^nd base
  • Left fielder backups balls hit to 3^rd and shortstop and throws to 3^rd base and from right field to 2^nd base
  • Left center backs up balls hit to 3^rd and shortstop and throws to 2^nd from 1^st and 2^nd baseman.
  • Right center backs up balls hit to 1^st and 2^nd and throw to 2^nd base from 3^rd and shortstop.
  • Pitcher backs up throws form center field to 2^nd base
• 2^nd baseman takes cut-off from right field and right center; shortstop takes cut-off from left field and left center

• Bunt coverage

Runner at first

• 1^st and 3^rd basemen charge
• 2^nd baseman covers 1^st base
• Shortstop covers 2^nd base
• Left fielder covers 3^rd base

Runner at first and second

• 1^st and 3^rd basemen charge
• 2^nd baseman covers 1^st base
• Shortstop covers 3^rd base
• Center fielder covers 2nd base
• Stealing

  • Shortstop or left-center fielder covers 2nd when base runner is stealing 2nd base
  • 3rd baseman covers 3rd when base runner is stealing 3rd base except on a bunt. Shortstop covers 3^rd for steal on bunt if there is a runner at 2^nd ; centerfielder covers 2^nd .

 

Throwing

back to the top

• Proper throwing technique – Scarecrow, Arnold (muscle), Jackknife (rotate hip) and snap. Practice as drill.

  • Scarecrow – After fielding a ball, the player must first turn her body perpendicular to the target. During this transition, the throwing hand retrieves the ball from the glove and grips the ball with the index and middle finger across the seams of the ball.  The thumb will be under the ball directly on the stitching.  The wrist is cocked back.
  • Arnold (muscle) – The arm comes back as the weight of the player shifts to their back foot.  The throwing arm is flexed at the elbow. The player’s front arm should be pointed at the target and the player should be looking at the target.
  • Jackknife (rotate hip) – The player rotates their hip the shoulders turn to be parallel to the target.  As the hip is rotated the player takes a step transferring their weight from the back foot to the front foot.
  • Snap – The player snaps their wrist as they release the ball and follow through by bringing the back foot forward and landing in ready position.  The player’s body should finish roughly parallel to the target.
• Instruct players to always make sure the player they are throwing to is looking at them before they throw the ball.
• All throws from the outfield are thrown to second base.
• Keep throws from outfield low or 1 hop to base.
• Snap Drill - Warm up on one knee, two partners facing one another, elbow bent with other hand supporting throwing hand, using just the wrist snap the ball to your partner
• Relay Drill – 3 or 4 man relay – Line up girls in line 15 to 20 feet apart.  1^st girl has ball and throws the ball the 2^nd girl, 2^nd girl pivots and throws ball the 3^rd girl, etc.  The girl receiving the ball has both hands up and calls for the ball.  The girl throwing the ball should aim shoulder high and for the girl’s throwing hand.
• Bucket Drill - At the end of practice is the best time to do this drill. Place a large container on its side (a 30-gallon trash can is perfect but a ball bucket will work) at home plate with the open end facing centerfield. Have fielders line up in centerfield (age of players are a factor in how deep you go to centerfield). Players should be lined up to receive a hit ball.
  The first player fields an outfield hit from the coach and attempts to throw the ball on target and one-hop it into the bucket. After her 1st attempt she goes to the end of the line and next player tries.
• Star Drill – The catcher throws the ball to the shortstop, the shortstop throws the ball to 1^st base, the 1^st baseman throws the ball to 3^rd , the 3^rd baseman throws the ball to the 2^nd baseman, the 2^nd baseman throws the ball home.
• Outfield Throwing Drill – Line players across the outfield.  Hit ball to player in right field.  The player fields the ball and throws 2^nd base.  Hit the next ball to right center, then left center and then left field.  Each time the player throws the ball to 2^nd base.  Once each player has fielded the ball and thrown it to 2^nd base they rotate to the position to their left.  The right fielder moves to left field.  Try to keep them moving by hitting the next ball as the other player is making the throw.
•   Around the Horn Drill – The catcher throws the ball to 1^st base, 1^st baseman throws to the shortstop covering 2^nd base, shortstop throws to 3^rd base, and 3rd baseman throws home.  Run the drill in the opposite direction.  When running the drill in the opposite direction the 2^nd baseman covers 2^nd base.
• Shuffle Toss Drill –Set up a ball 1 foot in front of the player. Have player bend their knee to pick up and toss the ball under hand to another player. The player should not stand up when tossing the ball under hand.

 

Hitting

back to the top

• Proper technique -Hold bat with fingers, line up knuckles, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Position bat as if talking on the telephone. When swinging the hands move directly to the ball. Rotate back hip towards pitcher. 
• The eyes should track the ball from the pitcher’s hip to the plate.  See the ball, hit the ball.  Always hit ball in front of plate.
• Bunting technique

o        Feet remain on ground and feet and hips turn to face pitcher;

o         Front hand remains on bat while backhand slides up bat.  Backhand makes “C” with thumb and index finger and is places behind the barrel of the bat.

o        Ball is contacted softly.  Player is trying to catch ball with bat.  Front foot should be slightly in front of home plate.

• Soft toss – Tossing the ball up and having the player hit into a net.  Before toss the ball, have the player extend their hands to the contact point (arms extended out in front of them).  Line yourself up so that you can throw the ball straight up at the contact point.  Do not throw the ball into the player.  Do not hit hard balls into the fence.  You may hit wiffle balls into the fence.
• Hitting stick – Hold the stick at the contact point.
• When throwing batting practice with wiffle balls and pitching in games try to throw balls at a speed fast enough for the ball crosses the plate level with the ground.
• Tee Drills –

  • Have player hold bat behind their back with both arms.  Set up tee in line with the layer’s belly button.  The player rotates their hip and back foot hitting the ball off the tee.  The purpose of this drill is for the player to practice rotating their back foot and hip.
  • The player is on one knee and holds the bat with the front hand.  The player practices hitting the ball with the knob of the barrel.  Then having the player use their back hand and finally have the player use two hands and hit the ball with the barrel of the bat.  The purpose of this drill is to teach the player to move their hands directly to the ball and to wait to extend their arms until their hands are in front of them.

  Running Bases

back to the top

• Run through 1st base and home plate
• When running to 1st base the player must run in the running lane and touch orange base.  Once stepping on 1^st base turn towards foul territory except when advancing to the next base.  If there is no running lane the player should run on the outside the foul line.
• Stop on 2^nd and 3^rd base
• When running from 1^st base to 2^nd base, 2^nd base to 3^rd base and 3^rd base to home the player must run in the base path. 
• Lead off once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand taking 3 to 4 large steps.  Once ball is returned to pitcher return to base.
• Runner(s) must return to bag or try to advance once the pitcher has control of the ball. (Circle violation)
• Stealing – Runners may steal 2^nd or 3^rd , only 1 base at a time, must stop on the base.
• Banana Turn Drill – Set up cone or have coach stand 4 to 5 feet in front of 1^st base and 1 to 2 feet outside the foul line.  Instruct player to run down the running lane and around the cone or coach.
• Sliding Drills

  • Circling the wagon – Girls form large circle walk around in circle then the coach yell down, the players put out one leg and drop to ground.  The drill is repeated with the girls speeding up each time until they are jogging.
  • Under the bat – Have 2 people hold a bat at waste level.  Have the player slide under the bat.  While the player is sliding under the bat they reach up and grab the bat.
• Running Drill – Have half the team line up at home and half the team line up at 2^nd base.  The 1^st girl in each line sprints round the bases until they reach the base they started at the next girl starts running once the girl 1^st girl tags her hand.  Continue until each girl has run.  The team that finishes first in the winner.

 

Fielding

back to the top

• Shortstop, 1st and 3rd basemen straddle base when taking a throw from the catcher and on tag plays. 
• When the ball is thrown from the catcher, the player receiving the throw should let the ball come to them and only leave the bag to get the ball if the throw is off line.
• Infield fly rule is in effect for division 10.
• Triangle Drill - With the player’s feet shoulder width apart draw a triangle with the point 1ft in front of the player and have player with the pocket open place glove down on ground. Roll balls to player, having player practice field ball in front of them and starting with their glove on the ground and moving it up when the ball bounces up.  After the player fields the ball the player brings the both hands up to their waste and then back into throwing position.  Start rolling balls straight to player and then once they understand the proper technique roll balls side to side.  Using either the cross over step or sliding to the slide.  Practice having the player turn over their glove for balls crosses their body.  Make sure that the player brings both hands together and to their waste before getting into throwing position.
• Cross Fire Drill – Have half the players line on the 3^rd base foul line half way between 3^rd and home.  Have the half of the players line up half way between 2nd and second.  Have a coach next to each line.  Have the coaches hit a ball the player in the front of the line opposite them.  After fielding the ball the player hands the ball to the coach next to them.  More advanced players can throw the ball to a catcher located next to the coach on the opposite side.
• 3,2,1, Run Drill – Set up 3 balls along the 3^rd base line about 10 feet from 3^rd base and 3 to 4 feet apart.  Have half the players at 3^rd base and half at home plate.  When the coach says “Go”, the player at home starts running to first and continues to second base.  The first player in line at third base runs to the first ball and throws the ball to 2^nd base, then continues to the next ball and throws it to 2^nd base and then does the same with the 3^rd ball.  The object of the drill is for the player to field and throw all 3 balls before the player running reaches 2^nd base.
• Ground Ball, Pop up, Ground Ball Drill – Players starting at 3^rd base.  Hit the first player in line a ground ball to their left.  The player fields the ball and throws it home.  Once the ball is thrown, the player runs towards 2^nd base and you throw a pop up near 2^nd base.  The player catches the ball and throws it home.  Then the player runs towards shortstop and a ground ball is a ground ball to shortstop.
• Range Drill – 2 cones are set up about 5 feet apart. The coach stands in the middle 5 feet from the cones.  The player is standing next to the coach.  The coach rolls a ball to the outside of one of the cones. The player runs around the cone and tries to field the ball.
• Quick Hands Drill – The player and coach stand 3 to for 4 away from each other.  The coach throws the ball to the side of the player.  The player tries to touch the ball with their hand.  The coach should begin throwing the ball within easy arms reach of the player and progressively throw the ball further and further away until the player is diving to touch the ball.

  Fly balls

back to the top

    To catch a fly ball, the player should position the glove according to the flight of the ball. If the ball is below the waist, the fingers and the palm of the glove hand should be pointed down with the mitt fully open. If the ball is chest high, the fingers and the palm of the glove should be pointing out, with the thumbs pointing to the sky. If the ball is above the chest, the fingers point toward the sky.  In all catching attempts, a player should:

• Keep eyes on the ball
• Have both hands ready, with arms relaxed and extended towards the ball
• Bend the elbows to absorb the force of the throw
• Watch the ball into the glove and squeeze it.
• After the catch, the player should immediately grip the ball with the throwing hand in the correct overhand throwing technique.
• Wide Receiver Drill – Each player has a ball.  The players line up about 10 ft from the coach.  The player at the front of the line throws their ball to the coach and starts running diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws the ball in the direction the player is running.
• Over the Head Drill – Have the player face their back to the coach.  The player begins running.  Once the player has taken 5 to 8 steps, the coach tosses a pop up and tells the player when to turn around.  The player turns around, locates the ball and attempts to catch it.
• Drop Step Drill – The player lines up facing the coach.  When the coach says, “Go”, the player turns to their left and runs diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws a ball in the direction the player is running 1 to 2 steps beyond them.  The player attempt to catch the ball and throw it back to the coach.  Then the player turns to their right and runs diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws a ball in the direction the player is running 1 to 2 steps beyond them.  The player attempt to catch the ball and throw it back to the coach.  Repeat each direction one more time.




Division 12 and 14

back to the top

  Positioning

• 1 ^st  base - 1 to 2 feet away from 1 ^st base
• 2 ^nd base – Half way between 1 ^st and 2 ^nd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• Shortstop - Half way between 2 ^nd and 3rd base, 2 to 3 feet in front of the base path
• 3 ^rd - 1 to 2 feet away from 3rd base
• Left field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line
• Left center field - on the grass behind 2 ^nd base between shortstop and 2 ^nd base
• Right Center - on the grass behind 2 ^nd base between 2 ^nd baseman and 2nd base
• Right field – on the grass behind infield between on the grass off foul line.
• Every play every player has a job to do.  The 3 B’s of softball are ball, base and backup.  The player’s first priority is to field the ball.  Second priority is backup the ball hit in there direction.  The infielders third priority is to cover the base, while the outfield’s third priority is to backup the throw.
• Backing up

  • Right fielder backups balls hit to 1 ^st  and 2 ^nd and throws to 1 ^st base and from left field to 2 ^nd base
  • Left fielder backups balls hit to 3 ^rd and shortstop and throws to 3 ^rd base and from right field to 2 ^nd base
  • Left center backs up balls hit to 3 ^rd and shortstop and throws to 2 ^nd from 1 ^st and 2 ^nd baseman.
  • Right center backs up balls hit to 1 ^st and 2 ^nd and throw to 2 ^nd base from 3 ^rd and shortstop.
  • Pitcher backs up throws form center field to 2 ^nd base

 

• 2 ^nd baseman takes cut-off from right field and right center; shortstop takes cut-off from left field and left center
• Bunt coverage

  • 1 ^st and 3 ^rd basemen charge
  • 2 ^nd baseman covers 1 ^st base
  • Shortstop covers 2 ^nd base
  • Left fielder covers 3 ^rd base
• Stealing

  • Shortstop covers 2nd when base runner is stealing 2nd base
  • 3rd baseman covers 3rd when base runner is stealing 3rd base except on a bunt. Shortstop covers 3 ^rd for steal on bunt if there is a runner at 2 ^nd ; centerfielder covers 2 ^nd .
  • If there is a runner at 3 ^rd base the pitcher covers home plate on pass ball or wild pitch

  Throwing

back to the top

• Proper throwing technique – Scarecrow, Arnold (muscle), Jackknife (rotate hip) and snap. Practice as drill.

  • Scarecrow – After fielding a ball, the player must first turn her body perpendicular to the target. During this transition, the throwing hand retrieves the ball from the glove and grips the ball with the index and middle finger across the seams of the ball.  The thumb will be under the ball directly on the stitching.  The wrist is cocked back.
  • Arnold (muscle) – The arm comes back as the weight of the player shifts to their back foot.  The throwing arm is flexed at the elbow. The player’s front arm should be pointed at the target and the player should be looking at the target.
  • Jackknife (rotate hip) – The player rotates their hip the shoulders turn to be parallel to the target.  As the hip is rotated the player takes a step transferring their weight from the back foot to the front foot.
  • Snap – The player snaps their wrist as they releases the ball and follow through by bringing the back foot forward and landing in ready position.  The player’s body should finish roughly parallel to the target.
• Instruct players to always make sure the player they are throwing to is looking at them before they throw the ball.
• All throws from the outfield are thrown to second base
• Crow hop when throwing from outfield
• Keep throws from outfield low or 1 hop to base.
• Snap Drill - Warm up on one knee, two partners facing one another, elbow bent with other hand supporting throwing hand, using just the wrist snap the ball to your partner
• Relay Drill – 3 or 4 man relay – Line up girls in line 15 to 20 feet apart.  1 ^st girl has ball and throws the ball the 2 ^nd girl, 2 ^nd girl pivots and throws ball the 3 ^rd girl, etc.  The girl receiving the ball has both hands up and calls for the ball.  The girl throwing the ball should aim shoulder high and for the girl’s throwing hand.
• Bucket Drill - At the end of practice is the best time to do this drill. Place a large container on its side (a 30-gallon trash can is perfect but a ball bucket will work) at home plate with the open end facing centerfield. Have fielders line up in centerfield (age of players are a factor in how deep you go to centerfield). Players should be lined up to receive a hit ball.
  The first player fields an outfield hit from the coach and attempts to throw the ball on target and one-hop it into the bucket. After her 1st attempt she goes to the end of the line and next player tries.
• Star Drill – The catcher throws the ball to the shortstop, the shortstop throws the ball to 1 ^st base, the 1 ^st baseman throws the ball to 3 ^rd , the 3 ^rd baseman throws the ball to the 2 ^nd baseman, the 2 ^nd baseman throws the ball home.
• Extended Star Drill – The catcher throws the ball to the left field, the left fielder throws the ball to 1 ^st base, the 1 ^st baseman throws the ball to 3 ^rd , the 3 ^rd baseman throws the ball to the 2 ^nd baseman, the 2 ^nd baseman throws the ball home.
• ball to 2 ^nd base.  Once each player has fielded the ball and thrown it to 2 ^nd base they rotate to the position to their left.  The right fielder moves to left field.  Try to keep them moving by hitting the next ball as the other player is making the throw.

  ·           Outfield Throwing Drill – Line players across the outfield.  Hit ball to player in right field.  The player fields the ball and throws 2 ^nd base.  Hit the next ball to right center, then left center and then left field.  Each time the player throws the Around the Horn Drill – The catcher throws the ball to 1 ^st base, 1 ^st baseman throws to the shortstop covering 2 ^nd base, shortstop throws to 3 ^rd base, 3 ^rd baseman throws home.  Run the drill in the opposite direction.  When running the drill in the opposite direction the 2 ^nd baseman covers 2 ^nd base.

• Shuffle Toss Drill –Set up a ball 1 foot in front of the player. Have player bend their knee to pick up and toss the ball under hand to another player. The player should not stand up when tossing the ball under hand.
• Speed Throwing Drill – Have half the players line up at 2 ^nd base and the other half of the players line up on 1 ^st base.  The player at the front of the line at 1 ^st throws the ball to the player in the front of the line at 2nd base and then follows their throw to 2 ^nd base.  The player at 2 ^nd throws the ball back to 1 ^st base and follows their throw to 1 ^st base.  The drill continues until at least each player has caught the ball and thrown the ball at each base.
• Shuffle Toss, Flips and Feed Drill – Coach rolls the ball to the left of the 2 ^nd baseman.  The 2 ^nd baseman plants and throws the ball to the shortstop covering 2 ^nd base.  The coach rolls the ball to the 2 ^nd baseman.  The 2 ^nd baseman throws the ball to shortstop covering 2 ^nd base using a ¾ throw (turning and throwing the ball without taking a step or straightening completely).  The coach rolls the ball the right of the 2 ^nd baseman.  The 2 ^nd baseman throws the ball shortstop covering 2 ^nd base using a backhand flip or shuffle toss.  Have the shortstop return to their position each time so they can works on covering 2 ^nd base and footwork for the double play.  Switch and roll ball to Shortstop with 2 ^nd baseman covering 2 ^nd base.

 

Hitting

back to the top

• Proper technique -Hold bat with fingers, line up knuckles, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Position bat as if talking on the telephone. When swinging the hands move directly to the ball. Rotate back hip towards pitcher. 
• The eyes should track the ball from the pitcher’s hip to the plate.  See the ball, hit the ball.  Always hit ball in front of plate.
• Bunting technique

  • Feet remain on ground and feet and hips turn to face pitcher;
  •  Front hand remains on bat while backhand slides up bat.  Backhand makes “C” with thumb and index finger and is places behind the barrel of the bat.
  • Ball is contacted softly.  Player is trying to catch ball with bat.  Front foot should be slightly in front of home plate.
•   Soft toss – Tossing the ball up and having the player hit into a net.  Before toss the ball, have the player extend their hands to the contact point (arms extended out in front of them).  Line yourself up so that you can throw the ball straight up at the contact point.  Do not throw the ball into the player.  Do not hit hard balls into the fence.  You may hit wiffle balls into the fence.
• Hitting stick – Hold the stick at the contact point.
• When throwing batting practice with wiffle balls and pitching in games try to throw balls at a speed fast enough for the ball crosses the plate level with the ground.
• Drag bunting technique - Batter starts moving toward the pitcher as the pitch is delivered by crossing the rear foot in front of the front foot.  Hips and shoulder open toward the pitcher.  As the bat is dropped into the strike zone, the back hand slides up the bat.  Contact is made deep in the strike zone.
• Slap hitting technique – Batter starts moving toward the pitcher as the pitch is delivered by crossing the rear foot in front of the front foot.  Hips open toward the pitcher and the shoulder remains closed.  The hands are held high and close to the body. The hands come forward with the crossover step.  Throw knob of bat inside path of the ball (inside out swing). The head of the bat remains back toward the catcher.  Contact is made deep in the strike zone. A slow, easy swing, slightly downward.
• Runner may run on drop third strike when 1 ^st base is unoccupied or there are 2 outs.
• Tee Drills –

  • Have player hold bat behind their back with both arms.  Set up tee in line with the layer’s belly button.  The player rotates their hip and back foot hitting the ball off the tee.  The purpose of this drill is for the player to practice rotating their back foot and hip.
  • The player is on one knee and holds the bat with the front hand.  The player practices hitting the ball with the knob of the barrel.  Then having the player use their back hand and finally have the player use two hands and hit the ball with the barrel of the bat.  The purpose of this drill is to teach the player to move their hands directly to the ball and to wait to extend their arms until their hands are in front of them.

 

Running Bases

• Run through 1st base and home plate
• When running to 1st base the player must run in the running lane and touch orange base.  Once stepping on 1 ^st base turn towards foul territory except when advancing to the next base.  If there is no running lane the player should run on the outside the foul line.
• Stop on 2 ^nd and 3 ^rd base
• When running from 1 ^st base to 2 ^nd base, 2 ^nd base to 3 ^rd base and 3 ^rd base to home the player must run in the base path. 
• Lead off once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand taking 3 to 4 large steps.  Once ball is returned to pitcher return to base.
•   Runner(s) must return to bag or try to advance once the pitcher has control of the ball. (Circle violation)
• Stealing – Runners may steal 2 ^nd or 3 ^rd , only 1 base at a time, must stop on the base.
• When a batter walks with a runner at 3 ^rd base have the batter continue to 2 ^nd base.  The batter must not stop at 1 ^st base.
• Runners should be prepared to take additional base on overthrows
• Teach players to head first dive back to the bag when they are leading off and a throw is made to attempt to pick them off.
• Picking up coach at third base coach once the player has obtained 1 ^st base.
• Five types of slides –

  • Straight slide – the base runner tuck one foot under their other leg, drops their body to the ground and skids to into the base
  • Pop up slide - a slide in which a base runner rises to his feet immediately after touching the base; used in situations when a runner may try to advance another base.
  • Slide by slide - a slide made by skidding past a base and touching the base with the hand or arm.
  • Hook slide - a slide made by bending one leg under the body, sliding past the base and touching it with the foot of the bent leg
  • Head first slide - the base runner plunges forward with arms stretched out and skid towards a base in order to avoid a tag
• Sliding Drills

  • Circling the wagon – Girls form large circle walk around in circle then the coach yell down, the players put out one leg and drop to ground.  The drill is repeated with the girls speeding up each time until they are jogging.
  • Under the bat – Have 2 people hold a bat at waste level.  Have the player slide under the bat.  While the player is sliding under the bat they reach up and grab the bat.
• Banana Turn Drill – Set up cone or have coach stand 4 to 5 feet in front of 1 ^st base and 1 to 2 feet outside the foul line.  Instruct player to run down the running lane and around the cone or coach.
• Running Drill – Have half the team line up at home and half the team line up at 2 ^nd base.  The 1 ^st girl in each line sprints round the bases until they reach the base they started at the next girl starts running once the girl 1 ^st girl tags her hand.  Continue until each girl has run.  The team that finishes first in the winner.

 

Fielding

back to the top

• Shortstop, 1st and 3rd basemen straddle base when taking a throw from the catcher and on tag plays. 
• When the ball is thrown from the catcher, the player receiving the throw should let the ball come to them and only leave the bag to get the ball if the throw is off line.
• Infield fly rule is in effect for division 12 and 14.
• Teach catcher and pitcher to position themselves 1 foot up the base path when covering home plate
• Work with catcher blocking balls and balls off the backstop.
• On a pas
• Passed Ball Drill – Pitcher throws ball past the catcher.  The catcher hustles to the ball and throws back to the pitcher covering home.
• Triangle Drill - With the player’s feet shoulder width apart draw a triangle with the point 1ft in front of the player and have player with the pocket open place glove down on ground. Roll balls to player, having player practice field ball in front of them and starting with their glove on the ground and moving it up when the ball bounces up.  After the player fields the ball the player brings the both hands up to their waste and then back into throwing position.  Start rolling balls straight to player and then once they understand the proper technique roll balls side to side.  Using either the cross over step or sliding to the slide.  Practice having the player turn over their glove for balls crosses their body.  Make sure that the player brings both hands together and to their waste before getting into throwing position.
• Cross Fire Drill – Have half the players line on the 3 ^rd base foul line half way between 3 ^rd and home.  Have the half of the players line up half way between 2nd and second.  Have a coach next to each line.  Have the coaches hit a ball the player in the front of the line opposite them.  After fielding the ball the player hands the ball to the coach next to them.  More advanced players can throw the ball to a catcher located next to the coach on the opposite side.
• 3,2,1, Run Drill – Set up 3 balls along the 3 ^rd base line about 10 feet from 3 ^rd base and 3 to 4 feet apart.  Have half the players at 3 ^rd base and half at home plate.  When the coach says “Go”, the player at home starts running to first and continues to second base.  The first player in line at third base runs to the first ball and throws the ball to 2 ^nd base, then continues to the next ball and throws it to 2 ^nd base and then does the same with the 3 ^rd ball.  The object of the drill is for the player to field and throw all 3 balls before the player running reaches 2 ^nd base.
• Ground Ball, Pop up, Ground Ball Drill – Players starting at 3 ^rd base.  Hit the first player in line a ground ball to their left.  The player fields the ball and throws it home.  Once the ball is thrown, the player runs towards 2 ^nd base and you throw a pop up near 2 ^nd base.  The player catches the ball and throws it home.  Then the player runs towards shortstop and a ground ball is a ground ball to shortstop.
• Range Drill – 2 cones are set up about 5 feet apart. The coach stands in the middle 5 feet from the cones.  The player is standing next to the coach.  The coach rolls a ball to the outside of one of the cones. The player runs around the cone and tries to field the ball.
• Quick Hands Drill – The player and coach stand 3 to for 4 away from each other.  The coach throws the ball to the side of the player.  The player tries to touch the ball with their hand.  The coach should begin throwing the ball within easy arms reach of the player and progressively throw the ball further and further away until the player is diving to touch the ball.

 

Fly balls

back to the top

To catch a fly ball, the player should position the glove according to the flight of the ball. If the ball is below the waist, the fingers and the palm of the glove hand should be pointed down with the mitt fully open. If the ball is chest high, the fingers and the palm of the glove should be pointing out, with the thumbs pointing to the sky. If the ball is above the chest, the fingers point toward the sky.  In all catching attempts, a player should :

• Keep eyes on the ball
• Have both hands ready, with arms relaxed and extended towards the ball
• Bend the elbows to absorb the force of the throw
• Watch the ball into the glove and squeeze it.
• After the catch, the player should immediately grip the ball with the throwing hand in the correct overhand throwing technique.
• Going back on balls – turn feet away from plate keeping upper torso and eyes facing plate.
• Wide Receiver Drill – Each player has a ball.  The players line up about 10 ft from the coach.  The player at the front of the line throws their ball to the coach and starts running diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws the ball in the direction the player is running.
• Over the Head Drill – Have the player face their back to the coach.  The player begins running.  Once the player has taken 5 to 8 steps, the coach tosses a pop up and tells the player when to turn around.  The player turns around, locates the ball and attempts to catch it.
• Drop Step Drill – The player lines up facing the coach.  When the coach says, “Go”, the player turns to their left and runs diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws a ball in the direction the player is running 1 to 2 steps beyond them.  The player attempt to catch the ball and throw it back to the coach.  Then the player turns to their right and runs diagonally away from the coach.  The coach throws a ball in the direction the player is running 1 to 2 steps beyond them.  The player attempt to catch the ball and throw it back to the coach.  Repeat each direction one more time.
• Over the Shoulder Drill - start with player facing coach; have player start running away from coach keeping eyes and torso facing coach. Coach throws ball directly over the player’s head 2 to 4 feet past the player

back to the top

Copyright(c) North Shore Girls Softball. All rights reserved.