6 Indoor Softball Drills

In many of the northern states softball practice has to begin before the weather outside is nice enough for practice. So the first few practices have to be held indoors in a gymnasium. That's OK because there are plenty of indoor softball drills that players can practice in order to get ready for the softball season.

Hitting

It's impossible to get players any real batting practice against a live pitcher during indoor softball drills. However, players can begin to get themselves back into the hitting mode by hitting off a tee and taking batting practice off a pitching machine.

More: Softball Rundown Drill

Hitting From a Tee

Many older players think it's a waste of time to hit a softball off a tee. All the players can think about is when they were six years old and playing tee ball. Once the role of this drill is explained to the players, they see that it's useful and are more willing do it.

While hitting off a tee a player should be concentrate on her stance and the position of her hands and arms. Then the player needs to make sure she steps forward with her front foot, keeps her back foot planted, and swings the bat well—all the way through the ball. She also needs to be sure to keep her head down and eye on the ball. A coach can actually help a player be a better hitter by watching her swing while hitting off a tee and then correcting any areas that need adjustment.

More: 5 Softball Conditioning Drills

Practicing With a Hitting Machine

Pitching machines are a great tool for indoor softball drills. The speed can be set precisely so a player can get into the rhythm of hitting the ball. During these hitting drills a player should try to hit the ball right back at the pitching machine. Also, hitting off a pitching machine is a perfect opportunity for players to practice bunting. This is a lost art with most of today's players. However, if they start practicing bunting indoors then they should be able to do it well enough in the games.

Fielding and Throwing

There is almost an unlimited amount of indoor softball drills players can do that involve fielding and throwing. These drills will help the players get into shape to play softball and the drills will also help a coach evaluate his players.

Fielding Without a Glove

This drill requires players to field the ball with their bare hands. Players line up in two lines facing each other. Then the first player in one of the lines rolls the ball to the first player in the other line. The player who rolled the ball runs to the back of the opposite line. Then the other player fields the ball and rolls it to the next player.

More: 4 Fun Softball Games For Kids

During this drill players should concentrate on getting square with the ball, bending with their knees, and cradling the ball into their bodies. It's important that players don't roll the ball too slowly or too fast. A coach should monitor the drill to make sure the rolling is acceptable. A coach should also watch the drill to make adjustments to players' fielding techniques.

Four Corners

This indoor drill requires players to stand at each corner of the gym. One player begins the drill by throwing the ball to the player at the diagonal corner of the gym. That player catches the ball and then throws to the player on the same side of the gym. Then the next throw goes diagonally again so that all four players have caught and thrown the ball.

More: Which Sports Camp Is Right For You?

Players should work on their "crow hop" while throwing the ball. They should also catch the ball with two hands and get the ball out of their glove quickly. This drill should be very crisp when it is practiced well.

The Benefits of Indoor Softball Drills

Indoor softball drills can simulate almost anything a player will face in a real game. In fact, many coaches like to begin the season practicing inside because it allows for more structure and it also helps the players to get closer because they are in a confined space. There are many great indoor softball drills that players can practice.