Good softball infield drills build soft hands, quick feet and fast, accurate throws. A regular mix of short-hop work, ground-ball footwork, backhands and forehands, quick transfers, double-play turns and bunt coverage prepares infielders for almost any game situation. Start each drill slowly with correct form, then add speed and pressure once the technique is solid, and finish with live hitting so infielders practice reading real batted balls. This guide describes the key drills, how to run them, how to structure an infield session, and how to adapt drills for younger and older players.
Health note: This article is general information, not medical advice. Infield drills involve hard-hit balls and quick movements. Use appropriate balls for the players’ level, consider fielder face masks where recommended, warm up thoroughly and space groups safely.
Infield drills at a glance
| Drill | Skill |
|---|---|
| Short hops on knees | Soft hands |
| Alligator drill | Two-hand fielding with hands out front |
| Backhand and forehand reps | Range to both sides |
| Quick transfers | Glove-to-hand speed |
| Double-play turns | Footwork around second base |
| Bunt coverage | Charging and communication |
| Rapid fire | Reaction to hard-hit balls |
| Throw to targets | Accuracy to first base |
The ready position and first step
Every infield play starts before the ball is hit. Infielders should be in an athletic ready position as the pitch is delivered: feet a little wider than shoulder-width, knees bent, weight on the balls of the feet and glove out in front. Many infielders take a small creep step or hop as the pitch approaches the plate, so they are already moving when the ball is hit. A simple drill is to have infielders take their ready position and react to a coach’s signal or a rolled ball, focusing on an explosive first step in the right direction. Improving the first step increases range more than almost anything else.
Fielding footwork: right, left, field
Many coaches teach a simple footwork pattern for routine ground balls. For a right-handed thrower, the sequence is often described as right foot, left foot, field: the fielder approaches the ball, sets the right foot, steps with the left foot slightly ahead and fields the ball in front of the body. After fielding, the player replaces the feet by bringing the back foot toward the front and steps toward the target to throw. Practicing this rhythm slowly, then at game speed, makes routine plays consistent and smooth.
Working on communication
Infield play depends on communication. Before each pitch, infielders should know the number of outs, the runners and where they will throw if the ball comes to them. During drills, have players call out the play, such as two outs, throw to first. On pop-ups and slow rollers, practice calling for the ball and peeling off. Clear communication prevents collisions and confusion in games.
Short hops on knees
Partners kneel about 10 to 15 feet apart and throw short hops to each other. The fielder keeps the glove low and open, moving it through the ball rather than stabbing at it. Kneeling removes footwork so players can focus entirely on glove work. This drill builds soft hands and confidence with difficult hops, which are common in infield play.
Alligator drill
Fielders get into a low fielding position with the glove out in front and the throwing hand above it, like an alligator’s jaws. A partner rolls ground balls, and the fielder closes the throwing hand over the glove to secure the ball. This drill teaches two-hand fielding and keeping the hands out in front of the body. It is especially useful for younger players learning the basics.
Backhand and forehand reps
A coach or partner rolls or hits ground balls to the fielder’s glove side and backhand side. On the forehand, the fielder uses a crossover step and fields the ball in front. On the backhand, the fielder turns the glove over and fields the ball in front of the right foot for a right-handed thrower, then plants and throws. Repetition builds range and confidence on balls away from the body.
Quick transfers
Partners stand about 20 feet apart and throw back and forth as quickly as possible, focusing on catching and transferring the ball from glove to hand in one motion. Count the number of throws in 30 seconds and try to beat the total. Quick transfers speed up every play, from routine throws to double plays.
Double-play turns
Middle infielders practice feeding and turning double plays at second base. The coach hits or rolls ground balls to the shortstop and second baseman, who feed the covering player, who touches the base and throws to first. Practice different feeds, such as underhand tosses and firm throws, and different footwork around the bag. Add runners at controlled speed to practice clearing the base path safely.
Bunt coverage
Infielders and pitchers practice charging bunts, communicating and throwing to the correct base. The coach rolls or bunts balls to different areas, and the catcher calls where to throw. The second baseman practices covering first, and the shortstop covers second or third as needed. This drill builds teamwork and communication.
Rapid fire
A coach hits or throws ground balls quickly at a fielder from a shorter distance, one after another. The fielder must react, field and toss the ball aside before the next one arrives. This drill builds reaction time and quick hands, especially for corner infielders. Use softer balls for younger players and keep sets short to maintain quality.
Throw to targets
Infielders field ground balls and throw to a target at first base, such as a first baseman or a net with marked areas. Track how many throws reach the target at chest height. Accuracy matters more than arm strength, and throwing from a balanced base every time builds consistency.
Step-by-step: structuring an infield session
- Warm up with light running, dynamic stretches and a throwing progression.
- Hands: Short hops on knees and alligator drill, about 5 minutes.
- Footwork and range: Forehand and backhand reps, about 10 minutes.
- Transfers and throws: Quick transfers and throws to targets, about 10 minutes.
- Team play: Double plays and bunt coverage, about 10 minutes.
- Live reads: Ground balls off a live bat, about 10 minutes.
- Competitive finish: A points-based fielding challenge.
Tips for better drills
- Start slow with correct form, then add speed.
- Use flat rubber training balls or tennis balls for young players.
- Field through the ball, not at it.
- Throw from a balanced base every time.
- End with live hitting so reads are game-like.
Adapting drills by age
Younger players benefit from softer balls, shorter distances and slower pace, with an emphasis on getting in front of the ball and using two hands. Older players can handle harder-hit balls, faster pace and more complex drills that combine fielding, footwork and team communication. Adjust volume so players stay focused and technique stays sharp.
Common mistakes
- Fielding with stiff hands or stabbing at the ball.
- Standing too upright instead of staying low.
- Rushing throws without setting the feet.
- Long lines that reduce repetitions.
- Skipping backhand work.
- No live reads in practice.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get softer hands in softball?
Practice short hops regularly, let the glove give with the ball and use drills like the alligator drill.
What are the best infield drills for youth softball?
Alligator drill, short hops on knees, rolled ground balls and throws to targets are great starting points.
How often should infielders practice drills?
Ideally at most practices, with short, focused sessions that mix hands, footwork and throwing.
