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Softball drill

Listen while tracking communication drill

While an outfielder turns, finds and catches a fly ball, a teammate shouts a few random words, and after the catch the fielder has to repeat them. It trains outfielders to keep their ears working while their eyes are on the ball.

A youth softball outfielder settling under a high fly ball from a coach as a teammate shouts with hands cupped around the mouth
Video by Nicole Trimboli on YouTube. The write-up below is ours.

At a glance

Sport
Baseball and Softball
Skill
Outfield
Ages
10U to High school
Players
3 (a coach, a fielder and a partner who talks)
Time
About 10 minutes
Level
Intermediate
Equipment
Gloves, A bucket of balls
Indoors
Needs a field

Outfield communication fails in two ways: nobody calls, or somebody calls and the fielder does not hear it. Players locked onto a fly ball often tune everything else out, including a teammate yelling to take it or get out of the way. Hearing while tracking is a skill, and it can be practiced.

In this drill a partner shouts a few random words while the fielder turns and catches a fly ball, and the fielder has to say the words back afterward. It sounds like a game, and players treat it as one, but it builds the habit of listening on every fly ball.

Setup

  • Two outfielders stand about 20 feet apart in the outfield. The fielder faces away from the coach.
  • The coach stands in front of them with a bucket of balls.
  • The partner thinks of a few random words before each rep.

How to run it

  1. The coach throws a fly ball and calls out to start the rep.
  2. The fielder turns around, finds the ball and goes to get it.
  3. While the ball is in the air, the partner shouts three random words, loud and clear.
  4. The fielder makes the catch.
  5. Right after the catch, the fielder repeats the words to the partner. Switch roles after a few reps.

Coaching points

  • The catch comes first. Words are the second job, not an excuse to drop the ball.
  • The partner speaks loudly and clearly, the way a game call should sound.
  • Change the words every rep so the fielder cannot guess.
  • Connect it to games: the fielder who heard the words will hear the call off.

Common mistakes

  • The partner mumbling, so the fielder had no chance to hear.
  • The fielder getting so focused on the words that they misplay the ball.
  • Reusing the same words every rep, which turns it into memory instead of listening.

Printable drill card

Take this drill to the field: the setup, steps, coaching points and equipment on one card, with the video's address to find it again. Free, no account needed.

Print the drill card

Smaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).

By age

10U

Start with one or two simple words and easy, high throws.

12U

Use three different words and throw the ball so the fielder has to move to it.

14U and up

Use less common words or a short phrase, or have the partner call real game calls mixed with random ones.

Next: Free defensive lineup generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get outfielders to communicate?

Practice it on purpose. Drills where calling and listening are part of the rep, like this one or a gap communication drill, make talking a habit instead of something players remember only after a collision.

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