Conditioning Drills For Softball Catchers

Softball catchers need to be in top physical shape. The nature of their position is very physical and demanding. Catchers should always work on this aspect of baseball game through softball practice drills. Here are some conditioning drills for softball catchers which are sure to make any catcher more fit.

Drill 1 - Blocking Balls

Purpose: To practice blocking low pitches or balls in the dirt. This is a key skill drill for catchers, with the benefit of providing a good conditioning element as well.

Procedure: Catchers can work with another catcher or a coach serving as a tosser. The catcher, in full gear, starts in the ready position for receiving a pitch. The tosser stands around 20 feet in front of her. The tosser begins by throwing a ball in the dirt (or on the ground if working inside) directly at the catcher. The catcher should drop to both knees as baseball glove drops, palms up, directly between her legs. At the same time, she should drop the chin to her chest and round the shoulders, creating an enclosure. The ball should stay in front of the catcher. Each catcher blocks two sets of 5 or 10 balls.

Drill 2 - Catcher Agility

Purpose: To work on and improve agility and the ability to catch foul balls.

Procedure: The catcher lies flat on her stomach. A partner tosses simulated foul balls behind her, calling "Ball" as the ball is tossed. The catcher scrambles to make the catch.

Drill 3 - Random-Ball Conditioning

Purpose: To practice throws to bases and improve conditioning.

Procedure: Place six to eight balls randomly in front of home. From the squat position the catcher explodes and throws to a receiver at the base, hustles back into catching position, and continues until all of the balls have been thrown. Repeat the drill with the catcher throwing to a different base.

Drill 4 - Quick Feet

Purpose: To improve quickness

Procedure: A pitcher throws from a distance of about 20 feet, pitching the ball inside or outside to a catcher in receiving position. The catcher's hips are up to improve quickness for throwing out the runner. After catching the ball, the catcher quickly moves her feet and assumes the throwing position with both arms up, then freezes in that position to check for proper alignment.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

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