The Wilson A0440 is a solid choice for players new to the game because it's very comfortable and has a nice fit. The glove features a very unique "Monsta" web, which means it has a larger basket for catching the ball. One great feature is the ultra-breathable lining, which keeps your hand nice and dry throughout the game (because who wants a sweaty, stinky hand?). The grey and pink design isn't our fave, but it's otherwise a solid glove!
The Rawlins Player Preferred 11PK is named after the fact that it has long been a popular choice in all levels of softball. It has a comfortable feel and is easy to control. Unless you have a problem with the color red, this glove should be near the top of your list.
The Easton Black Magic has a lot of features that cater to the player's comfort level. Everything from choice of soft and flexible leather to moisture control in the finger slots. This glove also has straps to adjust the fit. On top of that, it's a really good looking glove!
When it comes to top of the line softball gloves, look no further than the Nokona Pro Elite TN1200. The glove is made with high-quality leather, which promises to be durable. With this glove, you'll never have to worry about its performance, but you may worry about its price because it doesn't come cheap! If you want the Pro Elite TN1200, you'd better start saving your allowance!
The Louisville Slugger Player Series LP1350 has a lot of innovative features that are not common in softball gloves. It has dye-through lacing to improve durability, which was designed by professional baseball players. The glove also features thick padding on the fingers and palm, to maximize comfort and minimize bruises. The black basket surrounded by the nice brown leather makes this glove look as good as it performs.
Knock Barney off the Can
This drill involves hitting a stuffed Barney (the purple dinosaur some kids love) off of a garbage can that's turned upside down. A player stands about 50 feet from Barney and all the other players line-up behind her.
The coach should then hit a grounder to that player. That player has to field the ball and then try to hit Barney with the throw. A little prize can be awarded to any player who is successful.
Of course there can be many other fun softball practice drills that are similar to this but use a different object or a different stuffed animal. As long as it works on a player's fielding and throwing accuracy the drill will work great.
Pickle
For this drill players need to be divided into groups of three. In each group there will be a runner and two fielders. The fielders will line-up on bases that are placed up to sixty feet apart. The runner will begin on one of the bases.
Then the fielders will first throw a grounder to each other and then a pop fly to each other. During one of the four turns (two grounders and two pop flies), the runner has to try to advance to the other base.
Once the runner gets thrown out three times or steals three bases, the runner becomes a fielder and one of the fielders becomes the runner.
This drill gives the runner practice trying to steal a base and it helps the fielders work on fielding grounder and pop flies, throwing, and applying a tag.
Beat the Ball
This drill needs to be done on the base pads. The catcher lines-up behind the plate with a ball and a player takes each base. Then a player starts at the plate and will run around all the bases.
On the coach's signal, the runner takes off. Meanwhile, the catcher must throw the ball to third base, receive a throw back, throw the ball to second base, receive the ball back, and then throw to first. The first basemen will then throw the ball back to the catcher, receive the throw back and then throw to each of the bases.
This continues until all 4 defensive players have taken their turn throwing to every base and home plate. This should happen before the runner makes it around the bases twice.
This fun softball drill helps work on every major facet of the game - running bases, catching, and throwing - except hitting.
Practice Can be Fun!
Practice doesn't have to be boring and tough all the time. There are plenty of fun softball practice drills to add some excitement and entertainment. Most of these drills are beneficial too. Three such drills are Knock Barney Off the Can, Pickle, and Beat the Ball.
| Coach Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball practice drills You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website: For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today! |
