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8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U are different categories of softball division. Age group is the determinant for softball divisions. The age of a player as of December 31st of the current year is the criteria for classification. These divisions have different rules. These rules differ based on base and pitching distances, softball size, the number of innings and players on defense, time limit, pitching, stealing, catching, running limits, and overthrows. Softball drills are frequent exercises carried out to improve skills and techniques in players. These drills are also position-specific. There are different drills for first base, second base, shortstop, third base, catcher, pitcher, and outfield positions. Position-specific exercises encourage teamwork and self-direction in players.
Softball Drills
Drills help players become better at their skills, and different positions have different routines. The following are drills specific to other softball positions.
- First base
A first base player fields the area closest to the first base. During drills, a first base player should focus on being quick, drop step, making vertical tags to the first base, and receiving the ball as quickly as possible. Examples of drills include wild throws around first base, backhand catch, throw drill, bunt drill, stride drill, etc.
- Second base
The second base position is an infield position where the player fields the second and first base. A second base player should focus on receiving throws from the catcher, holding runners close to second base, and double-play turns. Drills include pop-ups between infield and outfield, diving to catch ground balls, etc.
- Shortstop
Shortstop is a defensive position, and it is a fielding position between second and third base. A shortstop player should be quick and have excellent throwing and fielding skills. Drills for shortstop position include backhand ground balls, feed to 2nd on the double play, ground balls in the hole, pivot, throw, etc.
- Third base
This position is a reaction position, and a third baseman only catches hits that land in the third base area. A third baseman also fields fly balls. Skills in this position include dropping into a defensive stance, jumping to catch fly balls in the air, and knowing where to throw. Drills for the third base position, including foul pop-ups near the fence, bunt pick up and throw, etc.
- Catcher
This position receives the ball from the pitcher. Some catcher skills include throwing, blocking, and receiving the ball. Drills for catchers include framing strikes, wild pitches, stop and tag at the plate, etc.
- Pitcher
The pitcher throws or pitches the ball. Skills include healthy arm accuracy, velocity, and movement. One knee drill, long-distance throws, speed pitches, and pitch under the right leg are examples of pitching drills.
- Outfield positions
There are three outfield positions: right, left, and center field. Outfielders’ skills include accuracy, good judgment, and a fast reaction to a batted ball. Drills for outfielders have behind the ball drill, high five / low five drills, dive bomber drill, etc.
To know more about drills, check out the following articles;
Softball Catcher Drills for Beginners
Softball Division
According to the USA softball Association, softball divisions are classified based on age group. Each group has specific targets and practices. The different divisions include the 8U, 10U, and 12U divisions, for children aged eight and below, 9 and 10, 11 and 12, respectively. The elite or 14U division is for children aged 13 and above. There are also different drills for the ae group divisions
8U Division
In this division, exercises should focus on teaching essential skills and also the children’s focus. Practices for this division include;
- Hit off a Tee
In this drill, set up a ball on the tee, and the players focus on swinging through the strike zone
- Run to First base
This drill involves players running to first base like a sprinter till their feet touch the bag. The training encourages hard-charging steps with the arms at the sides.
- Green Light, Red Light
This drill helps players run while wearing a glove. First of all, a coach will be on the opposite side of the players. All players will sprint with their gloves in their hands towards the coach. When the coach yells green light, the players run towards him, and they stop when the coach yells red light. Any player that moves after the yelling red light goes back to the starting position.
- Fist Drill
This drill focuses on hand acceleration and upper body movement during a swing. First of all, the player stays in a proper batting stance but without a bat. The player then drops her hand close to the pitcher while practicing hip and shoulder rotation. The player tries to punch an imaginary softball in the strike zone, using the other hand.
10U Division
This division focuses on building on the foundation from 8U. Players learn how to pitch 11″ ball and also work on specific positions. Drills in this division include;
- 3 Minute drill
This drill concentrates on arm speed and endurance. As the name implies, do this drill in three stages for three minutes. The pitcher throws the ball to the catcher for one minute, rests for another minute, and throws the ball again for one minute.
- Parachute Hitting Drill
This drill teaches batters how to take a full swing without slowing down at the point of contact. First of all, place a bat parachute on the bat, and the batter gets into their hitting stance. The batter swings the bat and continues when there is a resistance.
- Blind drill for fielding
This drill improves communication between outfielders. It helps plyers locate a fly ball in the air and also get a good jump at it. For this drill, the player and coach stand about 20 yards apart in an open field, and the player has her back to the coach. The coach tosses a ball and says ‘go,’ then the player turns to find the ball in the air and catch it before it hits the ground.
- Knee Drill for pitching
This drill helps the pitcher stay in balance while executing the windmill arm motion. The pitcher starts this drill by kneeling in the open door position with a cocked wrist. The play then swings back, does a full windmill, and throws the ball against the wall. Carry out this drill repeatedly.
- Back Side Soft Toss
This drill helps a player learn how to hit the breaking ball. First of all, the player gets into a stance, and the coach tosses a ball across the plate, then the hitter swings and hits the ball. The hitter should focus on hitting the inside part of the softball.
12U Division
This division has more advanced instructions and competitive play. Players play with 12″ balls, and the team focuses on tournaments, although players may decide not to play. The drills here are the same as the ones in the 10U division.
14U Division
This division focuses on tactical play and technical skills. The teams also concentrate on tournaments. Drills in this division are the same in the 10U and 12U divisions.
Conclusion
The different divisions ensure children’s continuity and grooming of children in the softball game until they become masters of softball. The drills ensure mastery of skills in the different softball positions.
