Practice really does make perfect when it comes to softball—or any other sport. Regular drills ensure that a player is equipped to handle the fundamentals of the game, has the opportunity to build skill and technique, and is well-versed in defensive maneuvers. Here are some of the best softball practice drills to incorporate into your routine.

A Guide to Softball Practice Drills

1. High-Low Toss

The high-low toss teaches players to keep their eyes on the ball, improves their timing, and perfects bat speeds. This is an easy drill that only requires a pitcher and a hitter. The pitcher should have an ample supply of easily accessible softballs, and the hitter should stand eight to 10 feet away. While kneeling on one knee, the pitcher holds two balls—one on top of the other—in one hand. They then throw both at the same time and call out either "High" or "Low" to indicate which one the hitter should swing at.

2. Grounder Stops

A grounder-stop drill helps players get used to stopping ground balls by having one player be a softball goalie. Set up two cones approximately 10 feet apart — one in front of the other — and put a player at each one. The pitcher throws ground balls, and the first player is the goalie — tasked with catching and stopping all balls before they reach the back-up player. For every three grounders successfully stopped by the goalie, switch the places of the front and back players.

3. Tee Drills

Using a tee offers players a way to focus on their stance and swing. They can also better understand how to move their body to get enough impact on the ball.

Set up a tee, place a ball on top, and move into the swing by shifting your weight back and raising the stride leg — much in the same way a pitcher does when they wind up to pitch the ball. As you stride forward, swing and hit the ball as hard as possible. The goal is to hit good line drives or hard grounders, and sense how the body supports the trajectory of the ball.

When you need a place to work on your softball drills, visit Swing Away Academy. This 8,000-square-foot facility in West Palm Beach, FL, offers multiple ways to transform your game. From softball training and batting cages to pitching machines and private instruction, they are here to help you reach new heights of strength and success. Call (561) 568-8777 or visit them online for a full list of services and to learn how to become a member.