Softball Practice Plans for Kids
Coach Coach builds softball practices around stations and reps, so no one's stuck watching. Every kid throws, fields, and swings — with drills that feel like games and cues that actually help.
Softball practice plans by age
Every age is different. Pick your group for age-appropriate drills, structure, and a ready-to-run sample plan.
What to work on in youth softball
Partner throwing so everyone's active, with a focus on grip, footwork, and hitting the target.
Ground balls and fly balls in small groups — glove work, footwork, and quick hands.
Tee and soft-toss stations for high-rep swings, with a simple cue per age.
Game-like baserunning and simple in-game decisions, taught through play.
Gear: Gloves, softballs, a tee, bats and helmets, and cones to set up stations.
A sample softball practice plan
Here's a real plan Coach Coach generated for a youth softball team. Yours is tailored to your age group and what you want to work on.
🏆 Softball Practice — Ages 9-10 — 60 min
⏱️ Warmup (10 min)
- Relay Races — Set up a simple course with cones about 20 feet apart. Divide the kids into two teams. Have them run the course, touch each cone, and tag the next teammate. Mix it up with different movements each round (e.g., skipping, hopping, running backward). Keep it lively and fun!
🎯 Skill Work (30 min)
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Ground Ball Frenzy (15 min)
Set up two lines of kids. Coach rolls ground balls to one line, and they field and throw to a partner in the other line. Rotate after a few turns. Key cue: "Get low and use your glove like a scoop!" Success looks like getting the ball under control and making a good throw. -
Batting Practice Stations (15 min)
Divide into three stations: tee hitting, soft toss, and wiffle ball pitch. Spend about 5 minutes at each. Key cue: "Watch the ball and swing smooth." Success is making contact and building confidence. Rotate stations to keep everyone engaged.
🏃 Game Time (15 min)
- 3v3 Mini Softball Games — Set up two mini-fields with cones. Play 3v3 games with a pitcher, batter, and outfielders. Use a soft ball for safety. Focus on making plays and having fun. Rotate teams every few minutes. This keeps everyone moving and involved.
🧊 Wrap Up (5 min)
- Home Run Derby — Quick round where each kid gets two swings to try and hit a "home run" (set a reasonable distance with cones). End with high-fives and ask, "What's one thing you learned today?"
🎒 What to Bring
- 8 cones
- 6 softballs
- 6 bats
- 12 gloves
- 2 tees
- Wiffle balls
- Set up two mini-fields with cones before practice starts
📋 Coach's Cheat Sheet
- "Get your glove down early" for ground balls.
- "Keep your eye on the ball" when batting.
- Common mistakes: Standing too upright when fielding; gently remind them to bend their knees.
- Praise: Loudly recognize any solid throws and good contacts at bat.
✅ Coach Coach Check
- Every kid gets touches in every drill
- No standing in long lines
- At least one small-sided game
- Age-appropriate intensity
Coach your best practice tonight
Tell Coach Coach your age group and what to work on. Get a complete softball practice in under 30 seconds — free.
Build your softball planSoftball practice questions
How do I run an efficient softball practice?
Use stations. Rotate small groups through hitting, fielding, and throwing so every player is busy and getting reps rather than waiting in line.
What should young softball players work on first?
Throwing and catching mechanics, then fielding ground balls and tee-based hitting. Keep groups small and reps high.
How long should a youth softball practice last?
60–75 minutes works well. Keep station rotations short for younger players and end with a fun, game-like challenge.