Softball Practice Plans for Ages 11–12
Age-appropriate softball practices for 11–12 year olds (U12) — built to keep every kid active and having fun. Every player throwing, fielding, and hitting — all practice.
Eleven and twelve year olds can handle more structure, repetition, and real tactical concepts. They start reading the game — spacing, decisions, roles. You can run longer skill blocks and more competitive small-sided games, and they'll respond to being challenged. Still keep it fun and keep everyone touching the ball; this is where kids decide whether they love the sport.
What a great 11–12 practice looks like
What to work on in 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 11–12 softball practice plan
Here's a real 60-minute plan Coach Coach generated for a 11–12 softball team. Yours is customized to your kids and ready in under 30 seconds.
🏆 Softball Practice — Ages 11-12 — 60 min
⏱️ Warmup (10 min)
- Dynamic Warmup Relay — Set up two lines of cones about 10-15 feet apart. Divide the team into two groups. Have them do dynamic movements like high knees, butt kicks, and karaoke between the cones. Keep it light and competitive with a fun relay race to get them moving and laughing.
🎯 Skill Work (25 min)
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Throwing Accuracy Drill — Pair up players with a partner about 20 feet apart. Use cones to create a small target zone. Have them practice throwing into the zone, focusing on form. Key coaching cue: "Eyes on your target, step and throw." Success is hitting the target zone consistently.
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Fielding Grounders — Line up 3-4 players at a time, with others ready to rotate in. Roll ground balls to them to field and throw back. Keep it moving fast. Key coaching cue: "Get low, glove down." Success is clean fielding and accurate throws back.
🏃 Game Time (20 min)
- 3v3 Softball Mini-Game — Use a smaller field setup with a makeshift diamond. Play a mini-game with three players per team, rotating every few minutes. Modify rules to keep it fun and fast-paced, like no walks and every player gets one pitch. Focus on hitting and quick fielding.
🧊 Wrap Up (5 min)
- Home Run Derby — Line up and give each player 3-4 swings off a tee or soft toss. Celebrate any ball that makes it out of the infield. Finish with a quick team huddle: "What's one thing you got better at today?" High-fives all around.
🎒 What to Bring
- 8 cones
- 6 softballs
- 4 bats
- 12 gloves
- 4 bases or markers for makeshift diamond
📋 Coach's Cheat Sheet
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"Eyes on your target, step and throw" for throwing accuracy.
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"Get low, glove down" for fielding grounders.
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Praise effort in running and fielding during the mini-game.
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Common Mistakes:
- Players rushing throws: Encourage them to take a moment to aim.
- Glove positioning too high: Remind kids to get the glove down low.
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Loudly praise when kids make a good throw or field cleanly, even if the play isn't perfect.
✅ Coach Coach Check
- Every kid gets touches in every drill
- No standing in long lines
- At least one small-sided game
- Age-appropriate intensity and fun
Coach your best practice tonight
Tell Coach Coach your sport, age group, and what to work on. Get a complete, age-appropriate softball practice in under 30 seconds — free.
Build your softball planSoftball practice questions
What should a softball practice for 11–12 year olds look like?
Eleven and twelve year olds can handle more structure, repetition, and real tactical concepts. They start reading the game — spacing, decisions, roles. You can run longer skill blocks and more competitive small-sided games, and they'll respond to being challenged. Still keep it fun and keep everyone touching the ball; this is where kids decide whether they love the sport.
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.