For 6-year-olds, softball drills should not be something they HAVE to DO, but rather something they LOVE to PLAY.
What do I mean by that?
Well. Unlike grown-ups, kids at this age feel hard to focus on practicing for a while. For that reason, softball drills for 6-year-olds should be fun and exciting to do.
It all comes down to how well you choose and implement the drills.
I know that coming up with new and exciting drills can be challenging, especially when you have to balance teaching the fundamentals of the game with keeping young children interested.
For that matter, I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 fun softball drills for 6-year-olds that make training exciting. These exercises cover all the essential skills to play softball, from throwing and catching to hitting and base running.
Now let’s dive in.
Before You Begin
I know you are eager to start. But there are some things you should keep in mind when practicing softball for 6-year-olds.
Be patient
Even if some 6-year-olds are remarkably smart, they are surely going to make a ton of mistakes.
Remember, it’s OK not to finish all drills.
What matters more is kids enjoy the exercises and love the sport. They have plenty of time ahead to be an extraordinary player!
Instead, focus on the goal of building a solid fundamental for kids, which includes four important factors:
- practicing habit;
- physical ability;
- muscle memory;
- and especially, love for the softball game.
Be encouraging
Although your kids may love softball themselves, they get bored quite often. You need to be familiar with that.
Always be encouraging and supportive. Those mean a lot to them.
You can and should incorporate games and activities into your drills to help keep them interested and motivated.
Be well prepared
Make sure you prepare a safe playing environment for your young players. By safe, I mean the area is enough for each drill, ideally 150 – 300 square feet.
Some drills require gear to do. Consider good-quality youth softball gloves, lightweight bats, tee and net, and youth cleats, and you are good to go.
A pitching machine isn’t necessary at this stage. However, if you can afford it, go for it as well. It’ll make batting drills more productive yet enjoyable.
The Best Softball Drills For Six Years Old: From Basic to Advanced
Warm-up stretches
Stretching is not a drill itself, but it is a MUST for all kinds of practicing and matches.
Having your child stretch before practice can help:
- prevent injuries during practice,
- warm up their bodies and increase blood flow,
- loosen their muscles and tendons,
- increase flexibility and range of motion during drills,
- improve overall performance.
Here are some softball stretches examined to work for 6-year-olds:
- Toe Touch
- Neck Half Circles
- Shoulder Circles
- Arm Circles
- Side Bends
Personally, I think 5 stretches are enough for kids at 6 as it covers most parts of the body. However, it’s up to you to choose warm-up exercises for your kids.
Base running drill
I put this drill is at first because it requires little to no equipment to get started. And it’s also the simplest drill ever (yet important) for softball.
For 6-year-olds, you can start with basic moves such as running to the first base, rounding the bases, and sliding safely into a base.
These drills help young athletes develop their speed, agility, and technique while also teaching them about the importance of timing and decision-making in base running.
Coaches can make this drill more engaging and fun by incorporating games and challenges between players or timing how fast they can run the bases.
Base running can also help prevent injuries by emphasizing proper sliding techniques and safe ways to run the bases. By focusing on base running during practice, young players can improve their overall performance on the field and have more fun while doing it.
Bonus tip: To level up the drill, try the swing-and-run drill. Youth players will swing their bats before running to first base. This helps kids develop muscle memory for in-game situations.
Fielding ground drill
Fielding ground (or rolling balls) drill is used very often by softball players. To practice this skill for 6-year-olds, you can try the rolling ground balls drill.
This one is easy as well. What you need are youth gloves that fit 6-year-old players.
Using a soft foam ball, young players practice fielding ground balls while on their knees, focusing on using both hands and getting in front of the ball.
Have the child stand with their glove in front of them and gently roll the ball on the ground towards them. Encourage the child to get in front of the ball and use both hands to catch it in their glove.
Remind them to keep their eye on the ball and to use their body to block it if necessary. Rolling ground balls is a fun and effective way to improve a child’s fielding skills and build confidence on the field.
Throwing drill
It is no doubt that pitching skill is a vital skill in softball. However, it requires a good amount of techniques.
A fun and easy way to practice this skill for 6-year-olds is with the “bullseye” game. To start, create a target on the ground using chalks or tapes, and divide the players into pairs.
One player stands behind the target while the other stands about 15-20 feet away, facing the target.
The player throwing the ball should try to hit the target as accurately as possible. After each throw, the players switch roles and repeat the drill.
To make it more challenging, you can add a point system. For example:
- hitting the bullseye earns 3 points,
- hitting inside the target earns 2 points,
- and throwing the ball with the right technique earns 1 point.
Focus on the basics of throwing, such as grip, arm extension, and follow-through, to help young players get familiar with the technique.
With regular practice, kids can improve their accuracy and gain confidence in their throwing abilities, helping them become better softball players.
Field and throw drill
You can integrate fielding and throwing skills into one drill called field and throw.
In this drill, ask one player to field the ball and throw it, while the other catches the ball and tosses it back. Swap their roles after a while.
When you are ready to level up, try the field and throw to first base. This is very much like a real-game situation where players score for their teams.
Batting tee drill
Batting tee (or tee hitting) is one of the most stimulating drills to do. MOST KIDS LOVE IT!
What you need to do tee hitting drill is a bat, a tee, and a ball (of course).
It’s ideal to have at least three people for the batting tee drill. The coach gives instructions on how to hit the ball properly. One player practices hitting, while the other collects the balls.
For 6-year-olds, the goals should be easy.
- First, focus on fundamentals. Start by standing position, eyes focusing on the ball. Then goes grabbing the bat and swinging the body when hitting.
- After the posture is correct, you can move to the hitting force. Encourage your kid players to hit the ball as far as possible.
- Only after that can kid players move to the hitting accuracy drill. At this stage, the coach can have players hit the ball to different areas on the field.
If you are not confident enough to make sure all techniques are correct, I recommend checking out a video about tee-hitting drills by Coach Holy Bruder.
One easier way to get started with batting tee drills with fewer than three people is to practice against a net or fence.
Catching pop flies
Mastering a catching skill takes time and practice, but it can make all the difference in a game.
Luckily, the catching pop flies drill is quite easy with the right adjustment, even for kids.
For six-year-olds, coaches can throw pop flies to players and have them catch the ball with two hands.
Start with a short distance first, like 10 feet. You can increase the length later.
If you have a pitching machine, try incorporating drills that simulate different pop-fly situations to make the exercise more enjoyable.
Post Practice: Do NOT Skip This!
After completing softball drills for 6-year-olds, taking care of their bodies is important. One way to do this is to perform light muscle relaxants or stretches to prevent muscle stiffness and soreness.
Additionally, we suggest coaches should encourage and ask questions after practice to reinforce what the players learned and ensure they understood the exercise. Providing positive feedback and constructive criticism is essential to help them build their confidence and improve their skills.
FaQ
At which frequency should my kids practice softball?
A: It’s recommended that young players practice at least two to three times a week for about an hour each time. However, coaches should be mindful of not overworking them, as they may become fatigued or lose interest in the sport.
How to avoid injuries for kids while practicing softball drills?
A: Injuries can be prevented by making sure that kid players are using the correct technique when performing moves. Coaches should also ensure that the equipment is in good condition and that players wear the appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, and shin guards.
It’s also essential to warm up before drills and stretches to prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.
Conclusion
Practicing softball drills for 6-year-olds can be a fun and engaging way to introduce them to the mark and develop their skills.
By following the tips and drills outlined in this article, young athletes can build their confidence, improve their technique, and become successful softball players. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, the possibilities are endless for these young athletes.
Norman Dang is a diehard softball fan with full of energy and enthusiasm. He has over ten years of experience in playing softball and coaching softball for kids. He shares his expertise on the SoftballTriple blog.