This article originally appeared in Skills & Drills Newsletter, November 1997.

Indoor Drills

When it's the off-season for softball, one of a coach's biggest concerns is making sure his/her players stay in shape (both mentally and physically) for the next season, instead of sitting back and lazing about all winter. However, for most parts of the country, weather does not permit practicing outdoors. Here are three all-around conditioning drills to keep your players in a softball-sound mind and body, while staying warm in the meantime.

Shuttle Run

Keeping teams evenly balanced, make four teams with six players on each. With these four teams, create two large groups, keeping the players within their own groups, in a single file line. Set a ball and glove about 50 feet in front of line 1. Set an empty glove about 50 feet in front of line 2. A coach or manager stands near Group A and B, keeping time. When the coach yells, "Go," the first player in line 1 from both groups runs to the first glove, picks up the ball and runs to the second, placing the ball in the glove. Sprinting to line 2, she tags the first player and runs to the back of the line. The tagged player runs to the glove and repeats the same process, sprinting to the end of line 1. When every player has a turn, action stops and the times are recorded and announced. To add to competition, tell the players they must improve their times with each round. Repeat five times.

Push-Up 'n At-Em

Divide into four equal groups, in single-file lines, approximately 30 feet apart. Set a ball in a glove about a 100 feet in front of each line. When the coach yells "Go," the first player in each line sprints to the glove, does five push-ups, picks up the ball, runs back to the line, and does five more push-ups. After the last push-up, the runner hands the ball to the next player, and the first player goes to the end of the line. The circuit continues until each player has gone through three times. The first team to finish, wins.

Run Around

Set up an indoor baseball diamond with rubber bases 90 feet apart. Players line up near home plate. The coach, holding a timer, stands near home plate. Action begins when a player brings a bat to home plate. She takes her normal batting stance. On "Go," the player swings the bat and runs the bases. The records the time for each player on a chart. Keep the chart posted on the gym wall. Advise athletes to improve their technique by practicing proper base running techniques. Note: Show players how to circle the bases. Have them trot around the bases 2 or 3 times prior to the drill.

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.