You said yes to coaching 10U softball, and now you have a field, a bucket of balls and a dozen 9- and 10-year-olds. The fastest way to a good practice is a simple plan written down before you get there. Here is the one we'd hand you at the fence, and you can use it this week.
A good 10U softball practice plan runs about 90 minutes: a warm-up with throwing, short stations for fielding, hitting and baserunning, team defense, a small game and a quick recap. Split players into small groups with a parent helper at each station so nobody waits in a long line.
Train it: 46/60 Coach Playbook ($59) → Free: Free Softball Practice Plans →What should a 10U softball practice include?
Little League's tips for new coaches say to build practice around the fundamentals, keep downtime short, make it fun and give plenty of water breaks. That is the whole recipe at 10U.
- Throwing and catching every day: most 10U innings are won or lost on catching the ball and making a good throw.
- Fielding: ground balls, pop-ups and getting the ball to the right base.
- Hitting: lots of swings in small groups, not one hitter and eleven players standing around.
- Baserunning: running through first, rounding bases and reading the coach.
- A game to finish: something with a score that uses what you practiced.
A 90-minute 10U softball practice plan
| Minutes | Station | Coaching point |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 | Dynamic warm-up and progressive catch | Start close, back up slowly, throw under control |
| 10–30 | Fielding: ground balls and pop-ups | Glove down early, two hands, feet to the ball |
| 30–55 | Hitting stations (tee, soft toss, front toss) | Lots of swings, one cue per hitter |
| 55–65 | Baserunning | Run through first, round on a hit, listen to the coach |
| 65–80 | Team defense and a mini-game | Know where the ball goes before it's hit |
| 80–90 | Water, recap and one win | Name two good plays and one thing to practice |
Only have 60 minutes? Keep the 10-minute warm-up, give fielding and hitting 15 minutes each, play a 10-minute mini-game with baserunning built in and save 10 minutes for water and the recap. Keep the warm-up, the game and the recap. Those three make the practice feel complete.
How do I run stations with only one or two coaches?
Ask two or three parents to help before the first practice. They don't need softball experience. Give each one a station card with one drill and one cue, and you float between groups.
- Make groups of three or four: mix stronger and newer players so each group can play catch.
- Rotate on a whistle: 8 to 10 minutes per station keeps 10-year-olds focused.
- Space hitting stations apart: point every tee and toss station away from other groups, and keep players out of the swing area. Use soft balls for close-range toss.
- Helmets on for hitting and baserunning: every player who bats or runs wears a helmet.
Coach BK says "It's a great day to be you!!" For a 10-year-old, that means show up with energy and act like you belong out there. Start practice with that tone, and your helpers will match it.
What's different about 10U softball practice?
Softball is not just baseball with a bigger ball. A 10U plan should make room for the parts of fastpitch that are their own skills.
- Pitchers and catchers: underhand pitching and catching take real teaching and the right gear. Have catchers in full protective gear and have pitching and receiving work run by an adult who knows how to teach it.
- Don't borrow baseball charts: softball pitching limits and rest are not the same as baseball. Check your league's rules.
- Rules change by division: stealing, leaving the base and dropped third strikes vary. Check your league's rules and teach your players what your league uses.
- Bunting: bunts show up early in fastpitch, and a few minutes of bunting fits easily inside a hitting station.
How do I keep 10U players engaged all practice?
Keep your talks under a minute. Show the drill, say one cue and let them play. Players learn more from 20 good reps than from a long speech.
When a nervous hitter steps in during the mini-game, borrow Coach BK's line: "You got a bat, pitcher's got a ball… I'd bet on you every time!" For a 10-year-old, that means walk up there expecting to hit it, not hoping not to strike out.
Use scores and small competitions: most ground balls fielded cleanly in a row, a throwing target game, or a baserunning race with a rule like "touch every base." End on something fun so they want to come back.
Write the plan on a card and bring it. If something isn't working, shorten it and move to the next station. Nobody remembers a drill you cut early.
One thing to remember
Small groups, short stations and a game to finish beat one long line every time.
What to do this week
Print the plan, recruit two parent helpers and give each one a station card. At the end of practice, ask each player to name one thing they did well.
Parent questions
How long should a 10U softball practice be?
About 90 minutes works well for most 10U teams, and 60 minutes can work if you keep stations short. Build in water breaks and end before players lose focus.
How many drills should I run in one practice?
Four or five stations is plenty. It's better to repeat a few drills each week than to teach a new drill every practice.
Can I use a baseball practice plan for my softball team?
The structure is similar, but softball has its own pitching, catching and baserunning rules. Use a softball plan and check your league's rules for pitching, stealing and leaving the base.
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Sources: Little League University: 8 Helpful Tips for New Little League Coaches