10U Softball Practice Plan
For many players, 10U is the first season of real windmill pitching from the 35-foot circle, and that changes practice more than anything else. A pitcher who throws strikes and a catcher who stops the ball in the dirt keep innings short. So a 10U softball practice gives the pitchers and catchers their own time every session and spends the rest on catching, throwing, and live reps.
This free 10U softball practice plan runs 90 minutes. Download a printable plan below, or open it in the free Practice Planner to swap in the drills your team needs this week.
What to Focus On at 10U
A pitcher and catcher block every practice
Windmill mechanics take a lot of reps, and 10U catchers see more balls in the dirt than at any age before. Pitchers work short drills on the whip and release while catchers block and recover, then the two come together for a short bullpen.
Throwing with a clean arm path
Many 10U throwing errors start with the arm path. Kneeling throws take the legs out of it so players feel the ball come out of the glove, away from the body, and up with the elbow above the shoulder.
Leave on the release
In fastpitch, a runner can leave the base once the pitcher releases the ball, not before. Practice the jump off the bag on the release and the read on a ball the catcher does not catch cleanly.
Sample 10U Softball Practice Plan (90 minutes)
A ready-to-run structure you can use as-is or adjust to your team. Open it in the free Practice Planner to swap drills and export a printable PDF.
| Time | Block |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 0:10 | Warm-up and kneeling catchDynamic warm-up, then partner catch on one knee to groove the arm path before throwing from the feet. |
| 0:10 - 0:35 | Three stations, 8 minutes eachPitchers work the whip and release, catchers block and recover, and everyone else takes ground balls with a throw to a base. Give non-pitchers a turn in catcher gear. |
| 0:35 - 0:50 | Throws around the infieldA runner from first tries to score while the infield throws the ball around the bases. Quick, accurate throws win. |
| 0:50 - 1:20 | Live at-bats from the circlePitchers throw to live hitters with balls and strikes called. Runners leave on the release and read every ball in the dirt. |
| 1:20 - 1:30 | Outfield catches and huddleOver-the-shoulder catches to finish, then one thing to work on before the next game. |
10U Drills for This Plan
Each drill links to its full write-up in the drill library, with setup, steps, and coaching points.
Pitcher's Whip Drill
Arm curled, then unload and snap at a target. Short reps on the release without a full windmill.
Block to Throw Down
Block a ball in the dirt, pick it up, and get to a throwing position fast.
One-Knee Throwing
Down, out, and up: the arm path on its own, from one knee, at a short distance.
Infield Star Drill
A runner from first races the ball around the infield, so every throw to a bag comes under pressure.
Trust Catch
One step, a point, and an over-the-shoulder catch. Outfielders learn to turn and track the ball.
Beat the Ball
The ball goes around the bases while a runner circles them. Quick throws beat the runner home.
Download 10U Softball Practice Plans
Free, printable practice plans matched to ages 9 to 10. No account required.
Youth Softball Practice Plan (Ages 9-10) - Complete
Well-rounded practice covering all aspects of the game.
Download PDFYouth Softball Practice Plan (Ages 9-10) - Fundamentals
Intermediate skills practice. Introduces game situations and windmill pitching.
Download PDF10U Softball Practice FAQs
How long should a 10U softball practice be?
About 90 minutes, with 8 to 10 minute stations and one longer block of live at-bats.
How far is the pitching distance in 10U softball?
35 feet, with 60-foot bases. The circle moves back to 40 feet at 12U and 43 feet at 14U and up, while the bases stay 60 feet.
Can runners lead off in 10U softball?
Not before the pitch. In fastpitch, a runner can leave the base once the pitcher releases the ball, and a runner who leaves early is called out.
How much practice time should pitchers get at 10U?
Give pitchers and catchers their own block every practice, plus live pitching to hitters. Short, focused reps on the whip and release beat long sessions of full pitches.
Softball Practice Plans by Age
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