12U Softball Practice Plan
At 12U the circle moves back to 40 feet, the short game gets serious, and infielders can turn a double play. Bunts and slaps put pressure on every infielder, so coverages need to be automatic. A 12U softball practice keeps a pitcher and catcher block every session and adds the situations that decide close games.
This free 12U softball practice plan runs 2 hours and finishes with game-pressure scenarios. Download a printable plan below, or build your own version in the free Practice Planner.
What to Focus On at 12U
The short game, on both sides
Bunts and slaps are a big part of 12U offense. Hitters bunt to targets, and the defense reps who charges and who covers each base on every bunt until no one has to think about it.
Pitching from 40 feet
Moving back from 35 to 40 feet asks more of the legs. Drive drills off the pitching rubber help pitchers use their lower half instead of muscling the ball with the arm.
Double plays and first-and-third
Two coaches hitting at once and live first-and-third reps give infielders game-like throws. Call the situation before every rep so players decide where the ball goes before it is hit.
Sample 12U Softball Practice Plan (2 hours)
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 - 0:15 | Warm-up and throwing progressionDynamic warm-up, then catch that builds out to throws across the diamond. |
| 0:15 - 0:40 | Battery and defense groupsPitchers work leg drive and a short bullpen. Infielders turn double plays with two coaches hitting. Outfielders take balls hit to every side of them. |
| 0:40 - 1:05 | Short game and situationsBunt-only innings with a runner on first, then first-and-third and tag-ups with the whole defense. |
| 1:05 - 1:40 | Live at-bats with situationsPitchers throw to live hitters. Call the outs and runners before each pitch, and runners leave on the release. |
| 1:40 - 2:00 | Pressure scrimmage and huddleWinning run on second, one out, and the winner picks the next scenario. Then review and goals for the next game. |
12U Drills for This Plan
Each drill links to its full write-up in the drill library, with setup, steps, and coaching points.
Bucket Drill
Stride knee up, back heel up, then drive off the back foot toward the catcher. Builds the leg drive 40 feet asks for.
Two Corners Drill
Two coaches hit at once, so the middle infield turns double plays while the corners make their throws.
Bunting Bonanza
Bunt-only innings with points for both sides, so hitters and the defense both work the short game.
8 Ball Softball Outfield Drill
Eight balls to eight spots around the outfielder: in front, behind, both sides, and the corners.
Situational Team Defense Practice
Announce the situation, run it live, freeze and teach, then run it again at game speed.
Refuse to Lose
Late-game scenarios with live pitching. The winning side chooses what happens next.
Download 12U Softball Practice Plans
Free, printable practice plans matched to ages 11 to 12. No account required.
Youth Softball Practice Plan (Ages 11-12) - Complete
Well-rounded practice covering all aspects of the game.
Download PDFYouth Softball Practice Plan (Ages 11-12) - Fundamentals
Alternative practice format focusing on fundamentals and game situations.
Download PDF12U Softball Practice FAQs
How long should a 12U softball practice be?
Up to 2 hours. Players ages 11 to 12 can handle 25-minute position blocks and a full situational scrimmage.
How far is the pitching distance in 12U softball?
40 feet, up from 35 feet at 10U, with 60-foot bases. It moves to 43 feet at 14U and up.
What situations should 12U softball teams practice?
Bunt and slap coverage, first-and-third, double plays, and tag-ups. Call the situation before every rep, then test it in a pressure scrimmage.
Should 12U players specialize in a position?
They can start to. Give players dedicated reps at one or two positions while keeping them competent elsewhere. Pitchers and catchers need their own time every practice.
Softball Practice Plans by Age
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