Senior Softball Practice: Drills, Conditioning, and Cake

What an incredible experience I had last night! I was so fortunate to not only observe but also actively take part in the senior softball practice (Serie A1) that lasted from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Right from the beginning, it was evident that this practice, just like the ones before, was a mix of individual skills, engaging in team drills, and pushing through conditioning exercises, all while placing a major emphasis on perfecting technique through repetition. It was truly heartwarming!

Pitcher and Catcher: An Independent Start

From 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the pitcher and catcher worked independently, allowing them to focus on their one-on-one dynamic and different ways of pitching - I noticed some drills such like t-drills and close-range throws with catchers, to more advanced movements like the "driver finger" drill and underarm throws. It’s interesting to see how pitchers refine their skills when given space to practice from varying distances, whether it’s close-range drills or throwing live pitches with the catcher.

Team Drills and Conditioning

The whole team gathered for warm-ups at 8:00 PM. Following a brief team warm-up, the first 30 minutes were dedicated to conditioning, a demanding session focused on improving the players' endurance and stamina, essential for long games. The conditioning exercises involved the use of ladder, balls, and cones, with players competing against each other. Then after the conditioning slot all high-fived each other.

Outfield vs. Infield Drills

Players kicked off the training after conditioning part by getting their hands nice and warm, gearing up for some throwing exercises and several repetitions! When the clock struck 8:45 PM, the team split into outfield and infield -drills, each player diving into their position-specific drills. For roughly 45 minutes, each group were perfecting their performance and catching, throwing, getting different balls.

Joining the outfielders' crew, I was blown away by the diversity and intensity of the drills. We were tested with different balls, reacting lightning-fast to every ball that came our way. The grand finale? Infielders and outfielders were gotten together to do a drill together and it ended that each outfielder had to catch and throw three balls home quickly. The energy was on the roof, with shouts of "Arriva a casa" shouted out.

Similar Structure Across Teams

What struck me was the similarity in practice layout compared to the Under-18 practice from the night before. I mentioned this observation to the head coach, Juni, and he confirmed that all practices—from U15 to Seniors—follow the same structure. It’s a thoughtful approach, allowing players across different age groups to develop with consistency and continuity. Having participated in similar drills the night before, I found it easier to engage with the practice, which made my time with the outfielders even more rewarding.

A Strong Team Bond

The practice wrapped up close to 10:00 PM, but the night didn’t end there. Two team members just recently had their birthdays, so we gathered, sang, and enjoyed cake together. It was a wonderful way to end the night, and the camaraderie in the team was palpable. Everyone was friendly, supportive, and respectful of one another, making it not just a place to practice but a true community.

By the time I got home around 11:30 PM, I couldn’t stop smiling. This team isn’t just about refining their skills—it’s about building lasting bonds, both on and off the field.