Pitcher's Fielding Practice
Also known as: PFP
Pitcher's fielding practice (PFP) drills a pitcher's defensive plays: covering first base, fielding bunts and comebacker grounders, and backing up bases.
After releasing the ball, the pitcher becomes the fifth infielder and must switch from pitcher to fielder right away. PFP drills train the reactions for covering first base on balls hit to the right side and for fielding drag bunts and sacrifice bunts correctly. They also train throwing to the right base and backing up third or home in extra-base situations. Errors on these plays are among the most preventable in softball. PFP is the specific practice that makes pitcher fielding automatic rather than a conscious decision under pressure.
After every pitch in the bullpen, complete the full PFP footwork — sprint toward first, touch the bag, and call out the base you would have thrown to — so the movement pattern is automatic before the game.
Film PFP from the third-base side to see both the pitcher's base coverage timing and the bunt placement at the same time. This angle confirms whether the pitcher's break to first is correct timing relative to typical bunt locations.
Example
In PFP, the pitcher fields a bunt, reads the lead runner, and delivers to second for the force. It is the same play she'll execute in the sixth inning without thinking.
How it shows up on video
In PFP film you can see whether the pitcher makes the correct base-coverage decision before the ball is bunted — early movement toward first base versus late reaction is visible. The transfer from pitcher to fielder should appear seamless. A noticeable pause between pitch delivery and fielding response indicates the reaction is still conscious rather than automatic. Throwing accuracy on the second step of the fielded bunt is the key outcome to evaluate in PFP video review.
Common mistakes
- Breaking toward first base too late after pitching, arriving a step behind the bag rather than in time for the throw from the first baseman
- Fielding the bunt correctly but throwing to the wrong base — failing to read the lead runner's position before releasing
- Neglecting to practice PFP reliably so game-speed reactions require conscious thought rather than automatic response
- Not backing up the correct base after fielding or pitching, leaving an uncovered base vulnerable on overthrows
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab reads a windmill delivery or a fielding transfer from pose, one motion per clip. It does not time the switch from pitching to fielding.
Frequently asked questions
Why is covering first base the most common PFP breakdown?
Because pitchers are focused on the pitching task and most finish their delivery facing toward the pull side — first-base coverage requires a conscious cross-body sprint that often starts late.
How often should PFP be practiced?
At least twice per week in-season, including live reps where the pitcher delivers an actual pitch and immediately transitions to a defensive play rather than just a walk-through.
Related terms
- Corner Infield PlaysCorner infield plays are how the first and third basemen defend the short game of bunts and slaps. They charge, read the hitter, and make the right throw.
- WindmillThe windmill is fast-pitch's underhand delivery, with a full 360° arm circle before release. It creates the speed and pitch deception that define the game.
- Arm CircleThe arm circle is the full 360° rotation of the pitching arm around the shoulder joint that defines the fast-pitch windmill delivery and stores elastic energy for release.
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