Pitcher's Fielding Practice
Also known as: PFP
Pitcher's fielding practice (PFP) is a dedicated drill set training pitchers to execute defensive plays. This means covering first base, fielding bunts, handling comebacker grounders, and backing up bases.
After releasing the ball, the pitcher is the fifth infielder and must transition at once from pitcher to fielder. PFP drills train the reactions for covering the first-base bag on balls hit to the right side, fielding drag bunts and sacrifice bunts correctly, throwing to the right base, and backing up third or home on extra-base situations. Errors on these plays are among the most preventable in softball, and 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. This means sprint toward first, touch the bag, and call out the base you would have thrown to. This means. As a result, 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 means 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. This means 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. This means 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 tracks the pitcher's transition time from release to fielding position and evaluates body mechanics through the fielding motion to identify whether the pitcher's delivery creates a fielding disadvantage.
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. This means 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 the defensive assignments and positioning of the first and third basemen when the short game is in play. This means charging bunts, reading the hitter's slap, and executing the correct throw to the right base.
- WindmillThe windmill is the underhand fast-pitch delivery in which the arm makes a full 360° circle before release, generating the velocity and movement-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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