Pitcher's Fielding Practice
Also known as: PFP
Pitcher's fielding practice (PFP) is a dedicated drill set training pitchers to execute defensive plays — 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 instantly 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.
Example
In PFP, the pitcher fields a bunt, reads the lead runner, and delivers to second for the force — the same play she'll execute in the sixth inning without thinking.
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 — 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 circle before release, generating the velocity that defines 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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