Best way to field a slow roller

Slow roller in the infield with a play at the plate. What's the best way to field the ball and make the throw home. Just want to know what others teach.

When speed is of the essence, barehand it. The throw will depend on distance and the remaining time available to the fielder: underhand, 3/4 or sidearm, or set and fire. I do a drill I've heard called the Throwing Circle to work on underhand and 3/4 (and backhand/flip):

Setup: Divide Players into equal groups with at least 4 in each group. Players spread out 10 to 15 feet apart to form a circle.

Execution: Player throws ball to Player beside her using Backhand, Underhand, or Three Quarter throw. After a few times around the circle, reverse the direction.

Variation: Make it a competition between the circles. First circle to move the ball around 5 times using one of the throws, wins. The losers do Stars, crab walk, etc

I have them go around with one style, then back with the same style, then switch.

Glove flip from 3B to home.

Bare hand from 1B to home.

Wait for it to roll foul and then pick it up.

You need to teach proper footwork - that is more important IMO than whether you field it barehanded or not...

Even if you are close enough to side snap or flip the ball, your footwork needs to be as efficient as possible...if you charge the ball and go to pick it up barehanded but then have to rotate your hips\shoulders more 10-15* you've wasted too much time.

You need to teach both regular throws on the run and off foot throws...most barehanded throws will end up being off foot throws. Again, for speed's sake, if they take that extra step to lead with their left foot (RH throw) you just wasted time.

While this is not a play at the plate, watch at about the 25 second mark how Machado makes a slight "fade
or "cut" in his "path" to the ball so he can position his body for a strong, off foot throw.


Now the real trick is being able to teach something like that

Well - seems like that server swap didn't fully swap...

As stated - Footwork is the key

Slow roller plays to the plate will only be fielded by 3B, P and 1B. If that ball gets to SS and 2B, they will have no play at home unless the game is on the line and all the infielders are already playing in. A slow roller will result in the runner at third advancing when they see ball angle down on contact or its a suicide squeeze. This is a foot race. It will normally be a glove flip. If you are lucky enough to have time, a transfer to barehand and a firm underhand toss or sidearmed/submarine prayer or backhand snap is your only option . There will be no time to stop, plant and throw. The toss will be on the run. So the corners and P better be able to do all three. Barehanding a ball is a very rare occurrence in softball. Its worth drilling just for those perfect bunts down the line at third, but drilling underhand flips, backhand flips and glove flips with all infielders is an absolute must.