Coaching 10U Outfielders: Helping Young Players Learn Their Roles and Responsibilities

Teaching outfielders at the 10U level can be both a challenge and a joy. Many young players are still getting comfortable with the game, and the outfield often feels like a lonely or confusing place for beginners. But with the right coaching techniques, drills, and communication, you can turn your 10U outfielders into confident, dependable defensive players who understand their roles and know exactly where to go when the ball is in play.

This blog post will guide coaches through everything they need to know to help young outfielders succeed—from basic positioning to situational awareness and hustle mentality.

Why Coaching the Outfield at 10U Matters

At the 10U level, coaches often focus heavily on infield play because that’s where much of the action happens. However, this can leave outfielders feeling under-coached and unsure of their purpose. That’s a big mistake.

Many games at this age level are won or lost on misplayed fly balls or overthrown cutoff plays. When trained properly, outfielders can:

• Prevent extra bases

• Catch routine and even challenging fly balls

• Back up plays and prevent errors from turning into disasters

• Build confidence and athleticism that translates to the infield and the plate

In short, teaching outfielders well at this age builds better overall softball players and stronger teams.

Step 1: Start With the Basics of Each Outfield Position

Before you dive into scenarios, cutoffs, or drills, start by teaching the foundational roles of the three outfield positions: Left Field (LF), Center Field (CF), and Right Field (RF).

Left Fielder (LF)

• Covers fly balls and line drives hit to the left side of the field

• Backups third base on plays from the catcher or throws from right field

• Supports shortstop on bloop hits or misplays

Center Fielder (CF)

• The “captain” of the outfield: has priority on all fly balls

• Needs to be the fastest, most alert outfielder

• Backs up second base on steals and middle infielders on shallow hits

Right Fielder (RF)

• Covers balls hit down the right field line and in the gap

• Backs up first base on infield throws and plays

• Often has the strongest arm for throws to third base and home

Use chalk or cones during practice to physically mark their positions. Let them stand in each spot and explain, "This is YOUR zone. If the ball comes here, you're the boss."

Step 2: Teach Ready Position and Body Language

Young players tend to daydream or stand flat-footed in the outfield. That’s why one of the first lessons should be how to get into a proper ready position.

The Ready Position Checklist:

• Feet shoulder-width apart

• Knees bent

• Hands out in front

• Eyes on the batter

• Light on their feet, ready to move in any direction

Make it a game. Say "Ready!" and have them get into position. Praise the quickest, best forms. Then repeat until it becomes second nature.

Also emphasize body language: confident posture, loud calls, and quick reactions matter as much as glove work at this age.

Step 3: Repetition Is Key – Teach the Basics With Drills

Young athletes learn best through repetition and movement. Make sure every practice includes outfield-specific drills, not just hitting and infield work.

Drills to Teach 10U Outfielders:

1. Drop Step & Run

• Teaches how to go back on a fly ball

• Have players start in ready position

• On command, yell "Go!" and point left, right, or straight back

• They drop step and run 10–15 yards, simulating tracking a fly ball

2. Fly Ball Communication

• Pair up players, throw fly balls between them

• Teach them to yell “I GOT IT!” or “YOU!” clearly

• Helps avoid collisions and builds communication

3. Ground Ball Fielding

• Roll balls toward them at various speeds

• Teach them to charge the ball, get low, glove out front, and throw to a base

• Focus on hustle and clean pickups

4. Cutoff Relay Practice

• Teach proper footwork and timing on throws to the cutoff (usually SS or 2B)

• Outfielders field, crow-hop, and make a strong throw to a partner mimicking the cutoff

• Stress accuracy over power

Step 4: Situational Awareness – Where Should They Be?

This is where many 10U players struggle. When the ball is hit, they freeze or guess. Teaching them where to go in different scenarios is one of your biggest jobs as a coach.

Break it down slowly and repeat often.

Scenario 1: Ball Hit to the Outfield

Fly ball or grounder to their zone:

• Go hard after the ball

• Call for it loudly if it’s catchable

• If it drops, field it clean and throw to the correct base (coach should yell target)

Ball in the gap between fielders:

• CF always has priority

• The other fielder becomes the backup

Scenario 2: Ball Hit to the Infield

Where should each outfielder go?

• Left Field: Move in to back up third base

• Center Field: Drift behind second base area as backup

• Right Field: Move toward first base in case of a bad throw

Use cones or players to simulate these paths, and walk through it slowly before speeding up the drill.

Scenario 3: Runners on Base

Runner on first, ball hit to outfield:

• Outfielder should field quickly and throw to second to stop the force

• If it's deep, hit the cutoff

Runner on second, base hit:

• RF throws to home (cutoff to SS or 1B)

• LF throws to third (cutoff to 3B)

Teach them: “Know your runners.” If it’s a slow runner, you may throw behind them for an out.

Step 5: Emphasize Cutoff Throws and Backups

At 10U, arms aren't always strong enough for long throws. That’s where proper cutoff throws come in.

Teach:

• Throw THROUGH your cutoff target, not lob

• Always look for the closest base where the lead runner is heading

• If no play, throw to the cutoff and hit the glove

Backing Up:

Every outfielder has a backup responsibility.

• RF backs up throws to 1B and overthrows from catcher

• LF backs up throws to 3B and pickoff attempts

• CF backs up middle infield and watches for overthrows to 2B

You can run drills with intentional bad throws so players learn how to react and prevent extra bases.

Step 6: Foster Leadership and Communication

The outfield can feel like a quiet place, especially for shy kids. But you want your outfielders to be vocal, confident, and aware.

Have Them Practice Saying:

• “I got it!”

• “Back up!”

• “Going home!” (When throwing)

• “Cut 2!” or “Cut 3!”

Assign your center fielder the leadership role—they call for fly balls and make the final decision on who takes it.

Build communication habits in practice. It won’t happen in games unless it’s drilled.

Step 7: Make It Fun and Reward Hustle

Kids this age thrive on encouragement and fun. Avoid yelling or criticizing mistakes. Instead, reward hustle and celebrate smart decisions, even if the execution isn’t perfect.

Try incorporating mini-games like:

• Outfield Knockout: Players try to catch fly balls, last one standing wins

• Relay Races: Incorporate throwing, fielding, and tagging

• Who Can Throw the Cutoff Best: Give points for accuracy and speed

Keep things positive, and your players will want to learn and improve.

Step 8: Use Game Time as Teaching Time

Use every inning to reinforce what you’ve taught.

• Between pitches, remind players of where the play is likely to go

• Yell out: “Where’s the play? Know your runner!”

• After a play, give quick feedback: “Great backup!” or “Next time hit your cutoff”

Don’t over-coach during the action, but make sure to give fast, clear praise or advice in between plays.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Pay Off

Coaching 10U outfielders isn’t about creating gold-glove athletes overnight. It’s about building habits, confidence, and understanding over time. Be patient. What seems basic to you is brand new to them.

Make it your goal to:

• Teach them where to stand

• Show them where to go when the ball is hit

• Give them confidence to call for the ball

• Build muscle memory through fun drills and clear communication

By the end of the season, you’ll have outfielders who not only know where to go—but WANT to be out there making plays.

Bonus Tip: Cheat Sheet for Coaches to Use at Practice

Laminate this chart or post it in your dugout so you can review it quickly with your team before games or practices.

With these tips, drills, and scenarios in your coaching toolbox, your 10U outfielders will not only learn their roles—they’ll become game changers. Stick with it, keep it fun, and watch them grow!