You’ve probably heard the term "PFP" shouted across a diamond or seen it on a practice plan. For players and parents new to the game, it’s one of the most common questions: What does PFP mean?
The answer is simple: PFP stands for Pitcher's Fielding Practice.
But while the definition is simple, PFP is one of the most critical, high-leverage, and commonly overlooked parts of a winning team's practice. A pitcher isn't just a thrower; they are an athlete. They are the "fifth infielder," and their ability to field their position can be the difference between a 1-2-3 inning and a 5-run rally.
This guide will cover what PFP is, why it's a game-changer for both baseball and softball, and how to run efficient, high-rep drills.
Why is PFP a Game-Changer?
A pitcher's job isn't over when the ball leaves their hand. In the next 0.5 seconds, they may have to:
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React to a 100-mph comebacker.
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Charge a perfectly-placed bunt.
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Sprint to cover first base on a ground ball to the right side.
These aren't "rare" plays; they happen in almost every game. A pitcher who is clumsy on their feet, fumbles a bunt, or makes a bad throw is a major defensive liability. A pitcher who is a great fielder, on the other hand, can save dozens of runs a season.
PFP for Fastpitch Softball: Key Differences
PFP is arguably even more critical in fastpitch softball. The dynamics of the game create unique challenges that must be drilled.
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The "Speed" Difference: The shorter 43-foot distance means comebackers get on the pitcher in a fraction of a second. Reaction time is not just a skill; it's a survival mechanism.
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The "Slapper" Difference: The rise of the slapper introduces a unique offensive weapon—the "bunt-for-a-hit." Your pitcher must be an expert at charging this specific type of bunt, often bare-handing it to make the play.
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Complex Bunt Coverage: Fastpitch bunt coverages are often more complex, with pitchers needing to cover the third-base line or even home plate.
These high-speed, specific scenarios are impossible to train with inconsistent fungoes.
The Problem: Why Traditional PFP is Failing Your Pitchers
So if PFP is so important, why are most teams bad at it? Because the way we practice it is broken.
The "old way" is a coach standing at home plate with a fungo bat. This is a "coach killer" for two reasons:
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It's Inconsistent: A coach can't hit a perfect, repeatable, high-speed comebacker 50 times in a row. They can't hit a perfect, identical bunt every time. The reps are sloppy.
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It's Inefficient: The coach gets exhausted after 10 minutes. The rest of the team gets bored. Players "go through the motions" instead of building real, game-speed muscle memory.
The Solution: A Pitching Machine + The Right Ball
The "smart way" to run PFP is to use a pitching machine. A machine is consistent. It's tireless. It can throw a perfect comebacker, a perfect bunt-feed, or a perfect grounder to first base every single time.
But you can't use just any ball. Game balls get shredded. Standard dimpled cage balls are plastic, too light, and provide unrealistic hops.
The MC3 Baseball and MC3 Softball are the perfect tool for modern PFP. Their high-durability composite material is designed to be shot out of a machine onto dirt or turf, rep after rep, without breaking or getting waterlogged. This allows you to run high-volume, professional-level PFP drills that are impossible with any other ball.
3 Essential PFP Drills for Baseball & Softball
For any coach ▸, these three drills are the foundation of a good PFP program. Use a machine loaded with MC3 balls to run them with maximum efficiency.
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Drill |
The Objective (The "Why") |
How to Run It (The "How") |
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1. The Comebacker |
Train a pitcher's reaction and self-defense on a ball hit "right back at the box." |
Pitcher goes through their full motion. As their arm comes through, the coach (protected by an L-screen) feeds an MC3 into the machine, shooting a firm grounder back at the mound. The pitcher fields and simulates a throw. |
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2. The Bunt Cover (3B Side) |
Train the pitcher to charge the ball, field it cleanly, and make an accurate throw to first. |
Set the machine to roll a "bunt" down the third-base line. Pitcher goes through their motion, breaks hard, fields the MC3, and makes a strong throw to the first baseman. |
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3. The "Cover First" Drill |
Build the muscle memory to sprint to first base on any grounder to the right side. |
Set the machine to hit a grounder to your first baseman. The pitcher's only job is to go through their motion and, on "contact," sprint at the correct angle to cover the first base bag for a feed. |
How to Run an Efficient PFP Station (A 5-Minute Circuit)
Don't just hit a few fungoes. Run PFP like an efficient, high-tempo station. Use your machine + MC3s to run a 5-minute "PFP Circuit" for all your pitchers before practice.
Sample Circuit:
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Station 1 (60s): Comebackers (5 reps)
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Station 2 (60s): Bunt Coverage - 3B side (5 reps)
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Station 3 (60s): Bunt Coverage - 1B side (5 reps)
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Station 4 (60s): Covering 1st Base (5 reps)
The Value: In under 5 minutes, your pitcher has just had 20 game-speed, high-quality reps, and your arm is fresh for the rest of practice.
Don't Neglect Your Fifth Infielder
PFP isn't just a warm-up. It's a critical defensive skill that prevents big innings and wins close games. While these "big 3" drills are the starting point, you can explore more advanced PFP drills ▸ once your pitchers have mastered the basics.
By using the MC3 to run a smarter, more efficient practice, you can turn your biggest defensive liability into a major strength.
