Rules on Softball Positions

The game of softball can be a fun alternative to baseball. The larger, softer ball and the normally smaller diamond make the game more accessible for a variety of abilities. There usually are nine players on each side, though slow-pitch softball often includes an extra outfielder, sometimes called a rover or short fielder. Everyone on the field also bats in softball.

  1. Pitcher

    • All pitches must be made underhand. Depending on the level of play, softball can be slow- or fast-pitch, but all pitching is with an underarm motion, sometimes called "windmill" in fast-pitch.

    First Baseman

    • The first baseman positions herself to the side of first base. She fields balls down the first-base line. Any ball hit to another infielder is thrown to the first baseman, who steps on first base with the ball in her glove before the runner gets to the base.

    Second Baseman

    • The second baseman is positioned between first and second base. On a ground ball between first and second, the first baseman covers first and the second baseman fields the ball and throws to first. If there is a runner already on first who is running to second base, and the ball is hit toward the shortstop and third baseman's side of the field, the second baseman covers second and either steps on the base with the ball in her glove or tags the runner.

    Third Baseman

    • The third baseman is next to third base. Her job is to field any balls near the third-base line and either step on third with the ball in her glove on force-outs or throw the ball to the appropriate base to get a runner out.

    Shortstop

    • The shortstop is similar to the second baseman. She is positioned between second and third base. Just like when the second baseman covers second if the ball is hit toward the shortstop or third baseman, it is the shortstop's duty to cover second base when the ball is hit to the second or first baseman. The shortstop is usually an agile player, as a majority of balls tend to be hit toward her. A strong arm is necessary to play shortstop.

    Left Field

    • The left fielder is in the outfield grass, behind the shortstop and third baseman. The left fielder's job is to catch fly balls or retrieve balls on extra-base hits and throw the ball back to the infielder. She also positions herself behind the shortstop and third baseman for base hits on the ground and overthrows.

    Right Field

    • The right fielder does the same as the left fielder, except from behind the first and second basemen.

    Center Field

    • The center fielder does the same as the other outfielders, except she does it for the pitcher. She will catch pop flies and field ground balls hit up the middle. A center fielder also can back up the right and left fielders.

    Catcher

    • Aside from catching all pitches, a catcher attempts to throw out runners who are stealing, as well as fielding bunts and taking throws at home plate to tag out runners.