The 7 Different Position Players in Softball
The game of softball has 7 different player positions, each requiring slightly different skill-sets and necessitating a variety of protective gear.
Pitcher
The pitcher is the player who throws the ball from the middle of the softball diamond – otherwise called the pitcher's mound. It is worth noting that the pitcher's mound is elevated in baseball but is flat in softball. In softball, the pitcher must use an underhand, windmill motion to deliver the ball to the strike zone.
The pitcher's throw is a signal for the fielders to get ready to field balls that hit the middle of the diamond. Pitchers are generally tall and flexible and have great upper body strength.
Catcher
The catcher is the player in squatting position just behind the home plate. In some plays, the catcher may also assume an angled standing position to enable easy transition to deliberate walks. The catcher does the job of catching missed pitched balls and of keeping mispitched balls at the front of the home plate.
More importantly, however, the catcher does the job of calling pitches by means of discreet hand signals. As such, the catcher is considered the leader of the field. At all times, the catcher must be shrewd enough to know the number of outs, strikes and balls and be able to convey these stats to his teammates. They should also know the number of runners on the field and quickly decide where to throw the ball at any time. A catcher must then be smart, nimble on his feet and be a sharp thrower.
First baseman
The first baseman is the player positioned at the first base. The first base is the one immediately to the right side of the home plate when you are facing a softball field. The most important role of a first baseman is to get a force play on the first base by receiving throws from other defensive players. A first baseman also tries to make all fielding plays hit towards first base.
First basemen are generally taller, quick with their hands and have a sharp eye for catching the player off base. Being left-handed is also an advantage as this gives them an extended reach.
Second baseman
The second baseman is right at the active middle ground and must play the part of an "octopus" – always on the lookout for covering the bases left and right and helping his teammates in fielding the ball.
Because second basemen must deal with balls hit from both sides and in front, they must be quick with their gloves and be very flexible. Good second basemen have the dirtiest jerseys at the end of the game.
Shortstop
The shortstop does the job of fielding all balls which hit the infield between the second and third bases. And because balls hit the infield quite regularly, the shortstop will have his hands full almost all the time. He also helps to cover the second and third bases and is a key player in getting force plays and double plays.
The shortstop is one of the most challenging positions in softball as he is some sort of a captain in the infield. He must be quick, smart, blessed with good footwork and able to throw precisely from every possible angle.
Third baseman
The third baseman plays the critical role of stopping runners from scoring or of forcing a double play. He usually throws the ball at a catcher who is trying to throw the runner out of the home plate. As one who covers the base just before the home plate, the third baseman must have very quick feet and thinking.
Outfielder
Outfielders cover the grassy area behind the infield. There is a left, center and a right outfielder. An outfielder plays make plays when the ball hits beyond the infield. They must have very strong arms as they need to throw from very long distances.
Softball players don different protective gear and wear depending on the position they play. For example, the offensive team must wear helmets while the catcher must have chest protector. All players, however, wear the standard set of softball shirt and pants, cleats and softball socks.
Pitcher
The pitcher is the player who throws the ball from the middle of the softball diamond – otherwise called the pitcher's mound. It is worth noting that the pitcher's mound is elevated in baseball but is flat in softball. In softball, the pitcher must use an underhand, windmill motion to deliver the ball to the strike zone.
The pitcher's throw is a signal for the fielders to get ready to field balls that hit the middle of the diamond. Pitchers are generally tall and flexible and have great upper body strength.
Catcher
The catcher is the player in squatting position just behind the home plate. In some plays, the catcher may also assume an angled standing position to enable easy transition to deliberate walks. The catcher does the job of catching missed pitched balls and of keeping mispitched balls at the front of the home plate.
More importantly, however, the catcher does the job of calling pitches by means of discreet hand signals. As such, the catcher is considered the leader of the field. At all times, the catcher must be shrewd enough to know the number of outs, strikes and balls and be able to convey these stats to his teammates. They should also know the number of runners on the field and quickly decide where to throw the ball at any time. A catcher must then be smart, nimble on his feet and be a sharp thrower.
First baseman
The first baseman is the player positioned at the first base. The first base is the one immediately to the right side of the home plate when you are facing a softball field. The most important role of a first baseman is to get a force play on the first base by receiving throws from other defensive players. A first baseman also tries to make all fielding plays hit towards first base.
First basemen are generally taller, quick with their hands and have a sharp eye for catching the player off base. Being left-handed is also an advantage as this gives them an extended reach.
Second baseman
The second baseman is right at the active middle ground and must play the part of an "octopus" – always on the lookout for covering the bases left and right and helping his teammates in fielding the ball.
Because second basemen must deal with balls hit from both sides and in front, they must be quick with their gloves and be very flexible. Good second basemen have the dirtiest jerseys at the end of the game.
Shortstop
The shortstop does the job of fielding all balls which hit the infield between the second and third bases. And because balls hit the infield quite regularly, the shortstop will have his hands full almost all the time. He also helps to cover the second and third bases and is a key player in getting force plays and double plays.
The shortstop is one of the most challenging positions in softball as he is some sort of a captain in the infield. He must be quick, smart, blessed with good footwork and able to throw precisely from every possible angle.
Third baseman
The third baseman plays the critical role of stopping runners from scoring or of forcing a double play. He usually throws the ball at a catcher who is trying to throw the runner out of the home plate. As one who covers the base just before the home plate, the third baseman must have very quick feet and thinking.
Outfielder
Outfielders cover the grassy area behind the infield. There is a left, center and a right outfielder. An outfielder plays make plays when the ball hits beyond the infield. They must have very strong arms as they need to throw from very long distances.
Softball players don different protective gear and wear depending on the position they play. For example, the offensive team must wear helmets while the catcher must have chest protector. All players, however, wear the standard set of softball shirt and pants, cleats and softball socks.
