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Mike Lott

How to be a good softballer

When the ball doesn't go to them many players switch off and watch the play but actually, if you are on the pitch (and sometimes even when you aren't) then you should be either running after the ball, running to back up someone who is going to play the ball, or in position to make a play when the player has fielded the ball.

The following guide has been designed to help you get to the next level as a player to help your team reach it's potential.

Pitcher

Pitcher:

Communication with Shortstop over double plays

Act as cut infield, direct traffic, back up the bases

Back up 1st base if they go to field a ball

Encourage and be awesome.

Catcher

Catcher:

Ensure everyone is in the right position before allowing the pitcher to play

Where there is no play at home try to back up 1st base.

Communicate with pitcher to cut if the play at home is not on

Encourage and be awesome.

1st base

1st base:

Watch to make sure runners hit the bases

Back up home/second after 1st base is rounded

Once a runner has reached the base be ready to take a throw if they leave the base and turn the corner

Encourage and be awesome.

2nd base

2nd base:

Back up 1st base if play goes to shortstop

Act as cut off for plays to RF

Ensure plays are called pre-pitch

Once a runner has reached the base be ready to take a throw if they leave the base and turn the corner

Encourage and be awesome.

3rd base:

3rd base

Play 3rd base

Ensure plays are called pre-pitch

Once a runner has reached the base be ready to take a throw if they leave the base and turn the corner

Encourage and be awesome.

Short stop

Short Stop:

Ensure plays are called pre-pitch

Act as cut off for plays to LF

Once a runner has reached the base be ready to take a throw if they leave the base and turn the corner

Encourage and be awesome.

Left Field:

Attack ball or back up Left Centre fielder on balls hit to LF

Run infield and back up 3rd base on balls to RF

Ensure throws are through the cut off unless capable of reaching 2nd/3rd base with a flat throw

Outfielder

Communicate depth of fly balls to other outfielders

Encourage and be awesome.

Centre Left:

Attack ball or back up Left fielder on balls hit to LF

Ensure throws are through the cut off unless capable of reaching 2nd/3rd base with a flat throw

Run infield and back up 2nd base on balls to RF

Encourage and be awesome.

Centre Right:

Attack ball or back up Right fielder on balls hit to RF

Ensure throws are through the cut off unless capable of reaching 2nd base with a flat throw

Run infield and back up 2nd base on balls to LF

Encourage and be awesome.

Right Field:

Attack ball or back up Right Centre fielder on balls hit to RF

Ensure throws are through the cut off unless capable of reaching 2nd base with a flat throw

Run infield and back up 1st/2nd base on balls to LF

Encourage and be awesome.

All:

Every time a ball is hit everyone should moving, either to the ball or into position to back someone up.

When we get a runner stuck between bases everyone should make their way to join the run down.

Base coach

When running the bases be very wary about turning the corner and leaving your base because if you are off base they will throw to the base and get you out.

Hit flat and run hard. Listen to your base coach an don’t watch the ball.

Leave nothing on the diamond

Never give up on a play and leave nothing on the diamond

Above all, have fun

Make sure you continue to listen and learn, and above all, enjoy the game and play as well as you can in every play.


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