Infield Positions

Softball is a game with nine positions, divided in two categories: infield and outfield. The infield positions consist of first base, second base, short stop, third base, catcher and pitcher. The outfield positions include left, middle, and right field. Starting at a young age, five years old, helped me understand the game. Growing up, I have played many of these positions. Now, second base is my position; it’s a very important position on the infield and can be quite difficult. Playing second comes with many different strategies, scenarios, and plays to learn.
I began playing t-ball when I was five years old. T-ball is much different level than high school ball. Your dads were your coaches, every kid played on the field, and got to hit. You
Your coach isn’t your dad anymore, you have try outs, and not everyone gets to play. My freshmen year came around and my coach asked what position I usually play. I told him that I was a catcher, and he said “okay, lets see what you got”. I showed him my skills and he helped me improve them. Then, he asked if I would be willing to play second base. I told him that I would give it a try. Me and another player tried out for second base and during our first game, she started before me. Because I was a freshman, I wasn’t upset with his choice. While playing the next game, the second basemen messed up a few times and my coach called me over. I met him at the door of the dug out and told me to get ready because I was going to play next inning. I was so excited. It was my first time playing second base and my first time to show my coach what I could do. The ball was hit to me; and I took my time, fielded it, and threw it to first base. My coach had a smile on his face. He told me after the game, that I did really well and that we would work on being better in
Second base and short stop are like two peas in a pod. They should always be talking constantly. When the ball is hit to third and there is runner at first going to second, who should be covering the bag? Second and short stop should be talking through the play, telling each other, “you take it” or “you’ve got time”. When the ball goes out the right field, second should be going out to cut and short stop should be telling then left, right, go out farther or no cut. Tell the second basemen to do all those things helps know if they are line up with the bag so if they do have to catch and throw the ball, they have an idea of where the base is. Also, they should be talking about who gets the base when the catcher is throwing down to second base. Short stop should be calling, I got the bag and after second hear that, and they should be covering behind the bag in case the ball passes the short stop. The right side of the field is the second basemen’s job to cover and the left side of the field is for short stop to cover. The right side of the infield is the second baseman’s domain – anything hit between second base and the right foul line is his responsibility. If he can get to the ball, he should do so. (Batboy Tips February 12, 2012 paragraph