Defense

How many positions are there on the typical, fast pitch softball field? Do you know the answer? If you said 9, then you are correct! Now, do you know all of the positions? Well, there’s the pitcher, the catcher, the third baseman, shortstop, second baseman, first baseman, left fielder, center fielder, and finally, the right fielder. The pitcher is lined up exactly 43 feet away from home plate, which is where the catcher is. The third baseman stands about 2 feet from the foul line and a few steps in front of the base. Shortstop stands in between second and third base; the shortstop is also the leader of the infield…telling them how many outs there are in the inning and the next possible play(s). The second baseman’s position is located between first and second base. The first baseman is in the same spot as the third baseman, but instead of being by third base, she is by first. The outfielders (left, center, and right) can all be found in the grass area of the field. Left fielder stands behind shortstop, center fielder stands behind second base, and right fielder stands behind second baseman; the outfielders are crucial to the defense, especially when the offensive team has “big” bats.