Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base, which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions.
Where is shortstop in softball?
The shortstop in softball is arguably the most important position player on the field behind the catcher.
What position number is shortstop?
The shortstop (abbreviated SS and position 6 when scoring) is the infielder who plays close to and on the left side of second base. Shortstop is often considered the most important and demanding defensive position aside from pitcher and catcher.
What base does shortstop cover?
Shortstops will typically cover the second-base bag on grounders hit back to the pitcher in double-play situations, as well. A good defensive shortstop must possess excellent range, a strong throwing and an ability to field batted balls cleanly.
What positions are in softball?
The infield positions, which are the fielding team’s first line of defense, are: pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base and shortstop. Infield players are responsible for fielding ground balls, catching fly balls, throwing to various bases, covering bases, backing up and tagging runners.
What shortstop means?
Definition of shortstop
(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : the player position in baseball for defending the infield area on the third-base side of second base. 2 : the player stationed in the shortstop position. short-stop.
Why is a shortstop called a shortstop?
The shortstop position is between the second base and the third baseman. Its name comes from where it’s located, as it requires the player to stop the short side of the field and act as a cutoff for the left and center fielders.
Why is shortstop position 6?
The shortstop is the sixth position because they were originally a shallow outfielder. With how light the baseballs were, outfielders needed a cut-off man between the outfield and the infield. When the quality of baseballs improved, the shortstop became an infielder and remained as the 6th position.
How do you play shortstop in baseball?
The shortstop covers second base when the ball is hit to the right side of the field (between first and second). The shortstop needs to cover second base on double plays where the ball is hit to the right side of the infield. They should catch the ball, drag their foot across the base, and throw to first.
What is a starting shortstop?
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base, which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions. … Today, shortstops are often able to hit well and many are placed at the top of the lineup.
What skills are needed for shortstop?
He must have good range, a good glove, and a strong arm. This combination of skills and athletic ability are a tough combination to achieve. For a shortstop to continue playing that position a he gets older, he must possess a desire to continually improve his fielding and his arm.
How deep should a shortstop play?
On a normal bases-empty play, train your shortstop to line up halfway between the third baseman and the second base bag. A good depth for a shortstop to play at will be three to four steps behind the baseline.
How many infield positions are there in softball?
Six players make up the infield and are numbered accordingly in the scorebook: Pitcher (1), Catcher (2), First-base player (3), Second-base player (4), Third-base player (5), and the Shortstop (6).
What’s the hardest position in softball?
The shortstop has many responsibilities, including catching and fielding, and are very versatile and agile players. This is perhaps the most difficult position on the field. The remaining base is reserved for the third baseman. This area is the corner diagonally opposite the first base.
What’s the easiest position in softball?
What is the easiest position in softball? Right field, because young players don’t hit the ball very far in the air, and because 80% of athletes are right handed, fewer hard-hit fly balls will go to the opposite field (right field for a right-handed hitter).