The shortstop positions himself between the third baseman and the second-base bag. The shortstop is considered the captain of the infield and takes charge on balls hit in the air as well as communication among infielders.
What does a shortstop do in softball?
The shortstop stands between the second and third bases, and is responsible for balls that end up in that area. In fact, most balls actually do end up there. The shortstop has many responsibilities, including catching and fielding, and are very versatile and agile players.
What are infielders in softball?
Infielders in baseball or softball are players who play any one of these four positions: first base, second base, third base, or shortstop. … The wrinkles of each position often shape the roles players play when their team is up to bat in addition to when they’re on defense.
How do you play shortstop?
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 the most important position in softball?
The most important positions in a team are the pitcher and catcher. A good pitcher can have a significant impact on a game and a good catcher controls all defensive plays.
Why is shortstop the best position?
Shortstops are an integral component of turning double plays. … A good defensive shortstop must possess excellent range, a strong throwing and an ability to field batted balls cleanly. The shortstop position is widely considered the most valuable defensive position in the infield, if not on the entire field of play.
Why is it 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.
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).
What does AK stand for in softball?
Definition. A strikeout occurs when a pitcher throws any combination of three swinging or looking strikes to a hitter. … In the scorebook, a strikeout is denoted by the letter K. A third-strike call on which the batter doesn’t swing is denoted with a backward K.
What does P mean in softball?
Position POS Abbreviation Pitcher 1 P Catcher 2 C First Baseman 3 1B Second Baseman 4 2B Third Baseman 5 3B Shortstop 6 SS Left. Page 1. Softball Scorebook Abbreviations.
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.
Are shortstops good hitters?
Today, shortstops are often able to hit well and many are placed at the top of the lineup. … More hit balls go to the shortstop than to any other position, as there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the ball slightly.
Why do girls play softball?
The small field comes from how softball was originally developed as an indoor version of baseball. It was created to allow people to play baseball indoors during the winter season. Women often play softball over baseball because they find it easier for them to navigate the field.
What does DP mean in softball?
In Fast Pitch Softball, a designated player (DP) can make hits for a player as well as temporarily play defense, and can later on in the game return to their original position. If you’re a designated player playing turn for a hitter or in the offense team, you’ll be known as the “pinch runner” or “pinch hitter”.
Where do you put the worst player in softball?
In Little League, the worst player almost always plays right field, because most players are right-handed and tend to hit to the left side of the field. In softball, or in baseball when stealing is not allowed, obviously the catcher is where you’d put the guy who you don’t want to have to field many balls.