The Defensive Team

The job of the defensive team, known as FIELDERS, is to catch or stop any balls hit, with the aim of preventing offensive players from advancing around the bases and scoring runs. Each fielder has specific duties and a specific number, used for score-keeping:

Infielders

PITCHER (1): The pitcher pitches the ball to the batter from the pitcher's plate and then becomes another infielder, ready to catch or stop batted balls and throw to bases as required. The pitcher will often take throws at first base on balls hit to the first base player, or back up other infielders on throws coming in from the outfield.

CATCHER (2): The catcher kneels or squats behind home plate and returns the ball to the pitcher if the batter swings and misses or fails to swing. The catcher also guards home plate against incoming baserunners and tries to tag them out before they can reach the base and score a run.

FIRST BASE (3): This is often a busy position, as many balls will be thrown to first base in an attempt to put batters out who are running from home to first. So this fielder needs "safe hands": i.e., he/she needs to be able to hold on safely to thrown balls. The first base player also guards part of the right side of the infield against batted balls hit on the ground or in the air.

SECOND BASE (4): The second base player will guard much of the right side of the infield and will try to catch balls hit in the air or on the ground. He/she will often catch throws made to second base, though the short stop (see below) can do this as well.

THIRD BASE (5): The third base player guards the area near third base and will usually take throws made to third. This player needs good reflexes (since the ball is often hit hard in his/her direction) and a good throwing arm, since it's a long throw from third to first base.

SHORT STOP (6): The short stop stands between second and third base and tries to stop or catch any ball hit towards left field. The short stop is also in a good position to take throws at second base or, occasionally, at third.

TIP: See how the infielders are positioned on the diagram to cover as much of the infield area as possible. It is a common fault for inexperienced infield players to stand on their base at all times. This isn't necessary and means that they're not covering as much of the field as they could be. it only becomes necessary to touch your base if you are trying to get someone out there.

Outfielders

Outfield positions are not quite so rigidly defined as infield positions. The team captain or possibly the catcher may position the outfielders, sometimes differently for each batter. For example, if a hard-hitting batter is up, the outfielders may all move back, or if a left-handed batter comes up, the outfielders may all swing around towards right field.

In general, however, the LEFT FIELDER (7) will play in left field. The LEFT CENTRE FIELDER (8) will play to the left of the centre field area. The RIGHT CENTRE FIELDER (9) will play to the right of the centre field area. The RIGHT FIELDER (10) will play in right field. The outfielder’s job is to catch or stop balls hit in their direction and return them quickly and accurately to the infield.

Gloves

Each defensive player, including the pitcher, wears a fielder's glove to stop and catch balls. These gloves may seem cumbersome at first and even a bit cissy but gloves are essential because:

· the size and weight of a softball makes it painful and dangerous to catch without a glove (it's not soft!)

· a glove will allow you to make catches you could never make barehanded (your hand is smaller!)

· a glove will allow you to control the ball quickly in order to throw it, which is an essential part of the game.

Practice using the glove, catching the ball in the webbing rather than the palm and remembering not to rely on the glove to do everything. Close your fingers on the ball once it goes into the glove and cover the gloved hand with your bare hand to stop the ball popping out.

Another reason to practice with the glove is that it's worn on your weaker hand (i.e., if you're right-handed you'll wear a glove on your left hand), and you're probably not used to catching with this hand. The reason for this arrangement is so that your stronger hand is free for throwing.