According to Bill James, aside from pitchers and catchers, the most difficult defensive position to play is shortstop, followed by second base, center field, third base, left or right field (depending upon the ballpark), and finally first base as the easiest position.
Accordingly What’s the hardest position in softball? The hardest position to play in softball is the shortstop. Usually, the shortstop is the most athletic player on the field and must have various skills such as explosive agility, arm strength & range, glove skills & hand-eye coordination, and an excellent understanding of what is happening on the field.
What is the best position in softball? The best position to play in softball is usually the shortstop position given that the shortstop is usually the team’s most versatile and quickest player. That position tends to have the most responsibilities and most amount of action per game.
Similarly, How do you stand on first base? Holding a Runner On
Right-handed first baseman: Position your right foot against the bag with both heels about parallel to the base line. You want to be in an athletic position with your knees bent. Left-handed first baseman: Position your right foot against the bag.
Then Why are there no lefties?
1. Left-handed throws to second base are adversely affected by right-handed hitters. Controlling the running game is important, and the majority of plate appearances come with a right-hander at the plate. So the assumption is that “throwing through the batter” negatively affects the catcher’s accuracy.
Who backs up first base in softball?
Back Up 1st Base
The catcher has a responsibility to back up first base on routine grounders hit to the infielders with no runners occupying the bases. Your purpose is to keep the hitter from advancing to second on a wild throw to first.
What’s the best softball position?
The best position to play in softball is usually the shortstop position given that the shortstop is usually the team’s most versatile and quickest player. That position tends to have the most responsibilities and most amount of action per game.
How fast should a 17 year old pitch softball?
~Keep in mind that a 74 MPH pitch at 43 feet is well over the equivalent of a 100 MPH baseball pitch that’s thrown from 60 feet away.
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Average softball pitching speed by age.
| Age | Average Pitching Speeds | High-end Averages |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 51 – 55 MPH | 56 – 62 MPH |
| 17 | 52 – 56 MPH | 57 – 65 MPH |
| 18 | 55 – 59 MPH | 60 – 68 MPH |
Who invented softball?
Softball began in 1887 when George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, invented « indoor baseball ». By the spring of 1888, the game had spread outdoors. It was originally called either mushball, kittenball or indoor baseball, but by the 1920s it had acquired the name of softball.
How do I get better at first base?
When should you hold your runner on first base?
First basemen should just hold the runner on at first as normal and expect to slap a tag down on the runner immediately after receiving the throw from the pitcher. This can also happen if the catcher tries to “back-pick” the runner on first after a pitch is thrown.
How do you hold a runner on first base?
What is wrong with left-handed catchers?
« Lefties can’t play catcher because your head hangs over home plate when you make a tag. » « You’ve got the ball in your right hand, you’re blocking the plate with your left foot. When you go to make the tag, you’re exposed.
Why do lefties not play shortstop?
You are right on that lefties should not play baseball shortstop or 3rd base. The only positions lefty baseball players should play are pitcher, firstbase and outfield positions. The problem is that so few players can play shortstop and third base there is a supply and demand problem.
Can catchers be lefty?
The last left-handed catcher to play in the big leagues was Benny Distefano, who caught three games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989. Before Distefano, there had only been a handful: Jack Clements, Dale Long and Mike Squires to name a few. Why so few lefties behind the dish?
Who backs up 2nd on a steal?
Second Baseman
The 2nd baseman is usually the back up man on a steal attempt where the shortstop is covering second base. He should also back up first base during bunt plays when the pitcher, catcher, or 3rd baseman is making the play.
Who backs up 3rd base in softball?
3B—Third baseman covers 3rd base and communicates with the shortstop to cut or relay the throw from the outfielder. They are also responsible for backing up the throw from the outfielder to the shortstop. 1B—First baseman watches the batter-runner touch 1st base and moves to a position to cover 1st base.
Who covers Firstbase?
On a force play, the fielder covering the base stands with one foot on that base. In general, the first baseman covers first base, the second baseman or shortstop covers second, the third baseman covers third, and the catcher covers home plate.
What is the second hardest position in softball?
Re: Toughest position to play in softball??
After that shortstop, followed by centerfield. All positions are tough for one reason or another which is why you have people with different skills at each position.
Why is right field the worst position?
Because less balls are hit to right field it is considered a position that you typically put your worst fielders, which is commonly the case at the little league level as very few balls will be hit there.
How fast did Jennie Finch pitch?
The mound isn’t elevated as it is in the Majors. Jennie Finch’s underhand fastball pitch comes in at around 68 mph. Her long stride moves her several feet closer to the plate by the time the ball leaves her hand.
Is baseball or softball harder?
It’s scientifically proven that fastpitch softball is harder than baseball. On average, there is less reacting time in softball batting than in baseball when you consider both pitching speed and distance. Also, a softball field is smaller, basepaths are shorter, and pitching style is harder.
How do you throw a softball harder?
Softball Throwing Velocity Tip #1: Gain Ground To Your Target.
- Their hips don’t fire as fast, which causes them to push the ball.
- They lose out on a free 1-3 mph just from momentum.
- They make a longer throw rather than a shorter one.
When was the first softball made?
It is generally agreed that softball developed from a game called indoor baseball, first played in Chicago in 1887. It became known in the United States by various names, such as kitten ball, mush ball, diamond ball, indoor–outdoor, and playground ball.
What country did softball originate from?
It was invented in 1887 in Chicago, Illinois, United States as an indoor game.
Who wrote the first rules of softball?
Sixteen-inch softball, a variant, is less common but remains a direct descendant of the original game created by George Hancock. Softball rules vary somewhat from those of baseball.
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