:Softball Fielding Tips – So You Want to Become a Softball Fielder?

When I ask softball players what position they like to play, it’s either they want to become famous batters or pitchers. While these two arguably have the most important roles on either side of the game, you can never discount the roles played by the others.

Let’s take for example the softball fielder. Although many people overlook their importance, teams need them to have a tight-knit defensive team. After all, somebody has to cover the outfield, right?

So, if you’re the type who isn’t really after the fame of being a famous batter or a pitcher with blinding-speed throws, becoming a softball fielder would be a good choice for you. That’s why I have the following softball fielding tips to get you started.

1. Refine how you catch and throw the ball. When playing defense, your ability to catch the ball and throw it would be your bread and butter. If you’re able to track and catch the ball accurately, you can turn it into outs immediately and turn the game in your favor. And when you can throw the ball hard and for long distances, then, you minimize the number of throws your team needs to do to get the ball in the proper base.

These skills, however, takes time to master. But to start with, here are some softball fielding skills that will aid in helping you in catching and throw the ball better:

- Learn how to balance your weight on the balls of your feet

- Use two hands when catching the ball

- Have a strong and accurate throw

2. Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Things can sometimes be uneventful in the outfield when there aren’t any fly balls coming your way. But that doesn’t mean you have to relax. Remember what I told earlier about having a tight-knit defense? It’s your job as the fielder to always be ready when the ball comes flying towards your direction.

But don’t stop there. You also need to know immediately where you should throw the ball once you catch it. It becomes easier with time as this skill becomes second nature to you, so don’t worry when you don’t get it right the first time.

3. Communicate with your teammates well. A tight-knit defense also requires great communication between teammates. That’s why you should also be able to communicate with your teammates well.

This skill, however, isn’t something that you just wing at the middle of the game. It takes countless hours of drills that will tell you where you should be and where the ball should go in particular game situations.

Think it’s daunting? It could be, especially when you’re still starting out as a softball fielding. But at least you learned that the fielder is not a lazy person’s position. You should always be alert on what’s happening on the entire field so, you could also react accordingly. This takes skills and many hours of practice, but I hope that the softball fielding tips I shared with you will help you start out.