Softball Center Field Position Handout
The softball center field position handout shows how she is the general in the outfield. You have first priority on fly balls over everyone if you can think of it that way. What this means is that if there is a fly ball that you can catch, you have priority over all the fielders around you. the left fielder, the right fielder and the middle infielders.
You also need to make sure you are backing up your fielders as well. You and your outfield team are the last lines of defense. Get to know the batters and their strengths so that you can assist the other outfielders in positioning as well. You are the captain of the outfield so make sure you learn everything you can about the batters so you can assist your outfield team.
You can also make plays on the infield if you charge the ground ball and assume the infielder will miss. A ground ball up the middle is an easy play at second or third for you if you are there. I have made plays at first base as a center fielder because I charged it and made a good hard throw.
Backing up the Left Fielder
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- if the ball is hit to the left field, you need to get over to help her in case the ball gets past her so that you can get back to the infield as soon as possible
- as soon as the ball is hit to her, you need to run in that direction right away so that you are there in case she needs you to help her
Backing up the Right Fielder
- if the ball is hit to the right field, you need to run over to help her in case the ball gets past her so that it can get back to the infield as soon as possible
- as soon as the ball is hit to her, you need to run in that direction right away so that you are there in case she needs you to help her
Backing up 2nd base
- if there is a runner on first base and she is going to steal, you need to back up the short stop who will be at second base for the catcher to throw the ball
- get ready about 5 feet behind her in case it gets past her
Fielding the ball
- you need to be ready if the ball gets past the short stop or second base player so that you can get it right away (assume they are going to miss it)
- you can get an out at second base if you are quick to the ball and there is a runner at first base
- you are an extra infielder in case a ground ball gets past the infield
- if there is a fly ball, and you can catch it, tell the infielder by calling your name, that you will catch it so they do not have to try to move backwards to get it
- if there is a fly ball and you can catch it instead of the left or right fielder, you can tell them that you have it
- same with a ground ball, they will back you up
- you are one of the last lines of defense which is a critical position
