The softball second base handout provides information on how the position requires a lot of thinking. You have to cover first base and second base and you need to be aware in case a ball that is thrown back to the pitcher is not caught and you need to back her up. You also need to back up second base if the ball is thrown when a runner is stealing from first base. Go about 5 feet behind the base for covering so that you have lots of time to react if the ball gets passed the Shortstop.
This position also includes a lot of movement from side to side covering the bases and for balls that are hit up the middle. Good mobility and quick reactions are important because it is a lot of ground to cover.
Softball Second Base Duties
Accepting Throws at 1st base
- when the ball is hit, if the 1st base player is, going to field it, go to 1st base and get ready for a throw from the 1st base player
- make sure you are facing the player who is going to throw the ball
- as the player throws the ball, try to tell if it is going to be to you or if you are going to have to move to stop it from going past you
2nd Base
- if the ball is hit on the side of the shortstop, you go to 2nd base and get ready to accept a throw with a runner on 1st base
- if the ball is hit on your side of the field, the short stop goes to 2nd to get ready to take a throw with a runner on 1st base
- if the ball is hit right up the middle, you go to 2nd base to get ready to take a throw
Fielding Balls
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- if a ground ball is hit where you can field it, make sure you field it right away and throw or toss it to 1st base to get her out
- if a ground ball is hit to you with a runner on 1st base, field it right away and throw or toss it to the short stop at 2nd base