Softball Positions Explained: Roles, Skills, & the Hardest Spot on the Field

Hustle in - let’s talk softball! This game is full of energy, blending power, precision, and quick decision-making every inning. But before you step onto the field, you’ve got to understand how the game is played, and that starts with knowing who plays where. In this article, the Glove Experts at JustGloves cover the different softball positions and discuss which one is the hardest. Let's get started.  

What are the different softball positions?

There are nine positions that all come with their own role to protect the plate and win. Here’s a breakdown of each softball position and what makes them essential to the game.

1. Pitcher

   • The pitcher is the heartbeat of the game. Everything starts (and sometimes ends) with her.
   • She’s not just throwing heat, she’s mixing speed, changing angles, and keeping the hitters guessing with every pitch.
   • A great pitcher is one who has mental toughness and game awareness. 
   • This position demands endurance, accuracy, and speed
      

2. Catcher

• • The catcher is the commander behind the plate, working with the pitcher to decide which pitch comes next. 
  • She’s also a great communicator and the eyes of the infield.
  • A great catcher moves fast, blocking wild throws, reacting to base stealers, and tossing off her helmet to track down pop-ups.
     

3. First Base

• • The first baseman is a key target for the majority of the infield throws.
  • She needs to have a reliable glove and great catching skills.
  • Good footwork, speed, stretch, and reach ability are helpful in this role to cover any wild throws around the bag.
     

4. Second Base

• • Speed is key.
  • This player is charging bunt hits, snagging rockets down the line, and throwing fast to first base.
  • Having quick reflexes and a fast reaction are top-tier skills to have as a second baseman.
  • Smart decision-making skills are necessary, as this position will work with the shortstop to cover the base.
     

5. Third Base

• • Protecting the line or ‘hot corner’ is the main responsibility of the third baseman.
  • This player is also chasing down bunts and fielding line drives for a fast glove-to-hand transfer to first base. 
  • This role requires lightning-fast reflexes, a solid glove, and a strong arm.
     

6. Shortstop

• • The shortstop covers the space between second and third base, positioned slightly behind the infield. 
  • It’s one of the most demanding spots on the field, requiring speed, sharp instincts, and a strong arm with a fast release.
     

7. Left Field

• • Most power hitters are swinging heat in the direction of left field! 
  • This position is a backup to third base.
  • Additional key skills to have include a strong throwing arm, great tracking skills to read the ball off the bat, and a quick first step to lodge the ball as accurately as possible to an infielder for a relay.

8. Centerfield 

• • You will cover the most ground in the outfield and, honestly, on defense in general. 
  • This position certainly requires speed… lots of it, and a strong throwing arm! 
  • The center fielder must have excellent communication skills with the other outfielders, as you’ll be playing backup to them as well.

9. Right Field

• • Catching line drives and foul balls and backing up the first baseman are all a part of the role of a right fielder. 
  • Having a strong arm to throw down a runner going to third base is helpful, too!