In fastpitch softball, there are usually seven innings and three outs every half-inning.  There are nine positions out in the field.  The three outfield positions are left field, right field, and center field.  Every person in the outfield should be moving every play to back up the bases in case of a steal.  To play the outfield, you must be able to catch pop-ups, run fast, and have a good arm to throw the ball in to a base or the cutoff.

 

There are six infield positions-pitcher, catcher, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, and shortstop.  In fastpitch, the pitcher and the catcher are the most important positions.  The catcher must be able to catcher the ball and the pitcher must be accurate and fairly fast or else games would last forever.

 

The catcher must be able to catch the ball-trying to avoid dropping it-after the pitcher pitches it and the ball crosses the plate.  The catcher must also have a good arm to possibly throw out a runner if she chooses to steal a base.

 

The first baseman has to have great reflexes and catching abilities.  They are also usually the tallest and most agile player on the team.  The first baseman uses a special mitt the catch ball easier.                                                                                        The second baseman has to work together with the shortstop to make double plays and relay the ball in from the outfield.  The second baseman also has to be fast and able to cover lots of ground.  The second baseman is responsible for fielding any balls that the first baseman can't reach and anything to the right of them over to second base.

 

The third baseman has to have a good arm and be very alert.  On bunts, both the third baseman and first baseman have to run in and get the ball.  When this happens, the second baseman covers first base and shortstop

 

The shortstop has to work with the second baseman for many things.  Shortstop also has to communicate with the catcher.  If the catcher thinks someone is going to steal, they will signal to the shortstop before the ball is pitched so the shortstop can react faster.  The shortstop also has to be very alert and fast, because depending on the situation, shortstop has to cover either second base or third base on a steal.

 

Runners are able to steal and take a lead, but you aren't allowed to leave the base until the pitcher releases the ball at her hip.  Often times when you steal, it is best to slide into the base you are running to.  There are many reasons for doing this.  First of all, it is safer and there is less of a chance for a collision.  Second of all, the runner might knock the ball out of the glove.  Lastly, the umpire might call you out because there was a play at the base and you didn't slide.

 

The strike zone is usually (depending on the umpire) between your hips and your knees.  Three strikes is a strikeout (batter is out) and four balls is a walk (batter gets first base and may advance to second if she wishes).

 

There are four ways to get out.  Force out, tag out, fly out, and strikeout.  Also, if you swing on the third strike and the catcher drops the ball, the batter can run to first base.  But if the catcher gets the ball, throws it to first base, and the ball beats the batter, the batter is out.

 

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