While softball can be a complex and intricate game, if explained in detail and broken down properly, it can be understood by someone who knows little to nothing about the sport. Let’s examine and break down softball by explaining what the bases are and their purpose within the game, as well as the responsibilities of each defensive position on the field.
In the game of softball there are four bases that are needed to play. When the batter steps up to bat, they stand on the left or right side of home plate depending on if they swing the bat left or right handed. While home plate is technically considered one of the bases, it is called “home plate” for obvious reasons. Everything starts at home, just as it does on your phone or computer. As
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In the outfield, there are three positions: left, center and right. The outfielder’s main job is to act as a backup for the infield. The outfield covers their own position, but are also responsible for balls hit in any other vicinity of their original position. They are typically athletes who can run fast to cover a lot of open field. Outfielders are also in charge of preventing any baserunners from gaining extra bases.The left fielder plays the position on the left side of the field, behind third base when looking at the field from behind home plate. Next is the center fielder. The center fielder stands in the outfield directly behind second base when looking at the field from behind home plate. The center fielder is considered the “captain” of the outfield. They have “priority” over the other two outfielders because of their position on the field, and also because of their leadership and communication. The last position in the field is the right fielder. The right fielder stands in the outfield behind the first baseman. Just as the other outfielders, right fielders cover their area, and make plays when the ball is hit or thrown in their direction. Just like the infield, the outfield has very important positions that are needed in order to play the game. You can’t have one without the other.
While there are other aspects of softball that would also need to be further examined and understood by someone with no prior knowledge of the sport, hopefully one can get a general idea of how the game is played from the insight on how the bases, infield, and outfield function in the information provided above. The bases, along with the defensive positions in the infield and outfield, are key components to the game of