She should make reasonable attempts to field balls hit to the right side, keeping in mind the pitcher should be covering first if necessary. The first baseman also needs a strong arm. Besides fielding bunts, she will be called upon to throw to all the bases from both first and her cut position around the mound.

What is the easiest position to play in softball?

What is the easiest position in softball? Right field, because young players don't hit the ball very far in the air, and because 80% of athletes are right handed, fewer hard-hit fly balls will go to the opposite field (right field for a right-handed hitter).

Is first base hard in softball?

According to Bill James, aside from pitchers and catchers, the most difficult defensive position to play is shortstop, followed by second base, center field, third base, left or right field (depending upon the ballpark), and finally first base as the easiest position.

What qualities does a first baseman need?

5 Traits of a Great First Baseman

• First Basemen Are Big. ...
• First Basemen Have Great Awareness. ...
• First Basemen Have Great Footwork. ...
• First Basemen Have Great Hands. ...
• First Basemen Are Good Hitters. ...
• He Must Catch as Many Throws as He Can. ...
• He Must Keep the Ball in Front of Him. ...
• He Must Be a Vocal Leader.

What's the hardest position in softball?

The hardest position to play in softball is the shortstop. Usually, the shortstop is the most athletic player on the field and must have various skills such as explosive agility, arm strength & range, glove skills & hand-eye coordination, and an excellent understanding of what is happening on the field.

What's the best softball position?

The best position to play in softball is usually the shortstop position given that the shortstop is usually the team's most versatile and quickest player. That position tends to have the most responsibilities and most amount of action per game.

What do scouts look for in a first baseman?

The biggest factor in evaluating a top first baseman is the ability to hit for power and drive runs in. Coaches evaluating a hitting skills video of a first baseman will look for a short, compact swing, quick bat speed, and a load or hitting mechanism that generates a lot of power.

Is first base the easiest position?

Demands, Skills & Role of a First Baseman

First baseman can often “hide” at first because they don't often have to make long throws or move around too much. But, that doesn't mean first base is not a difficult position – it's easy to play an average first base, but it's NOT easy to be great at it.

What foot should you hit first base with?

Keep your left foot on the 1st base (this is the same for both lefties and righties) and square up to the play. You will not be able to make a long stretch for the ball.

Is first base a good position in softball?

First Base

First basemen account for more outs than any player in the game. In softball, first base is where most outs are recorded. The primary skill of a first-base specialist is a good glove. First basemen have to catch balls thrown to them from all over the infield and occasionally from the outfield.

Is first base important?

It is an especially important position in youth baseball as the throws to first base will not always be accurate and the infield is only as good as the first baseman. The number one skill needed by a first baseman is the ability to catch the ball. It also helps to be tall, a decent fielder, and a good hitter.

What is the easiest infield position in softball?

Though every position is valuable and takes a lot of work, one of the easiest positions in softball is the right field –at least at the younger levels. This is because youth players don't often hit the ball very far in the air. Furthermore, over 80% of all softball players are right handed.

What makes a great softball player?

Great Mastery of fundamental and advanced technical skills (hitting, fielding, throwing, position- specific skills, short-game, baserunning, etc.)

What does first base do in softball?

The first baseman of each team will stand at the first base, to the right of the pitcher. He or she will catch throws at first base in order to prevent the other team from scoring. You will find the second baseman at the second base, which is positioned opposite the home base across the field.

Who is the best first baseman ever?

MLB's 10 Best First Basemen of All Time

• Jeff Bagwell (1990s)
• Mark McGwire (1990s)
• Todd Helton (2000s)
• Albert Pujols (2000s)
• Dan Brouthers (1890s)
• Hank Greenberg (1930s)
• Jimmie Foxx (1930s)
• Lou Gehrig (1930s)

What is the average height of a first baseman?

First basemen also tend to be a little taller, averaging 6 feet 2.5 inches (similar to pitchers), which gives them a longer reach than shorter players.

What is a good 60 time for a first baseman?

If you can make it from home to first in 3.93 to 4 seconds, you will be scored a 7 out of 8 – a very good score. 60 Yard Dash. Another measure of speed is at 60 yards, or 180 ft. Scouts also use this distance to gauge if you will be good at stealing bases.

What makes a good second baseman?

Qualities needed to play second base: a second baseman typically has to be both quick and fast – meaning quick reflexes as well as fast running speed in order to get to ground balls and line drives. The primary skill for a second baseman would be fielding ground balls.

How fast did Jennie Finch pitch?

The mound isn't elevated as it is in the Majors. Jennie Finch's underhand fastball pitch comes in at around 68 mph. Her long stride moves her several feet closer to the plate by the time the ball leaves her hand.

Is baseball or softball harder?

It's scientifically proven that fastpitch softball is harder than baseball. On average, there is less reacting time in softball batting than in baseball when you consider both pitching speed and distance. Also, a softball field is smaller, basepaths are shorter, and pitching style is harder.

How do you become D1 in softball?

When evaluating athletes, D1 coaches typically follow these softball recruiting guidelines:

1. High school experience: 3-4 years on varsity with at least 2 years as a starter.
2. Club experience: 4-5 years of high-level travel ball.
3. Awards: multiple-time All-Conference, All-Area, All-State honors.

Why is right field the worst position?

Because less balls are hit to right field it is considered a position that you typically put your worst fielders, which is commonly the case at the little league level as very few balls will be hit there.