How to Play Second Base in Softball

Playing second base in softball is a balancing act between covering the bases and assisting teammates in fielding the ball.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Share base coverage with your shortstop. He or she is there to help sort out the active area in the middle of the field. "Both shortstop and second base need to be filled by quick players with great glove skills," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University.

2. Make double plays by catching the ball while going to the base. Tag the base, then get out of the path of the runner while preparing the throw to first. While this step may seem like a feat fit for an octopus, the movement will save crucial time in making the play at first before the runner gets there.

3. Watch where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit to right field or right-center, the second baseman will go out to assist in fielding the ball, and the shortstop will cover the base. If the ball is hit to left field or left-center, the shortstop will go out, while the second baseman stays to make the base play.

4. Stay on the right side of the base if the throw is coming from left field. Catch the ball and swing your glove down to tag the runner out, keeping a tight grip on the ball.

5. Place your feet on the third base side if the throw is coming from center field. Catch the ball and swing your glove down to tag the runner out.

6. Place one foot on either side of the base if the throw is coming from right field. Catch the ball and tag the runner out. Be careful to keep your legs out of the way of a sliding runner.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you've warmed up well (for 15 to 30 minutes) before beginning to play.
• Softball is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.

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on 3/11/2008 Second base remember you need to help the short stop. Throws to second base: The short stop usually takes the throws. You need to back up the short stop. Throws or hits made to first base you need to back up first base. In case a home run is hit into the right field. You need to be ready to take a throw from the fielder. Help the fielder (Especially fielders that have never played before) Run into the out field a little to help take a throw. If the short stop has to field a ball hit to them. You need to run to second base to take a throw if a runner is on first.

on 8/8/2006 You have to learn to be quick mentally, even before your quick physically, because if you don't know where to throw to, how is it going to get there? You must be ready at all times for the play to change. Softball is not very predictable because things change so much, practicing situations helps a lot.

on 6/30/2006 When playing second base, do not try to catch the ball by hitting your glove to the ball, let the ball come to you. Trust me, it works.

on 11/22/2005 You need to watch the ball at all times. You need to know where the runners are and where to make the play.

on 11/22/2005 You must play second base like an opposite-field shortstop, possessing the same skills. Remember, you do have more time to throw to first. Share the cut-off and double-play duties. Be vocal, work with the shortstop; you both must become one.