How to Play Third Base in Softball

Playing third base in softball requires an agile sort - one with a strong arm who can get the ball back across the diamond for a play at first base. All of this without losing sight of the fact that third base is all that stands between a runner and home base.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Knock down hits coming down the third-base line. It can save a lot of valuable time in making a play if you snag the ball instead of leaving it to the left fielder behind you.

2. Charge at slow-rolling balls instead of waiting for them to come to you. Practice this move with your throwing hand, because pulling the ball out of the glove takes extra time.

3. Be ready for the batter to bunt. You might need to charge in on the ball and make the play. "There are only 60 feet between the bases in softball, so basemen have to play in to make bunt plays," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University.

4. Observe that you are right next to the foul line, which puts you in the area to field a lot of pop-ups. Catching these balls can mean easy outs for your team. Just don't forget to call the ball so that you don't collide with a teammate.

5. Stay upright if the play is on third - this way you stay out of the runner's way. Catch the ball as it is thrown and move to the inside of the base. Tag up as the runner goes by, using the back of the glove to avoid dropping the ball.

6. Remember, few things are better than a double play. Look to make a play at first base after you've gotten the play at third. Throw hard and fast to your first baseman, who should have his or her glove waiting for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on your ball-handling skills. "Third basemen don't need as much speed, but they can't be afraid of the ball," says VanderMay.
• 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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[jenniiexo0x]

on 12/29/2006 Be loud - especially when bunt is being shown! Scream "bunt" as lound as you can, it makes aware to the whole field that the hitter is bunting so everyone is ready, and it also scares the batter. Always be ready for a hard hit ball and WEAR A MOUTHGUARD IF PLAYING 3RD BASE!!!! I know from experince!

on 6/30/2006 Keep an eye on the ball, but keep sight of the batter in your peripheral vision. When the batter starts to adjust, preparing for a swing, add a quick hop or a subtle rock to your stance. This will help you be in a position to trigger your reflexes if need be.

on 1/25/2006 Practice throwing far, accurate balls every day. In order to play this base you must be able to throw all the way from first to third. If you don't practice throwing the softball far, and just try in a game, you could hurt your arm.

on 11/22/2005 In fast pitch softball the third baseman has to play pretty far in front of the base. If there is 0-1 strikes, or 0-1 outs, the third baseman should be about 35 feet from home plate. This is so the bunts don't become base hits. They also have to be cautious of the slap bunt (a fake bunt), where the batter pulls their bat back at the last second and attempts to hit it between infielders (at which point they will stop charging the bunt and defend themselves).

on 11/22/2005 Softball is a 95% mental game. Know what you are going to do with the ball when you get it. You also have to have confidence in yourself. Say "I can do this," or something similar before every pitch.