How to Play Center Field in Softball
Center field, like its name would suggest, is where it's at. The player here should be able to run fast, catch well and throw hard. In addition to playing in the outfield, the center fielder sometimes helps in the infield.
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Things You'll Need
- Softball Cleats
- Softball Equipment Bags
- Softball Fielding Gloves
- Softball Glove Conditioner Cream
- Softballs
Instructions
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1
Be in position when the ball is pitched, but be ready to move as the ball is hit.
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2
Monitor fly balls and position yourself accordingly. You'll want to head for a point of interception and meet the ball. If you are running back for a ball, look at the ball instead of where you're going, so that you don't lose sight of it.
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Keep running when you catch the ball and use your momentum for the throw. This technique will help you throw the ball farther.
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Remember that catching fly balls is only a small part of your job. You will also field base hits and back up second base.
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Charge at ground balls with your hands out. If the ball is on the opposite side of your glove, and you need to cross over to get it, pivot on the balls of your feet instead of bending in the middle. This technique will help you balance.
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Throw the ball overhand to keep it low to the ground and put speed behind it. Consider low, one-hop throws, which save time and cover more distance.
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Back up the left and right fielders. Take charge on fly balls. "Sometimes, backing up positions in fielding is something you'll do more often than tracking balls," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University.
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Try to force out any runner on base when the ball is hit to the outfield. This requires a quick decision and a good hard throw.
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Take responsibility for cutting off the runner after fielding a base hit. Throw the ball in the direction of the next base the runner would reach, forcing him or her to stay put.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to communicate to other fielders as you run in the outfield. This way, multiple players won't end up covering the same space.
Softball is a physically challenging sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.
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Comments
View all 8 Comments-
Aug 08, 2006
Every time the ball is hit, take one step back. Always take a step back first. It's much easier to change directions and run back toward the ball than to turn and chase it over your head. Even if you don't get to it, at least it's in front of you. Get that weight going backward the second contact is made and then decide where it's going to land. But assume it's going over your head. -
Jun 30, 2006
There are hardly any balls that come right toward you. You are much better off waiting for a split second, to track it. If you realize that you have a distance to run before you're going to catch it, tuck your glove as close to the body as possible, probably in between your glove, side and armpit. Stretching your glove out right away is completely pointless and it throws you off balance. It's important to be able to run your fastest when a ball is coming in pretty quickly. Be accurate with the throw into the infield. A ball that goes by the infield is most likely an extra base, on your error.
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Jun 30, 2006
If the ball goes over your head, you have two choices: To backtrack, and hope you get there, but most likely fall, or to turn your body and run diagonally toward it. If the ball is going over you head, toward the right side of you, turn toward that side. Extend your glove when the ball begins to come down. If the ball goes to the left, turn toward the left, and run. Again, don't extend your glove until the ball is coming down. Balance is key for a good outfielder. It may seem awkward at first, but then you don't even realize you're doing it. It saves time, and makes for an easier catch.
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Jun 30, 2006
If a ball looks like it might be hit over your head, it's important to turn and run in that direction and track the ball while looking over your shoulder. It's hard to resist the temptation to run backwards since you can follow the ball much easier this way. The downside is that you can't run very fast while doing this and you risk having the ball actually go over your head. You can always turn and sprint, and then face forward again to set yourself up for the catch.
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Jun 30, 2006
If the ball goes over your head, you have two choices: To backtrack, and hope you get there, but most likely fall, or to turn your body and run diagonally toward it. If the ball is going over you head, toward the right side of you, turn toward that side. Extend your glove when the ball begins to come down. If the ball goes to the left, turn toward the left, and run. Again, don't extend your glove until the ball is coming down. Balance is key for a good outfielder. It may seem awkward at first, but then you don't even realize you're doing it. It saves time, and makes for an easier catch.
