How to Play Catcher in Softball

Before signing up for this position, remember that there's a reason a catcher wears so much equipment. There's nothing quite like being on the receiving end of a pitch and having bats swung about your head. But for the dedicated folk, this can be a position with a lot of action and responsibility.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Wear the correct safety equipment. This should include body pads, a face mask and a helmet. The catcher's mitt is a different kind of glove, with more padding. You'll need it as the balls come hurling in.

2. Squat behind home plate with your weight on the balls of your feet. Put your left foot slightly ahead of the right, then round your back and chin toward your chest. "Catchers need to be able to move laterally, quickly," says Ray VanderMay, women's softball coach at Seton Hall University.

3. Bring your glove up to catch the pitch, keeping your throwing hand in a fist behind the glove to avoid injury.

4. Set a target for the pitcher with your glove. You should be able to reach anywhere in the strike zone with your arm. If the ball is out of the strike zone, you'll have to move to catch it.

5. Catch the ball when it is pitched. If you can't catch it, at least block it. Any runners on base will be able advance while you are trying to get things under control.

6. Throw the ball back to the pitcher accurately - again to keep the base runners where they belong.

7. Watch for the batter's weaknesses and let the pitcher know where to put the ball.

8. Throw off your mask when trying to catch a fly ball at home plate. You'll be able to see the ball a lot better and avoid head injuries when it comes back to earth.

9. Cover home plate when someone is running in to score - catch the ball and tag the runner out. Hold on tight - players often slide into the catcher to try and dislodge the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• When runners are in scoring position, call instructions on balls hit to the outfield.

• Be a leader on the field. On a bunt, for example, tell the infielders where to throw the ball. You have a different vantage point than other players.

• Softball is a physically demanding sport that can result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.