How to Play 3rd Base in Softball

Video Transcript

"My name is Jill Weiss, and I'm going to tell you just a little bit about how to play third base. Third base is one of those positions where the athletes have very, very strong arms. Their reaction time is super quick. They're able to retrieve balls from the right side, retrieve balls from the left side, from their backhand, retrieve line drives right at their face. They're agile. They can move forward. They can move backward. They communicate with the pitchers. They communicate with the catchers. They communicate with the outfielders. And they communicate with the shortstop. The main thing is is remembering that short game, as a third baseman. On the short game, they have to be able to field the bunt. They have to be quick, and they've got to get rid of that ball. Because the ball is coming so fast, usually, to third base, they do have a little bit more time than the shortstop to set up and throw to whatever base that they need to throw to. Third base is also one of those positions where they have to communicate and know where they are in position to their base, if they have to cover for a steal. Overall, third basemans have to, they have reaction time. It's all about where the ball is and thinking about that next play and whether they have to cover the position on a steal, and overall, just communication with their teammates. My name is Jill Weiss, and those are just a few tips on how to play third base."