Understanding Your Kid’s Position on the Field: A Parent's Guide
When your child steps onto the softball field, they’re not just playing a game—they’re joining a complex, strategic sport where each player has a unique and essential role. Whether your daughter is pitching fireballs from the circle, patrolling center field, or anchoring the infield at shortstop, every position on the field demands specific skills, responsibilities, and mindset.
As a parent, understanding your child’s position in fastpitch softball is one of the best ways to support her development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. In this guide, we’ll break down each defensive position on the field, what it takes to excel there, and how you can be the best “softball parent” possible—no matter where your child lines up.
Why Positions Matter in Fastpitch Softball
Softball is a team sport that relies on synergy. The success of every pitch, play, and inning hinges on players working together—each knowing their job. A player’s position influences:
Their daily practice focus (fielding, throwing, footwork)
Their mental approach to the game
Their athletic development (speed, strength, agility)
Their leadership opportunities and team communication
Knowing the nuances of each position helps you encourage your child in the right ways. Let’s dive into each one.
Pitcher (Position #1): The Game-Changer
Primary skills: Strength, precision, composure, endurance, control
The pitcher is the heartbeat of the team. Every play starts with them, and their ability to throw consistent strikes, vary speeds, and maintain composure under pressure can make or break a game.
What to know as a parent:
Pitching requires tons of repetition and private instruction to master mechanics and prevent injury.
Mental toughness is key—pitchers carry a lot of responsibility and pressure.
Encourage her to stay positive after tough innings and to take pride in every small improvement.
How to help:
Invest in lessons with a qualified pitching coach. Make sure she warms up properly and takes care of her shoulder and arm. After games, talk more about her effort and attitude than just stats.
Catcher (Position #2): The Field General
Primary skills: Game awareness, toughness, quick reflexes, leadership
Catchers see the whole field. They call pitches, manage the defense, and are involved in nearly every play. This position is both mentally and physically demanding.
What to know as a parent:
Catchers need to be vocal leaders.
They take lots of physical abuse—foul balls, blocking pitches, and crouching for hours.
This position builds grit and resilience.
How to help:
Support her toughness with praise for the gritty stuff—like blocking balls in the dirt. Make sure she has well-fitting gear. Help her learn the game deeply; catchers benefit from watching high-level softball.
First Base (Position #3): The Reliable Anchor
Primary skills: Strong glove, good footwork, ability to stretch, focus
First base is a high-traffic position. A first baseman catches throws from all over the infield and must have soft hands and quick feet to scoop bad throws or hold the bag on tough plays.
What to know as a parent:
Your child needs to be alert on every play and have solid communication with infielders.
First base can be ideal for players with strong gloves but less range.
Left-handed throwers often find a home here.
How to help:
Work on glove drills and footwork at home. Reinforce the importance of staying focused, even when the action is slow. Encourage her to become a loud communicator.
Second Base (Position #4): The Quick and Steady Hand
Primary skills: Agility, quick hands, field awareness, short-range speed
Second basemen are agile and smart—they cover a lot of ground, especially on balls hit to the right side, and must turn double plays with precision.
What to know as a parent:
This position favors athletic players with quick reactions over raw power.
Double play mechanics are a key skill.
Chemistry with the shortstop is crucial.
How to help:
Play short ground ball games at home or in the yard. Encourage footwork training and quick release throwing drills. Praise her for making “smart plays,” not just flashy ones.
Third Base (Position #5): The Hot Corner
Primary skills: Strong arm, fearless attitude, quick reflexes
Third base is called “the hot corner” for a reason—balls come screaming down the line. A third baseman must be brave, quick, and capable of throwing out speedy runners.
What to know as a parent:
This is a pressure position that rewards mental toughness.
Footwork and glove skills are essential.
Your kid will take some hard knocks—emotionally and physically.
How to help:
Practice short-hop and reaction drills. Support her when she makes errors—this position is high-risk, high-reward. Confidence is everything here.
Shortstop (Position #6): The Star Defender
Primary skills: Athleticism, leadership, strong arm, range
Shortstop is arguably the most athletic and versatile position on the field. The shortstop is often the leader of the infield, expected to make tough plays, turn double plays, and control the tempo.
What to know as a parent:
Shortstops need to be mentally sharp and physically dynamic.
Coaches often select shortstops for their softball IQ and natural leadership.
Mistakes will happen due to how often the ball is hit to this position.
How to help:
Support her leadership skills, not just her athleticism. Practice glove work and quick transitions from glove to throw. Remind her that even elite players make errors.
Left Field (Position #7): The Quiet Defender
Primary skills: Solid glove, steady speed, good reads
Left fielders may not see as much action as center fielders, but they must be ready for hard line drives and smart enough to back up third base or cutoffs.
What to know as a parent:
Many players rotate through left field early in their careers.
It’s a great position for learning situational awareness and fundamentals.
Speed is helpful but not as critical as in center field.
How to help:
Encourage her to stay engaged, even during quiet innings. Practice judging fly balls and backing up infield plays. Praise hustle, even on plays where she doesn’t touch the ball.
Center Field (Position #8): The Speed Queen
Primary skills: Speed, tracking skills, strong arm, communication
Center fielders are the captains of the outfield. They need excellent instincts to read balls off the bat, cover lots of ground, and make long throws.
What to know as a parent:
This position favors fast, athletic players with good judgment.
Communication with corner outfielders is crucial.
Strong leadership potential develops here.
How to help:
Practice fly ball drills with a tennis racket or fungo bat. Help her improve her sprint speed and reaction time. Compliment her field leadership—center fielders often “quarterback” the outfield.
Right Field (Position #9): The Underrated Spot
Primary skills: Arm strength, patience, awareness
Right fielders often get overlooked—but in fastpitch softball, right field can be a critical spot, especially when batters go opposite field or during relay throws home.
What to know as a parent:
A right fielder with a strong arm is an asset.
This position demands focus and smart positioning.
Many players grow into this spot as they develop strength and confidence.
How to help:
Work on long throws and fly balls. Emphasize mental focus—right field can be boring, and lapses lead to missed plays. Celebrate big throws and smart decision-making.
How to Find the Right Position for Your Kid
Sometimes, players “fall into” a position early on based on need or skillset. Other times, coaches experiment with different roles. Here’s how to guide your child:
Ask her what she enjoys: Confidence often comes from passion.
Watch her strengths: Is she fast? Does she have a cannon arm? Is she calm under pressure?
Let her grow: Many players change positions as they age and develop.
Remind her that being a team player and learning multiple positions is a strength, not a setback.
Your Role as a Softball Parent
Regardless of where your daughter plays, here’s how you can help her succeed:
1. Stay Positive
Mistakes happen in every position. Be her emotional support, not an extra critic.
2. Get Involved (Within Reason)
Help her practice when she wants it, attend games, and learn the basics of her position so you can offer meaningful support.
3. Encourage Leadership
All positions offer a chance to lead—whether it’s vocal leadership like catching or leading by example in right field.
4. Value the “Little Things”
Talk about her hustle, her smart plays, or her resilience—not just her hits or highlight plays.
5. Trust the Process
Your child may not stay at the same position forever. Coaches see things you don’t. Help her adapt, stay flexible, and embrace new roles.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s position on the softball field is more than a spot—it’s a platform for growth, teamwork, and lifelong skills. Whether she’s calling pitches behind the plate, fielding grounders at second, or making highlight catches in center field, every role matters.
Understanding what her position entails gives you the tools to support her with intention and heart. With the right encouragement, she’ll not only play better—she’ll love the game more deeply, knowing you’re behind her every step of the way.
If you found this post helpful and want more insight into your child’s softball journey, check out BatterLineup.com—your ultimate resource for fastpitch softball parents. From gear guides to mental game tips and drills, we’ve got everything you need to help your player shine!