Softball 101
What does it mean to talk in the field?
Call out the plays, let everyone know where the runners are, how many outs there are, cheer on your pitcher!
When can you take a lead on the pitch?
When the pitcher releases the ball
What does a K and backward K mean?
Strikeout and strikeout looking
When should you be caught standing around during a play?
NEVER!!!! You ALWAYS have a place to be
Who backs up the throw to the pitcher when the catcher is throwing the ball back (every time)
The softball field is called the ___?
Diamond
Look at your third base coach for the sign
*Bonus: check where the fielders are positioned*
How many defensive players are there on a field at a time?
9
There is a runner on 2nd base, less than two outs, and a base hit to the outfield, where should the outfielder throw the ball?
Home - we are always throwing two bags ahead of a runner in the outfield**
HBP stands for what?
The player who is next up to bat is called the _____ batter and the player up in 2 is called the ________ batter.
On deck & double deck
Hitting a fly ball that results in the batter being out, in order to allow the runner on third base to tag up and score is called a _____
Sacrifice Fly (sac fly)
If the ball lands in the outfield in fair territory and bounces foul, the ball is ___?
Fair
Which direction should you turn your head when you hit 1st base and why?
Right - to see if the ball was overthrown
What positions are considered "The Battery"?
Pitcher and Catcher
You should ALWAYS catch the ball and tag a runner with ____ _____.
TWO HANDS
You hit a clean base hit to the outfield and know you are safe at first base, how should you approach your run to first base?
Banana turn, peel out, round the bag
On a force play at first, the first baseman bobbles the ball but secures it between their forearm and body prior to the arrival of the runner. After the runner touches the base, the fielder grabs the ball with the other bare hand and holds it up for the umpire to see. The batter-runner is out. TRUE or FALSE
False - the ball must be secured with your hand or glove
What happens when a runner hits a fielder that is actively fielding a ball in the base path?
The runner is out
Take your lead in foul territory and return in fair territory. If you get hit with the batted ball in foul, you are NOT out, if you come back in fair and get hit by the ball thrown from the catcher it is LIVE and you can advance.
You should NEVER make the first or third out of the inning at this base
Third Base
What does DP/Flex in the lineup mean?
Designated Player (DP) bats for a Flex player who fields
Under what circumstances is the infield fly rule in effect and why?!
Runners on first and second (or first, second and third), less than two outs. It prevents the defense from forcing a double play.
If the batter hits a ball into the outfield and it bounces off the top of the fielders head and over the fence, what is the ruling on the play?
Homerun!
What is a catch and carry and what happens to the runners if there's less than 2 outs?
When a defensive player makes a legal catch but their momentum carries them into dead ball territory. If less than 2 outs the runners advance.