softball 101
How many outs are there in half of an inning?
What is 3?
Runner on 1st. Ground ball hit to shortstop. What base should the shortstop look to get the lead runner?
2nd.
What should you do after hitting a ground ball?
Run to 1st base.
What is the first thing every defender should know before the pitch?
Situation: outs, runners, count, and where the play may go.
Who should be communicating on defense?
How many strikes makes a strikeout?
What is 3?
Runner on 2nd, no outs. Ground ball is hit to you at shortstop. Where might you look first?
Runner at 2nd.
Staying on the base until a caught fly ball is secured, then advancing.
Moving into position to prevent an overthrow or missed ball from allowing extra bases.
What should you yell when a fly ball is yours?
"BALL!" / "MINE!"
How many balls result in a walk?
What is 4?
Runner on 1st steals 2nd. Who should be covering 2nd?
Short-stop.
Runner on 1st, fly ball hit to deep center. What should the runner be thinking?
Read the ball, determine if it will be caught, and be prepared to tag/advance.
Why do infielders communicate before every pitch?
Everyone needs to know responsibilities and potential plays.
Why is calling the ball early important?
Prevents collisions and confusion.
How many players from one team are on the field at a time?
What is 9?
Runner on 3rd, less than two outs. Fly ball is hit to the outfield. What should the runner do?
Tag up and be ready to sprint.
You're rounding 1st and the ball gets through the outfielder. What should you do?
Read your coach/ball, round aggressively, and determine whether to advance to 2nd.
What should the outfield do when a ball is hit to another outfielder?
The other outfielders back up/position themselves appropriately while the infield adjusts.
You're on the bench and notice your teammate isn't aware of the situation. What should you do?
Communicate/help them rather than staying quiet.
What is the difference between a force out and a tag out?
A force out occurs when a runner is required to advance, and the fielder touches the base; a tag out requires tagging the runner with the ball/glove.
Bases loaded, ground ball hit to you at Third. There are two outs. What's your priority?
Easiest bag.
Why shouldn't you automatically run on every passed ball/wild pitch?
You need to read the ball, know the situation, and consider the catcher’s ability to recover and the location of the ball.
Bases loaded, two outs. Ground ball to 3rd. What should everyone immediately know?
There is a force at every base, and the defense should know where the easiest/most likely out is while covering responsibilities.
Your teammate makes an error. What is the best response from the dugout?
Encourage them, communicate the next play, and help them reset.