Have you ever attended a slow pitch softball game and wondered what the different defensive positions are and why there are ten players in the field? Well, you’re in the right place.
In slow pitch softball there are ten defensive positions that are assigned a number for score keeping purposes. The ten softball positions are: pitcher (1). catcher (2), first baseman (3) second baseman (4) third baseman (5), shortstop (6), left fielder (7), center fielder (8), right fielder (9), and a rover/extra outfielder (10).
In this slow pitch softball positions guide you learn what the ten different positions in softball are, where they play and what skills and attributes are required to play the position.
Let’s get started
10 Fielding Positions in Slow Pitch Softball
In slow pitch softball there are ten players that are each assigned a fielding position. Each soft ball position has an associated number that is used in scorekeeping by the official scorekeeper.
Here are the 10 fielding positions in softball and their associated number
- Pitcher (1)
- Catcher (2)
- First Baseman (3)
- Second Baseman (4)
- Third Baseman (5)
- Shortstop (6)
- Left Fielder (7)
- Center Fielder (8)
- Right Fielder (9)
- Rover/Extra Outfielder (10)
Infield Positions in Slow Pitch Softball
In slow pitch softball there are four defensive positions that are considered infielders: first baseman, second baseman, shortstop and the third baseman. Although pitchers and catchers are also in the same area they are not considered to be a part of the infield.
Here is a list of softball infielders where they are positions and what skills they typically need to have.
First Baseman
Player located to the left of first base on the right side of the infield. They are typically power hitters that are larger in stature. Speed isn’t required for this position but great hand eye coordination is. A first baseman needs to be able to catch, scoop or dig up balls thrown to them by infielders receiving a ground ball as well as help pick off runners when the pitcher throws back to first base.
Second Baseman
Player located next to second base on the right side of the infield. They are typically smaller and faster players. Second baseman needs to be able to cover the whole right side of the infield, cover second and turn double plays. Fielding ground balls and being quick are important attributes of second basemen.
Third Baseman
Player located right next to third base. Third basemen are the furthest infielder to first making a strong arm a must for a third baseman. They need to be able to field ground balls well and are more than likely power hitters.
Shortstop
Player located to the left of second base and to the right of the third basemen. Shortstops are typically the best fielder in the infield. They need to be able to cover a lot of area and tend to get the most action in the infield. They tend to be fast, smaller players that can cover a lot of ground.
Outfield Positions in Slow Pitch Softball
In slow pitch softball there are typically four players that are positioned in the outfield: left fielder, center fielder, right fielder and a rover or a player located in between the center fielder and either the right or left fielder.
Left Fielder
Player located behind the third basemen in the outfield. Left fielders need to be fast and have a good arm. They also need to be able to read the ball off the bat well and track down fly balls. Left and center fielders typically receive the most amount of balls in slow pitch. This is because the majority of the batters are right handed and tend to pull the pall.
Center Fielder
Player located in between the right and left fielders. Center fielders are typically considered to be the best outfielder and they have more responsibility than the others based on their location in the field. They need to have a strong arm and bat and need to be able to cover ground while tracking down fly balls.
Right Fielder
Player that is located behind the first basemen in the outfield. Right fielders need to be able to read the ball well off the bat, track down fly balls and need to have a strong arm to throw runners out.
Extra Outfielder
In softball there is an extra defensive position that plays. Teams can decide where and how they want to use this extra defender. Most slow pitch softball teams choose to have an extra outfielder located next to the center fielder. This is especially true when facing teams that have good hitters.
The “Rover” or Extra Outfielder
The majority of adult slow pitch softball leagues allow an extra defensive player to play the field while the other team bats. Most teams decide to place this extra fielder in the outfield on the right or left side of the center fielder.
However, some teams choose to play with five infielders or use a rover instead. A rover is essentially a shallow outfield that typically plays a little bit behind the shortstop or second basemen. Rovers are only used when there is a weak hitter at the plate.
Most Important Positions in Slow Pitch Softball
All softball positions play an important role in stopping the defensive from scoring and for getting outs. However, there is no doubt some positions are more important than others. The two most important positions in slow pitch softball are the shortstop and the centerfielder. They have the most responsibility and often will receive the most action during a game. As a result, it’s important they play well if they want their team to win.
Here is what I would consider to be the most important slow pitch softball positions:
- Shortstop
- Center fielder
- First baseman
- Left fielder
- Third baseman
- Extra outfielder/Rover
- Right fielder
- Second baseman
- Pitcher
- Catcher
Keep in mind this is only for slow pitch softball. In fast-pitch softball positions like the pitcher and catcher would be a lot more important.
Easiest Position in Slow Pitch Softball
If you are on a team that is like most recreational softball teams you’ll most likely have a player that isn’t very skilled on your team. So, where do you hide this player? Most teams will choose to put their worst fielder in the easiest positions to play. Catcher and right field are two of the easiest positions to play in softball.
Here is what I would consider to be the easiest slow pitch softball positions to play:
- Catcher
- Right fielder
- Second baseman
- Pitcher
- Extra outfielder/rover
- Third baseman
- Left fielder
- First baseman
- Center Fielder
- Shortstop
How Many Innings are in Slow Pitch Softball
A standard softball game consists of seven innings. Each inning has a top half and bottom half where both teams get a chance to bat until 3 outs are made. There are no ties in softball. If the score is tied after 7 innings, extra innings will be played until a winner is determined.
For more detailed information check out this article: How Many Innings are in a Softball Game?
Also keep in mind each softball organization and level may have slightly different rules and there are a few exceptions that can change the number of innings that are played. For more detailed information on softball innings, please continue reading below. Check out this article to see how long a typical softball game lasts.