Core Training

Position Specialization in Softball

There are nine positions on the softball field. A common question asked by parents and coaches is when players should begin to focus their attention on one position? It’s important that young players try out as many positions as they can when they get started. You never know how good your player may be at something until they give it a try. As players grow, learn, and develop they may find that they enjoy and are more successful at one or two positions.

If you ask a young player what position she plays, she may rattle off a short list of her favorite spots on the field. This list will become shorter once the player makes her way through the age groups. By the time a player reaches the high school level, she may only have one or two positions on her list. High school coaches are more likely to play the same players at the same positions on the field to build consistency in the short season. If you follow any college teams, pay attention to which players play where and how frequently. You will begin to notice that at the college level, it’s common that the only changes made game-after-game are to the batting order and the defensive positions will be more consistent.

Let’s talk about pitching. Being a softball pitcher takes time, energy, focus, and diligent practice. Pitchers and catchers can be grouped into the same category when it comes to position specialization. The pitchers and catchers will likely be required to specialize before any other position on the playing field. It’s not uncommon for coaches to bench their pitcher and catcher in 14U and beyond when they aren’t in the starting lineup, to rest them for the next game. It is very common in high school and college that pitchers become the flex player on the lineup card and don’t participate in the offensive side of the game.

It doesn’t have to be this way for everyone. If you are a pitcher who works hard at the pitching craft and is athletic enough to play another position and compete for a spot in the hitting lineup, don’t lose hope. There are several DI standout college pitchers who contribute to both sides of the game. Pitchers who wish to contribute to more than one position are encouraged to have open and honest communication and dialogue with their coach. If everyone is on the same page and the player works as hard as she can and holds up her end, then let her play!

It is also not uncommon for pitchers to solely focus on pitching because of the demand and practice schedule that is required. Again this is a decision that will need to be decided on between the pitcher and the coach. Both parties involved should want what is best for the team and not just what may be best for the individual. If the pitcher works hard on her offensive and defensive game outside of the pitching circle, she is more likely to earn a spot.

Infielders and outfielders are less likely to specialize in one position because they have more to choose from. A player may list shortstop as her position of choice, and a coach might decide she contributes to the team better from first base. Each infield position is unique and serves an important role as defense often wins games in softball. It’s important that coaches at the younger age levels challenge players by putting them at multiple positions in games, especially in the non-tournament games that are designed as practice games anyway.

Players are less likely to burn out if they are trying and learning how to play a new position on the field. Each position requires new softball knowledge to be acquired and absorbed by the player. Bat all players in league and the non-tournament games to give everyone a chance. The game should never be taken too seriously at the early traveling levels, and the primary focus should be on development and fun. Winning is fun also, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, watching your player(s) learn, grow, and develop into successful young ladies.

In softball, position specialization is determined by the player, the coach, and in some instances, the parents. If players keep an open mind and work hard at multiple positions, they are more likely to not have to specialize and control their destiny. Position specialization is not necessary until players reach the high competitive levels. It may happen sooner for pitchers and catchers, due to the amount of additional practice needed to compete and succeed. However, there are still many pitchers and catchers out there who have a love and passion for playing another position or have a place in the hitting lineup they desire to keep. Every player, coaching staff, and team is put together and run differently. If players work as hard as they possibly can and remain coachable, they are more likely to be on the lineup card.

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