A good second baseman in softball needs quick feet, soft hands, a short and accurate throwing motion and sharp awareness of where to be on every play. The position covers a lot of ground between first and second base, takes throws at both bags, turns double plays, backs up throws and acts as the cutoff or relay on balls hit to right field. The most useful defensive habits are starting in a ready position on every pitch, knowing the situation before the ball is hit, getting in front of ground balls, making quick and accurate throws to first, and communicating constantly with the shortstop, first baseman and right fielder.
This guide covers positioning, fielding technique, throwing, double plays, covering bases, relays and cutoffs, bunt coverage, drills and the most common mistakes second basemen make.
What a second baseman is responsible for
| Responsibility | When it happens |
|---|---|
| Fielding ground balls and line drives | Balls hit between first and second or up the middle |
| Covering first base | On bunts when the first baseman charges |
| Covering second base | On steals, double plays and balls hit to the left side |
| Turning double plays | With runners on first and fewer than two outs |
| Relay and cutoff | On balls hit to right field and the right-centre gap |
| Backing up throws | On throws to first and second from other fielders |
| Catching pop-ups | In shallow right field and behind first base |
Positioning
A second baseman’s starting position changes with the batter, the count and the situation. Against right-handed pull hitters, move a step or two toward second base. Against left-handed hitters, who tend to pull the ball to the right side, move toward first and deeper. With a runner on first and fewer than two outs, move a little closer to second base so you can turn the double play. In bunt situations, shift toward first base so you can cover the bag when the first baseman charges. Before each pitch, check with the shortstop about who covers second on a steal.
Ready position and fielding ground balls
- Get into a ready stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent and weight on the balls of your feet as the pitcher releases the ball.
- Read the ball off the bat: take your first step quickly toward the ball.
- Get in front of it: move your feet so the ball comes to your centre whenever possible.
- Field with a wide base: glove out in front, low to the ground, with your throwing hand ready to cover the ball.
- Funnel the ball to your body: bring the glove toward your belly button as you secure the ball.
- Set your feet and throw: step toward your target and throw with a quick, short motion.
Throwing
Second basemen often have short throws, so accuracy and speed of release matter more than arm strength. On balls hit toward first, you may throw sidearm or underhand to the first baseman. On balls hit to your left, toward first base, you often need to turn your body and throw across. Practise quick transfers from glove to hand so you can make fast throws on close plays.
Turning the double play
With a runner on first, the second baseman can start or pivot a double play. When the ball is hit to you, flip or throw to the shortstop covering second. When the ball is hit to the left side, cover second, take the throw and turn to throw to first. Footwork around the bag is important; common methods include stepping across the bag, dragging a foot across it, or stepping back off it to avoid the runner. Make sure you have the ball before leaving the bag and protect yourself from the sliding runner.
Covering bases
- Steals: decide with the shortstop before each pitch who covers second.
- Bunts: cover first when the first baseman charges the bunt.
- Pick-offs: be ready to cover second or first on pick-off attempts from the catcher.
- Rundowns: help run down base runners between first and second.
Relays and cutoffs
On balls hit to right field or the right-centre gap, the second baseman goes out as the relay to take the outfielder’s throw and pass it on to the infield. Line up between the outfielder and the target base, raise your arms to give a clear target and turn your glove side toward the infield so you can make a quick throw. Listen for the catcher or another infielder calling where to throw.
Communication
Good second basemen talk constantly. Call out the number of outs, where the play is, who covers second, and who takes pop-ups. Call the ball loudly on pop-ups and fly balls, and back off when the outfielder calls for it. Clear communication prevents collisions and missed plays.
Rules on obstruction, sliding and interference vary between fastpitch leagues. Check the NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball or WBSC rulebook that applies to your games.
Drills to improve
- Ground ball reps: field ground balls to both sides and throw to first.
- Double play footwork: practise feeds and pivots around second base.
- Relay drills: take throws from the outfield and relay to bases.
- Bunt coverage drills: practise covering first on bunts.
- Quick transfer drills: glove-to-hand transfers with a partner.
Common mistakes
- Being flat-footed: get into a ready position before every pitch.
- Not knowing the situation: think about the play before the ball is hit.
- Rushing throws: secure the ball before throwing.
- Poor communication with the shortstop: leads to nobody covering second.
- Forgetting to back up: always back up throws to first and second.
Frequently asked questions
What skills does a softball second baseman need?
Quick feet, soft hands, a fast and accurate throw, good awareness and strong communication.
Who covers second base on a steal in softball?
It depends on the batter and situation. The second baseman and shortstop agree before each pitch.
Does the second baseman cover first on bunts?
Yes. When the first baseman charges a bunt, the second baseman usually covers first base.
