A good softball shortstop starts every pitch in an athletic ready position, adjusts their position for each batter and situation, fields ground balls out in front with the glove down, and uses quick, efficient footwork to make an accurate throw to first. The shortstop also acts as the infield’s main communicator, calling coverage on steals, taking charge on pop-ups and lining up relays. Because the position covers so much ground and handles so many balls, shortstops need range, a reliable glove, a strong and accurate arm and a clear understanding of every situation before the ball is hit. This guide covers positioning, fielding, throwing, double plays and the mistakes that cost outs.
Health note: This article is general information, not medical advice. Infield work involves repeated squatting, lateral movement and throwing. Warm up your legs and throwing arm properly, build throwing volume gradually and stop if you feel shoulder, elbow or knee pain.
Positioning guide
| Situation | Typical positioning |
|---|---|
| Right-handed power hitter | Deeper and a step toward the hole between short and third |
| Left-handed slapper | Shallower, ready to charge soft contact |
| Runner on first, fewer than two outs | Double-play depth, a few steps closer to second base |
| Runner stealing with a right-handed batter | Often covers second, depending on the team’s system |
| Bunt situation | Cover second or third as called by the coach or catcher |
| Two outs, nobody on | Normal depth, focused on getting the out at first |
Positioning varies by team, level and scouting information, so coaches often adjust it. The key habit is to check the batter, the count, the outs and the runners before every pitch and move accordingly.
The ready position
As the pitcher begins the delivery, get into an athletic stance with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet and your glove out in front. Many infielders take a small creep step or two forward as the pitcher releases the ball so they are already moving when the ball is hit. Starting from a still, flat-footed position makes it much harder to react to hard-hit balls, especially in fastpitch, where the distances are short and reaction times are limited.
Step-by-step: fielding a routine ground ball
- Read the ball off the bat and move your feet to get in front of it.
- Approach under control, breaking down with short steps as you near the ball.
- Set a wide base with your feet a little wider than your shoulders.
- Get your glove down early, out in front of your body, with the fingers pointing toward the ground.
- Watch the ball into the glove, keeping your head down through the catch.
- Secure the ball with your throwing hand and bring it to your center.
- Replace your feet by stepping your back foot toward where your front foot was, turning your shoulders toward first base.
- Throw accurately to the first baseman’s chest, following through toward the target.
Backhand and forehand plays
Balls hit to your glove side or throwing-hand side require different techniques. On the backhand side, toward the hole between shortstop and third base, turn your glove over, stay low and field the ball out in front of your front foot. Then plant your back foot firmly to stop your momentum before throwing. This is one of the hardest throws for a shortstop, because it is long and made across the body. On the forehand side, toward second base, take a crossover step and field the ball in front of you, then use momentum to make a shorter throw to first or a toss to second.
Charging slow rollers and slaps
Against slappers and bunters, the shortstop often needs to charge the ball. Move aggressively toward the ball, field it on your glove side or bare-hand it if it has stopped, and throw on the run. Speed matters, but so does control: a rushed throw into the dugout gives up extra bases. Knowing the batter’s speed helps you decide how much time you have.
Turning the double play
With a runner on first and fewer than two outs, the shortstop is involved in many double plays. When the ball is hit to you, make a quick, accurate feed to the second baseman at chest height, using an underhand toss if you are close or a firm throw if you are farther away. When the ball is hit to the right side, you take the throw at second, touch the base and throw to first. Footwork around the base varies by coach, but common techniques include dragging the foot across the base or stepping on it and moving away from the incoming runner. Always make sure you get the first out, since one sure out is better than a rushed attempt at two.
Communication
The shortstop is often the leader of the infield. Before each pitch, communicate the number of outs and the plan with teammates, such as where to throw if the ball is hit to you. Decide who covers second on a steal, often using signals with the second baseman. On pop-ups, call loudly and early, and follow the infield priority system your team uses; in many systems, the shortstop has priority over other infielders on balls they can reach. Clear communication prevents collisions and dropped balls.
Relays and cutoffs
On balls hit to the outfield, the shortstop frequently acts as the relay or cutoff player. Move quickly into line between the outfielder and the target base, raise your arms to give a clear target and call for the ball. Receive the throw on your glove side, turning toward the target as you catch it so you can release quickly. Listen for teammates’ calls about where to throw next.
Drills for shortstops
- Short-hop drill: A partner throws short hops to improve glove work.
- Backhand drill: Field balls to the backhand side and practice planting and throwing.
- Charge drill: Field slow rollers and throw on the run.
- Double-play feeds: Practice tosses and throws to second base.
- Footwork ladder: Improves quickness and first-step reaction.
- Relay drill: Practice receiving throws from the outfield and turning to throw.
Common mistakes
- Starting flat-footed instead of creeping into the pitch.
- Fielding with the glove too close to the body or late to the ground.
- Taking the eyes off the ball before it is in the glove.
- Rushing throws and throwing wildly.
- Not checking the situation before each pitch.
- Poor communication on steals and pop-ups.
- Forcing the double play instead of securing the first out.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good softball shortstop?
Range, a reliable glove, accurate throwing, quick feet and strong communication and leadership skills.
Where should a shortstop stand in softball?
It depends on the batter, count, outs and runners. Coaches adjust depth and position for power hitters, slappers and double-play situations.
Who covers second base on a steal?
It depends on the team’s system and the batter. Often the shortstop covers with a right-handed batter and the second baseman with a left-handed batter, but teams use signals to decide.
