To play the outfield fence in softball, sprint to the spot where the ball will come down, use the warning track and a hand on the fence to know where you are, then turn and look up for the ball. Just as important is preparation: learn before the game how balls bounce off that particular fence so you can play rebounds cleanly and keep hitters to fewer bases. Fence plays combine speed, awareness and courage, but the goal is always to make the play safely, because collisions with fences cause serious injuries. This guide covers pre-game preparation, the technique for catches at the wall, playing rebounds and corners, communication and the rules around catches near the fence.
Health note: This article is general information, not medical advice. Collisions with fences can cause head, neck, shoulder and wrist injuries. Never run into a fence head first, and seek medical attention after any collision, especially if you hit your head or feel dizzy.
Rulebook note: Rules on catches near or over the fence, dead-ball territory and ground-rule doubles vary between NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball and local fields. Confirm the ground rules with the umpires before the game.
Fence situations
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ball clearly off the wall | Play the rebound; stay a few steps off the fence |
| Catchable at the wall | Get there fast, feel the fence, then find the ball |
| Ball rolling into the corner | Approach at an angle and turn toward the infield before throwing |
| Chain-link fence | Expect softer, shorter rebounds |
| Hard wall or padded wall | Expect faster, longer rebounds |
| Temporary fence | Check for gaps and loose sections; rebounds may be unpredictable |
Pre-game preparation
Every field is different, so check the fence during pre-game warm-ups. Throw or hit a few balls off the fence to see how they rebound. Walk the warning track and notice where it starts, how wide it is and whether the surface changes. Count your steps from the edge of the track to the fence, which helps you judge distance without looking. Look for gaps under the fence, loose sections, padding, gates and anything a ball could get stuck in. Share what you find with the other outfielders and confirm ground rules with the umpires, such as what happens if a ball goes under or through the fence.
Step-by-step: catching a ball at the fence
- Read the ball off the bat and decide quickly that it is heading toward the fence.
- Turn and sprint to the spot where you expect it to land, rather than backpedaling.
- Feel the warning track under your feet as a signal that the fence is close.
- Reach out with your bare hand to find the fence, keeping your glove free.
- Turn and look up to find the ball once you know where the fence is.
- Time your jump if the ball is high, using the fence for balance.
- Make the catch and secure the ball.
- Turn and throw quickly to the cutoff if runners are tagging.
Getting to the fence first and then finding the ball is safer and more effective than running with your head up while trying to track the ball, which increases the risk of hitting the fence at full speed.
Playing rebounds
When a ball is clearly going to hit the fence, do not run all the way to the wall. Stop a few steps away and let the ball come back to you. Position yourself based on how the ball will bounce: at an angle, it will rebound at a similar angle, and off a hard wall, it will come back farther. Field the rebound in front of you and turn quickly to throw. Playing rebounds well can hold a hitter to a single or double instead of an extra-base hit.
Positioning before the pitch
Good fence play starts with where you stand. Adjust your depth for each batter, the count and the situation. Against a power hitter, play deeper so fewer balls get over your head, but not so deep that bloop hits drop in front of you. With a lead late in the game, many coaches have outfielders play deeper to prevent extra-base hits, accepting that some singles will fall in. Knowing the distance to the fence at your position, which is often posted on the fence itself, helps you judge how much room you have. Some fields have shorter fences in certain areas or temporary fences placed closer in, especially at youth and tournament venues, so check each field’s dimensions.
Wind and sun also affect fence play. A strong wind blowing out can carry fly balls to the fence, while wind blowing in can hold them up. The sun can hide a ball at the moment you look up after finding the fence, so plan how you will shield your eyes with your glove or use sunglasses where allowed.
Balls in the corner
Balls that roll into the corner where the fence meets the foul line can be tricky, as they may bounce off two surfaces or stop dead. Approach at an angle so that when you field the ball, you can turn toward the infield without spinning away from it. Turning toward the glove side, or the side that faces the infield, lets you see the play and throw quickly. Communicate with the nearest infielder, who will usually line up as the relay.
Communication
Teammates can help a lot on fence plays. The nearest outfielder should call out how much room there is, using short calls such as wall, room or two steps. Agree on these calls before the game so everyone understands them. The backup outfielder should also be ready to field the ball if it gets past or rebounds unexpectedly. Infielders should line up for the relay and call for the ball.
Jumping at the fence
On balls near the top of the fence, a well-timed jump can turn a home run or extra-base hit into an out. Use the fence for support, planting your foot on it or pushing off it if the fence allows, and reach up with your glove. Keep your eyes on the ball, and be careful not to catch your spikes in chain-link fencing. Whether a catch counts when you reach over the fence or fall beyond it depends on the rules and ground rules in effect, so learn them before the game.
Drills
- Fence approach drill: Sprint to the fence, find it with the bare hand, then turn to catch a tossed ball.
- Rebound drill: A coach throws or hits balls off the fence, and outfielders practice positioning and fielding rebounds.
- Corner drill: Practice fielding balls in the corner and turning to throw.
- Communication drill: One outfielder chases a ball while another calls out distance to the fence.
- Step count drill: Count steps from the warning track to the fence at different fields.
Common mistakes
- Running into the fence without feeling for it.
- Backpedaling instead of turning and running.
- Running all the way to the wall on a ball that will rebound.
- Not checking the fence before the game.
- Spinning away from the infield in the corner.
- No communication from teammates.
- Jumping into the fence head first.
Frequently asked questions
How do outfielders know where the fence is?
They use the warning track, count their steps and reach out with the bare hand to feel the fence before looking up for the ball.
Should you run to the fence on a ball that will hit it?
No. Stop a few steps away and play the rebound so the ball comes back to you.
Does a catch count if you fall over the fence?
It depends on the rules and ground rules in effect. Confirm them with the umpires before the game.
