The 5 Basic Skills Needed to Play Softball

Playing softball competitively or recreationally requires a basic skill set that includes catching, throwing, fielding, hitting, and running the bases. A dedicated softball player must take the time to practice the correct techniques in the following skills in order to play the game with confidence and safety. Even experienced softball players should continue to practice and drill on these skills to improve their performance.

capture

The correct catching skills allow a player to not only catch the ball without getting hurt, but also position them to throw the ball accurately. The fact is that catching and throwing are two of the fundamental defensive skills in softball. The ability to catch and throw a ball is very important as this allows a player to throw out a runner who is trying to advance to the next base.

launching

As mentioned above, throwing is one of the two most important defensive skills a player must learn in softball. A quick, accurate throw can make it difficult for the opposing team to advance their runners or score. Softball players must practice the correct throwing technique to hit their targets quickly, accurately, and consistently.

fielding

Fielding is another essential defensive skill that a softball team must master. The team’s good fielding makes it difficult for the opposition to score runs. Players are trained in the correct way to field a ball that is hit both on the ground and in the air. Fielding drills also involve knowing where to throw the ball. Many times fielders must rehearse particular plays to know where to throw the ball if they get hit.

Hit

Hitting is probably the most challenging and enjoyable skill to learn in softball. Hitting a small ball with a rounded bat to a particular area – in a fraction of a second – is a technique that softball players must continually practice and perfect. A good shot requires hand-eye coordination, quick reaction time, correct technique and confidence.

base running

A great base run isn’t just about speed, it’s also about smart running. Even more important than simply moving around the bases is the wisdom to assess the current game situation. An astute baserunner takes into consideration the number of outs and the opposition’s fielding locations. Fast and smart baserunning puts a lot of pressure on the defensive team.

In softball, where there is often running and sliding, a good pair of softball cleats and a trusty pair of moisture-wicking softball socks are essential items.