Softball has nine defensive positions, numbered 1 to 9 for scorekeeping: pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, centre field and right field. Slo-pitch usually adds a tenth fielder, a fourth outfielder or rover, so the outfield has left, left-centre, right-centre and right.
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The Nine Positions and Their Numbers
- Pitcher (1): in fastpitch, the most important player on the field; in slo-pitch, a fielder who lobs the ball into an arc and then has to defend the hardest-hit balls up the middle.
- Catcher (2): fastpitch catchers are full-time athletes in full gear; in slo-pitch the catcher mostly returns the ball and covers home on plays at the plate.
- First base (3): catches throws from every infielder; height and soft hands help.
- Second base (4): covers the right side of the infield and turns double plays.
- Third base (5): the hot corner; right-handed pull hitters send hard grounders here.
- Shortstop (6): covers the most ground in the infield and needs the strongest arm.
- Left field (7), centre field (8) and right field (9): centre field covers the most ground and calls off the corners.
What Slo-Pitch Adds: the Tenth Fielder
Most slo-pitch leagues play ten in the field. The extra player usually becomes a fourth outfielder, so the outfield splits into left, left-centre, right-centre and right, because big hitters drive slo-pitch balls deep. Some teams use the tenth player as a rover or short fielder, who plays shallow behind second base and takes away bloop hits.
Co-ed Lineups
Co-ed slo-pitch leagues set how many women and men must be on the field and in the batting order, and some set where they play. Rules differ between leagues and tournaments, so read yours before you build a lineup. A common approach is to alternate the batting order so no one bats twice in a row.
Reading Scorekeeping Numbers
The position numbers are how plays are recorded. A 6-4-3 double play is shortstop to second base to first base; an F8 is a fly ball caught by the centre fielder. Once your team knows the numbers, scorebooks and stats apps make sense.
FAQ
How many players are on a slo-pitch team?
Ten in the field in most leagues, with rosters of 12 to 18 so there are subs for every game.
What is the hardest position in slo-pitch?
Shortstop and pitcher. Shortstop covers the most ground; the pitcher stands closest to the hardest-hit balls with the least time to react.
Is softball the same as slo-pitch?
Slo-pitch is a form of softball with a slow, arcing pitch. Fastpitch softball uses a fast underhand pitch, fewer fielders and more protective gear.
Conclusion
Softball's nine positions, and slo-pitch's tenth, each have a clear job and a number every scorekeeper knows. Put your best arm at shortstop and your fastest legs in centre field, and check your league's co-ed rules before you set the lineup.
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