Where To Put The Weakest Player In Softball? (2 Choices)

Many softball players are capable and even required to play multiple positions at different times. Naturally, some positions are harder to master than others. Naturally, the best players are positioned in the hardest places and the least skilled ones in the easiest. This begs the question, where do you put the worst player in softball?

Generally, the weakest player is placed on the 2nd base. This is because the second baseman has the closest throw to the first base. In addition, the least amount of balls are swung there as most batters are right-handed and tend to swing the ball to the shortstop.

This can vary as the second base is an important spot to play, but not that hard. If the weakest player on the team can’t perform on the 2nd base, the left-field is also a valid option to place the worst player.

Let’s dive deeper into the subject and see why the second base and left field are the best places to position the worst player.

Related: 11 Best Softball Brands: The Queens Of Softball

Why the Second Base and Left Field are the Best for Weakest Players?

1. Second base

The second base is a potential place to put the weakest player, even tho it is an important one close to the center.

If a position is important, it doesen’t necessarily mean that it is hard to play, and that’s the case with second base, more or less anyways.

Thanks to the centered position, the player on the second base has the closest throw to the first base and a relatively close throw everywhere. Naturally, the closer to throw distance, the easier it is to succeed.

Another reason a second base is a great place for the worst player is that the ball won’t be hit there that often. The vast majority of batters are right-handed, which means the ball will often go to the shortstop on the left side.

2. Left field

The left field is the second or, in some cases, the best place to put the worst player in softball.

You might wonder why it is the left-field as the ball tend to go there more often? That would be a great question, and rest assured, there is an answer to that!

The left field is a great place for weak players as there are the best players around them. Centerfield is the strongest field player, shortstop is arguably the strongest player on the whole team, and third base is a very strong player as well.

Even when the right field player gets slightly fewer balls than the left field, it isn’t as in a strong position thanks to the teammates. Take note that the second base is the closest player to the right field, and if it is the weakest spot shared with the left field, it isn’t a good position to be a weak player.

To learn more about softball positions and their responsibilities, I recommend that you check out my comprehensive article!

What Is the Hardest Position In Softball?

The hardest position to play in softball is the shortstop. Usually, the shortstop is the most athletic player on the field and must have various skills such as explosive agility, arm strength & range, glove skills & hand-eye coordination, and an excellent understanding of what is happening on the field.

Shortstops are often lean with great muscle mass as the position requires both speed and power.

When you watch a softball game, the shortstop is by far the most moving player there. You see them dive and catch very hard balls, throw the ball with unbelievable speed immediately after catching it, and they seem to have a great understanding of where everybody and everything is at all times.

A great example of such a shortstop is Nicole ”Sis” Bates. Just take a look, and you’ll understand.

In addition to shortstop and their skill and difficulty, the pitcher comes close.

The role of a pitcher is obviously very central in the whole sport of softball, but it’s also very difficult. Generally, a great pitcher can make a huge impact on the game and score as they try to strike out the batters.

Generally, a women pitcher’s throw can reach up to 77mph (124kph), and a man’s pitcher up to 105mph (169kph). These speeds are really fast, and what makes it even harder is the windmill motion used in fastpitch softball.

Check out this video for some great pitches in softball.

By the way, if you haven’t seen Fanatics Fan Equipment before, I highly encourage you to check them out. You’ll find everything you can imagine with your favorite team’s logo on it!

What Is the Most Important Position In Softball?

There are nine softball positions, but which one is the most important? It’s safe to say that every position is important, and if one player were to miss the field, it would mean almost a certain loss to that team. However, there is one position above the rest in importance.

The most important position in softball is the shortstop. Shortstops have various responsibilities, central location on the field, and are most in contact with the ball. Due to the difficulty of shortstop, they need to be fast and powerful, so they often have lean bodies with good muscle mass.

In addition to the shortstop, two other positions are above the rest. These are the pitcher and catcher.

The pitcher and catcher are very important in softball. A good pitcher can strike out many batters during a game, leading to scores for the team. They are the scorers of the team. A great catcher is also vital, as they catch all balls coming towards home base. Catchers control the defensive play.

A softball team won’t work without any position on the field, so if you are playing anything other than shortstop, pitcher, or catcher like most people do, you are a vital part of the team!