Changes in the demands of defensive players and strategies force us to rethink our positions and placement of athletes as well as the skills they should have. The increased offense is forcing outfielders to be better athletes. The most essential priority of a successful outfield in softball today is foot speed. Speed can never be taught, but fielding skills can through drills and repetitions. Speed in the outfield gives teams the actual ability to cut down on an offense’s hitting percentages.
Outfielder’s Checklist of Responsibilities:
Aggressiveness (willing to dive, take charge)
Efficiency in a throw:
Smooth, efficient arm action
Gets behind the ball
Catch the ball in front of eyes
Transition glove to release
Hits cut off
Good 1 hops where appropriate to base/plate
The ability of RF to throw out at 1B
Drop Step:
Angles
Turns hips, not just foot
Reverse Drop Step
Complete Turn: (Drop+Roll)
Tuck Chin & Dip Shoulder
Reads:
Ability to go in or back effectively
First Step
Good angle to ball
Utilize Speed:
Sprints before Catch
Reach to catch
Field Routine Ball off the glovehand foot
Glove beneath ball
Accelerate through do or dies
Communication:
w/ OF
w/ INF
at wall
Back-up Responsibilities
Pre-Pitch Preparation:
Know the hitter’s swing
Know the weather conditions especially the wind
Know the count
Know how many outs
Know where the runners are
Know where you will throw on a fly ball (deep fly and shallow)
Know where you will throw on a ground ball
Understand the situation and positioning