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Why The Middle Infield Has To Be Strong

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE MIDDLE INFIELD?

• They are 2/4 or 50% of your infielders.
  (maybe 2/5 if your pitcher can field and throw)
  
• They cover 3 bases between them (1st, 2nd and 3rd) while all other infielders only cover 1!
  
• They're expected to each have a range of 60 to 62 feet:
  
  
  
  • The SS = 3rd base on steals to 2nd base on slaps/bunts/steals.
    
  • The 2B = 2nd base on forces/steals/pickoffs and 1st base on bunts/slaps/pickoffs.
    
  
  
• The better your pitcher -  the more difficult their job becomes, because:
  
  
  
  • the other team will have to create/manufacture runs which involves STEALS, SLAPS, AND BUNTS.
    
    ...covering these require the ss and 2b to hold their fielding position incase the ball is hit, and then immediately be 30 to 40 feet away in perfect position.
    
  • The worse your pitcher is the more pressure is put on your middle infielders because:
    
    
    
    • balls are hit harder (harder to field)
      
    • balls are hit more often (more chances for mistakes).
      
    • Balls are hit to the outfield more often so they have to make more plays with their backs to the throw.
      
    
    
  • ¾ of all non-strikeout outs are balls hit to your infielders.
    
  • 92% of all balls hit are hit in front of your outfielders.
    
  
  
• SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MIDDLE IF'S BETTER:
  
  
  
  • Catching with 2 hands: for throwing NOT for catching.
    
  • Throws to 1st need to be QUICK, not hard!
    
  • The importance of QUICKNESS:
    
    
    
    • Home to 1st base = 60 feet.
      
    • Ave. time from home to 1st = 3.0 seconds
      
    • That means 1 second = 20 feet
      
    • Or, 1/10th of a second = 2 feet!!!
      
      How many plays at first are within 2 feet???
      
    
    
  • Long steps = slow arm
    
    Short steps = quick arm
    
    
  • For the double plays and receiving throws around bases: take small, soft steps keeping your feet under you. The Circle of Control.
    
  • Don't reach for the ball on tag plays - let the ball come to you. The ball will travel faster to you than you will to it.
    
  • Cover ground with your first step.
    
  • Break the glove in so the pocket it wider than it is long.
    
  • Realize that - depending upon how deep your outfield fences are, and how far the batter can hit - the coverage area BEHIND a middle infielder is greater than in front or on either side of her!
    
  • Make the play BEFORE you field the ball, not after:
    
    
    
    • body position to ball,
      
    • glove position to body
      
    • balance
      
    • stride to throw
      

  • ANGLES ON BALLS:
    Angle on Hard hit balls:                      Angle on Softer hit balls:
    

This article was posted to AllAboutFastpitch.com with permission from Cindy Bristow, Director of Development, International Softball Federation.

Also check out the book Defensive Softball Drills which includes over 60 drills for improving your defense.