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Softball positions & numbers
A softball team has nine players on defense, and each position has a number from 1 to 9. Scorekeepers use these numbers to record plays, so knowing them helps you read any box score or play-by-play feed.
Position numbers at a glance
| # | Position | Abbr. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher | P |
| 2 | Catcher | C |
| 3 | First base | 1B |
| 4 | Second base | 2B |
| 5 | Third base | 3B |
| 6 | Shortstop | SS |
| 7 | Left field | LF |
| 8 | Center field | CF |
| 9 | Right field | RF |
What each position does
1Pitcher (P)
Throws underhand from the circle, 43 feet from home plate in pro and college fastpitch. Starts every play and controls the pace of the game. Pitchers throw rise balls, drop balls, changeups and screwballs.
2Catcher (C)
Crouches behind home plate, calls pitches, catches everything the pitcher throws, blocks balls in the dirt and throws out runners trying to steal.
3First base (1B)
Takes throws from the other infielders to record outs at first. Also charges hard on bunts, because the bases are only 60 feet apart.
4Second base (2B)
Covers the right side of the infield between first and second. Turns double plays and covers first base on bunts.
5Third base (3B)
Called the "hot corner" because hard-hit balls get there fast. Plays close to the plate to defend bunts and slap hitters.
6Shortstop (SS)
Plays between second and third base. Usually the best-fielding infielder, with the most range and a strong throwing arm.
7Left field (LF)
Covers the outfield on the left side, catching fly balls and stopping hits from reaching the fence.
8Center field (CF)
Covers the most ground in the outfield and takes charge on fly balls between the other outfielders. Usually the fastest outfielder.
9Right field (RF)
Covers the outfield on the right side. A strong arm helps throw runners out at third base, or at first on shallow hits.
How the numbers are used
Scorekeepers write plays as position numbers. A 6-3 groundout means the shortstop (6) fielded the ball and threw to first base (3). A 6-4-3 double play goes shortstop to second base to first base. F8 is a fly ball caught by the center fielder.
The numbers are about where a player stands in the field, not the number on their jersey.
DP and Flex: fastpitch also lets a team use a Designated Player (DP), who bats but doesn't play defense, paired with a Flex player who plays defense without batting. See the glossary for more terms.
Softball stats explained →What is AUSL softball? →Browse AUSL players →