Any tips for playing 2nd base in softball?

I'm going to be playing 2nd base for my softball team this year. I've never played 2nd before, and I want to make sure I play well there.





Can anyone give me some tips and proper fundamentals to remember and use?





Thanks!|||As the second baseman you have a very short throw to 1B, therefore the focus is on stopping the ball at all costs rather than gloving it.





Yes it would be nice if you could catch everything cleanly, but if it's a hard line shot at least try to "body block" it... if it's a shot far to your left or right, dive and try to get a glove on it. In most cases you should have time to pick up the ball and make th throw to 1B.





You will also have to learn to throw from all different positions (throwing to first after charging a ball behind 2B ... throwing behind you to 2B to start a double play, etc.). Rather than focusing on picture-perfect mechanics, focus on your footwork so that you keep your balance. If you're balanced, you can adjust your upper body to make whatever throw you need, be it a quick sidearm flip to first or an underhand toss to the SS to start a double-play.





Finally, remember to keep your glove out in front of you when fielding grounders. A common mistake is to drop the glove down between your feet. From that position, it's impossible to make an adjustment on a bad hop. If the ball gets past your glove, it goes right through your legs. With your glove out if front of your feet you can still drop to a knee and try to block the ball as a last resort.





It's a great position...have fun with it.|||my dad/coach taught me and the rest of his teams a term called "ready set" when you see the pitcher start the windup bend your knees, open your glove, and put it in the dirt like you were going to catch a grounder. it really gets you to focus to what is going on in the game. i found it a lot easier when i started doing it. there were hardly any balls that went past me. it also helps if your back up is awake. be sure to yell and make sure they are always ready to back you up. don't know if this helps, but i sure hope so! :)|||second base gets a lot of grounders, so i would practice those. for covering the bag, you only cover second if the ball goes to the shortstop's side. if the ball goes to your side then focus on that. you should also always know where you throw when you get the ball.





also, if your league permits stealing second base, then make sure you're backing up the shortstop.





on a bunt to your side, if the person at first has to run up to get it, then you have to cover first on the throw.





that's pretty much all i can think of right now :-)|||Playing second is a big deal. you must cover the first baseman just incase they dont get it. Receiveing cutoff is just going about halfway between the outfielder and yourself. Run the half, yell 2nd, then put your glove out. If the ball is hit to the left side of the field, then cover your base. If it's hit to you, then you get the ball and short will cover. If the 1st baseman has to run up and catch the ball, you cover 1st, short will cover you. Watch for steals from 1st. When in ready position, have your glove almost down on the ground. Your knees are bent and you are ready to shuffle to the ball. Never get mad at yourself if you miss the ball, for you will become unconcentrated and miss more. When you get a grounder to you and your close enough to first, flick the ball to them from the ground.





and, HAVE FUN! :)|||Kind of a fun question for a change.


!. knock it down.


2.Think ahead


3.When in doubt get one.


4. have no fear


5. If you are a good enough hitter just do your best.