Catchers

With being a catcher, athleticism is a key importance. Even though every person on the field needs to be in shape, catchers are expected to in be top physical shape. Catchers must be in a good physical health and mental health. They have to be able to undergo long periods f time squatted. They also have around twenty to thirty pounds of extra weight on there body due to protective gear. Catchers being as active as they are must be able to be constantly moving from a squatting position to standing. The catcher also has the job of making sure the ball stays in front of them.

With catchers hand eye coordination is a big part of their game. They have to be able to see the ball very well. Every pitch they must catch whether that means diving six feet to the right, or jumping to get a high ball. Catchers are required to wear masks. These masks do not have very much room to see so catchers must be able to see so they can receive the pitch to the best of there ability.

On the softball field you have two positions who receive the most action. The pitcher and the catcher being those two. The catcher usually receives the most action. Along with the catcher receiving almost every pitch thrown, they also see other action. The catcher being closest to the batter usually fields most of the bunts laid down by the batter. A good catcher should be able to field the ball and throw it to first before any other fielder has time to get there. Catchers also have throw downs. They receive the pitch and then throw to either first, second, or third base to try to throw the runner out.

Along with being athletic and getting action, catchers are the only people who can see the whole field and all of there teammates. With this ability they have a jump on there opponent. They can see where their teammates should throw the ball to beat the runner to a base. They also see before anyone else when a runner is stealing a base.

As with every sport there is a leader for each team. For softball that leader is the catcher. The catcher is the most important person on the field. They run there team. Catchers to an extent control