First Play when ball is hit in softball?

Question

What is the most important play to make if softball? Should you always try to get batter/runner out at first above all? Or should you try to stop an advancing runner from 3rd going home before worrying about getting the batter/runner out? Say you have R1 on 3rd, and a batter, shortstop stops the ball, should they throw to 1st to get runner out, or throw home to get advancing baserunner out at home?

Answer 1

OK great question we call it blue.(we as in our travel team) The short gets it checks the R3 (don't move your head just take a quick glance) and throw to 1 base,the R3 is probably going 4 so have your catcher positoned where he/she can catch and tag.

Answer 2

There are a couple of things to consider first. The score, the number of outs. If there are two outs just go to first. If not, you need to hold the runner with a glance and throw first. If you can't afford to have that run score, and she takes off for home you could throw home, but it better be an out.

Answer 3

They should throw to first and check the runner at third. Ideally getting the runner out quickly at first and then the first baseman can either shoot the ball home or throw back to third to keep the runner there. it also depends on the number of outs. if there are two outs, shortstop should go to first and not worry about the runner.

Answer 4

depends - how many outs
when in doubt, always go for the sure bet - at first

but - if you can get the runner going to 3rd - take them out!

our softball team slaughtered our opponents
not because of our triples or home runs - but because we could hit singles safely - kept the bases loaded -
but could get the ball into the outfield - and hit around them!

Another trick - spend a buck at the local sports complex and hit some softballs before the game - get warmed up !

all the best