Take the plays to practice. One play per sheet, with every defender’s job. Choose a group, then print or choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print window.
Plays to print All 22 plays Singles Extra-base hits Pop flies Bunts & pickoffs
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 1
Single to left: bases empty Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.
Single to left: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to second base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to second. You’re the first backup.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base. Call second base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
SS · Shortstop Get on the line from LF to second base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Field the single and throw toward second base through SS.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Be the second backup at second: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from left field.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-left-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 2
Single to left: runner on first Make the advancing runner earn third base.
Single to left: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to third base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Get on the line from LF to third base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call third base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
LF · Left field Field the single and throw toward third base through SS.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Get beyond second on a return throw from left field. Adjust if the cutoff redirects the ball.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-left-first
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 3
Single to left: runner on second Give the defense a chance to stop the run at home.
Single to left: runner on second: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on second. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on second. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: 3B receives and relays to home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the first-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. Call home and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Cover third base.
3B · Third base Get on the line from LF to home. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
LF · Left field Field the single and throw toward home through 3B.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Get beyond second on a return throw from left field. Adjust if the cutoff redirects the ball.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-left-second
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 4
Single to center: bases empty Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.
Single to center: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to second base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to second.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base. Call second base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
SS · Shortstop Get on the line from CF to second base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Back up the outfielder.
CF · Center field Field the single and throw toward second base through SS.
RF · Right field Back up the outfielder.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-center-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 5
Single to center: runner on first Make the advancing runner earn third base.
Single to center: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to third base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Get on the line from CF to third base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call third base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
LF · Left field Back up the outfielder.
CF · Center field Field the single and throw toward third base through SS.
RF · Right field Back up the outfielder.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-center-first
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 6
Single to center: runner on second Give the defense a chance to stop the run at home.
Single to center: runner on second: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on second. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on second. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: 1B receives and relays to home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the first-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. Call home and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
1B · First base Get on the line from CF to home. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Line up an alternate throw to third while the first baseman handles a throw home.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Back up the outfielder.
CF · Center field Field the single and throw toward home through 1B.
RF · Right field Back up the outfielder.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-center-second
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 7
Single to right: bases empty Keep the batter at first and prevent an extra base.
Single to right: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: 2B receives and relays to second base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at second base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to second. You’re the first backup.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Get on the line from RF to second base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
SS · Shortstop Cover second base. Call second base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at second: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from right field.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Field the single and throw toward second base through 2B.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-right-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 8
Single to right: runner on first Make the advancing runner earn third base.
Single to right: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: SS receives and relays to third base.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third. You’re the first backup, in foul ground behind the bag.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Get on the line from RF to third base. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call third base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at third: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from right field.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Field the single and throw toward third base through SS.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-right-first
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 9
Single to right: runner on second Give the defense a chance to stop the run at home.
Single to right: runner on second: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on second. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on second. Know your responsibility before contact.React to the ball. Move on contact. The closest defender fields while everyone else gets into the rotation.Get in position. Cut called: 1B receives and relays to home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the third-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. Call home and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
1B · First base Get on the line from RF to home. Show a target and listen for the call. Cut when called; let an on-line throw through when the receiver calls through.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Line up an alternate throw to third while the first baseman handles a throw home.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Back up a throw from right field to third, beyond the receiver on that throw’s line.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Field the single and throw toward home through 1B.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/single-right-second
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 10
Extra-base hit down the left field line: bases empty Hold the batter to a double and be ready for a play at third.
Extra-base hit down the left field line: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears LF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. SS provides the cutoff; the other positions cover and back up.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check the batter’s touch at first, then follow toward second and cover it as the middle infielders relay.
2B · Second base Trail SS toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the third baseman’s call to SS and handle a missed relay.
SS · Shortstop Line up LF with third base. Receive the first relay and listen to 2B.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call the destination and direct the relay.
LF · Left field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to SS.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Back up a return throw from the left side to second, beyond the receiver on that line.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-left-line-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 11
Extra-base hit down the left field line: runner on first Get the ball home quickly while keeping a play at third available.
Extra-base hit down the left field line: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears LF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. SS receives the first relay. 2B communicates; 1B lines up the next throw home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the first-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. As catcher, call the destination and direct the inside cutoff.
1B · First base Set up as the inside cutoff to home, ready to receive or redirect the relay. Follow the catcher’s cut or through call.
2B · Second base Trail SS toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the catcher’s call to SS and handle a missed relay.
SS · Shortstop Line up LF with home. Receive the first relay and listen to 2B.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to SS.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Back up the second-base area as deep safety for a loose throw. Second is conceded; do not call for a throw there without a receiver.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-left-line-runners
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 12
Extra-base hit to the left center gap: bases empty Hold the batter to a double and be ready for a play at third.
Extra-base hit to the left center gap: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears CF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. SS provides the cutoff; the other positions cover and back up.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check the batter’s touch at first, then follow toward second and cover it as the middle infielders relay.
2B · Second base Trail SS toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the third baseman’s call to SS and handle a missed relay.
SS · Shortstop Line up CF with third base. Receive the first relay and listen to 2B.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call the destination and direct the relay.
LF · Left field Back up the center fielder behind the ball in the left-center gap.
CF · Center field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to SS.
RF · Right field Back up a return throw from the left side to second, beyond the receiver on that line.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-left-center-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 13
Extra-base hit to the left center gap: runner on first Get the ball home quickly while keeping a play at third available.
Extra-base hit to the left center gap: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears CF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. SS receives the first relay. 2B communicates; 1B lines up the next throw home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the first-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. As catcher, call the destination and direct the inside cutoff.
1B · First base Set up as the inside cutoff to home, ready to receive or redirect the relay. Follow the catcher’s cut or through call.
2B · Second base Trail SS toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the catcher’s call to SS and handle a missed relay.
SS · Shortstop Line up CF with home. Receive the first relay and listen to 2B.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Back up the center fielder behind the ball in the left-center gap.
CF · Center field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to SS.
RF · Right field Back up the second-base area as deep safety for a loose throw. Second is conceded; do not call for a throw there without a receiver.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-left-center-runners
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 14
Extra-base hit to the right center gap: bases empty Hold the batter to a double and be ready for a play at third.
Extra-base hit to the right center gap: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears CF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. 2B provides the cutoff; the other positions cover and back up.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third. You’re the first backup, in foul ground behind the bag.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check the batter’s touch at first, then follow toward second and cover it as the middle infielders relay.
2B · Second base Line up CF with third base. Receive the first relay and listen to SS.
SS · Shortstop Trail 2B toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the third baseman’s call to 2B and handle a missed relay.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call the destination and direct the relay.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at third: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from the right side. Adjust to a redirected relay.
CF · Center field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to 2B.
RF · Right field Back up the center fielder behind the ball in the right-center gap.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-right-center-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 15
Extra-base hit to the right center gap: runner on first Get the ball home quickly while keeping a play at third available.
Extra-base hit to the right center gap: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears CF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. 2B receives the first relay. SS communicates; 1B lines up the next throw home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the third-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. As catcher, call the destination and direct the inside cutoff.
1B · First base Set up as the inside cutoff to home, ready to receive or redirect the relay. Follow the catcher’s cut or through call.
2B · Second base Line up CF with home. Receive the first relay and listen to SS.
SS · Shortstop Trail 2B toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the catcher’s call to 2B and handle a missed relay.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Get beyond third on the line of a throw from the right side. Adjust to a redirected relay.
CF · Center field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to 2B.
RF · Right field Back up the center fielder behind the ball in the right-center gap.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-right-center-runners
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 16
Extra-base hit down the right field line: bases empty Hold the batter to a double and be ready for a play at third.
Extra-base hit down the right field line: bases empty: Finish the play Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Bases empty. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears RF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. 2B provides the cutoff; the other positions cover and back up.Finish the play. Receive the throw at third base; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw to third. You’re the first backup, in foul ground behind the bag.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Check the batter’s touch at first, then follow toward second and cover it as the middle infielders relay.
2B · Second base Line up RF with third base. Receive the first relay and listen to SS.
SS · Shortstop Trail 2B toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the third baseman’s call to 2B and handle a missed relay.
3B · Third base Cover third base. Call the destination and direct the relay.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at third: go deeper than the pitcher, on the line of the throw from the right side. Adjust to a redirected relay.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to 2B.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-right-line-empty
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 17
Extra-base hit down the right field line: runner on first Get the ball home quickly while keeping a play at third available.
Extra-base hit down the right field line: runner on first: Finish the play Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.Chase the deep hit. The ball clears RF and lands in the outfield. Chase it down while the relay gets into position.Get in position. 2B receives the first relay. SS communicates; 1B lines up the next throw home.Finish the play. Receive the throw at home; stay ready if it gets away.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Back up the throw home. Loop around the third-base side, then get deep behind the plate.
C · Catcher Cover home plate. As catcher, call the destination and direct the inside cutoff.
1B · First base Set up as the inside cutoff to home, ready to receive or redirect the relay. Follow the catcher’s cut or through call.
2B · Second base Line up RF with home. Receive the first relay and listen to SS.
SS · Shortstop Trail 2B toward the receiving base with space between you. Repeat the catcher’s call to 2B and handle a missed relay.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Get beyond third on the line of a throw from the right side. Adjust to a redirected relay.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Chase the ball over your head, secure it off the ground, and send the first relay to 2B.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/extra-right-line-runners
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 18
Shallow pop fly to left Make one confident catch while teammates give space and cover the field.
Shallow pop fly to left: Secure the catch Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out, bases empty. Identify the catch priorities.Locate the pop fly. Infielders pursue a reachable ball; the outfielder closes in.Call and clear space. LF calls for the catch. The nearby infielders yield and cover behind the play.Secure the catch. Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Cover third while the corner infielder pursues the pop fly.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Cover first base.
2B · Second base Cover second base.
SS · Shortstop Go after the ball, then give way when LF calls. Stay clear and ready for a dropped ball.
3B · Third base Pursue a reachable ball, but give way to SS or LF. The pitcher covers third.
LF · Left field Call “ball” early if you can make the catch. LF has priority over the infielders in this example.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field If the ball drops, back up a throw from left field to second. Stay beyond the receiver on that line.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/pop-left
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 19
Shallow pop fly to center Make one confident catch while teammates give space and cover the field.
Shallow pop fly to center: Secure the catch Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out, bases empty. Identify the catch priorities.Locate the pop fly. Infielders pursue a reachable ball; the outfielder closes in.Call and clear space. CF calls for the catch. The nearby infielders yield and cover behind the play.Secure the catch. Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Direct the infielders, then back up a possible throw from center to second. 2B returns to cover the bag in this example.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Cover first base.
2B · Second base Start toward the pop fly, then return to second when CF calls and SS stays near the catch.
SS · Shortstop Pursue the ball and yield when CF calls. In this example, SS stays near the catch.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field Back up the outfielder.
CF · Center field Call “ball” early if you can make the catch. CF has priority over the infielders in this example.
RF · Right field Back up the outfielder.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/pop-center
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 20
Shallow pop fly to right Make one confident catch while teammates give space and cover the field.
Shallow pop fly to right: Secure the catch Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Bases empty. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out, bases empty. Identify the catch priorities.Locate the pop fly. Infielders pursue a reachable ball; the outfielder closes in.Call and clear space. RF calls for the catch. The nearby infielders yield and cover behind the play.Secure the catch. Finish the catch, then reset. If the ball drops, the covered bases and backups are ready.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Cover first while the corner infielder pursues the pop fly.
C · Catcher Cover home plate.
1B · First base Pursue a reachable ball, but give way to 2B or RF. The pitcher covers first.
2B · Second base Pursue the ball, then clear space when RF calls.
SS · Shortstop Cover second base.
3B · Third base Cover third base.
LF · Left field If the ball drops, back up a throw from right field to third, beyond the receiver.
CF · Center field Back up the outfielder.
RF · Right field Call “ball” early if you can make the catch. RF has priority over the infielders in this example.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/pop-right
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 21
Sacrifice bunt: runner on first Get the out at first and keep the next base covered.
Sacrifice bunt: runner on first: Make the throw On the catcher’s call, P throws to first for the out. With P fielding, 3B recovers to third behind the runner. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runner on first. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runners on first. The defense expects a sacrifice bunt.Charge the bunt. The corners and pitcher move on the bunt. Runners advance after the pitch is released.Find the receiver. P fields. 2B covers first; SS covers second.Make the throw. On the catcher’s call, P throws to first for the out. With P fielding, 3B recovers to third behind the runner.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Charge the bunt, secure the ball, and throw to 2B at first on the catcher’s call.
C · Catcher Call the available out. This example has a clean bunt and a throw to first base.
1B · First base Charge the first-base side.
2B · Second base Cover first base.
SS · Shortstop Cover second base.
3B · Third base Charge the left side. If another fielder takes the bunt, recover quickly toward third.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at second: go deeper than center field, on the line of a follow-up throw from first.
CF · Center field Back up a possible follow-up throw from first to second. You’re the first backup.
RF · Right field Back up the bunt throw to first, beyond 2B on the incoming throw’s line.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/bunt-first
Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch / Play 22
Sacrifice bunt: runners on first and second Get the out at first and keep the next base covered.
Sacrifice bunt: runners on first and second: Make the throw On the catcher’s call, 3B throws to first for the out. P covers third for a possible return throw. All nine defensive positions are shown. Yellow shows the ball; coral squares show runners. B R R P C 1B 2B SS 3B LF CF RF Runners on first and second. 1 out. Positions shown at the finish. Yellow shows the ball. Coral squares show runners.
How it works Read the situation. One out. Runners on first and second. The defense expects a sacrifice bunt.Charge the bunt. The corners and pitcher move on the bunt. Runners advance after the pitch is released.Find the receiver. 3B fields. 2B covers first; SS covers second. With 3B fielding, P recovers to third.Make the throw. On the catcher’s call, 3B throws to first for the out. P covers third for a possible return throw.Every position has a job P · Pitcher Charge toward the bunt. When 3B fields it, peel off and cover third for the advancing runner.
C · Catcher Call the available out. This example has a clean bunt and a throw to first base.
1B · First base Charge the first-base side.
2B · Second base Cover first base.
SS · Shortstop Cover second base.
3B · Third base Charge the bunt, secure the ball, and throw to 2B at first on the catcher’s call.
LF · Left field Be the second backup at second: go deeper than center field, on the line of a follow-up throw from first.
CF · Center field Back up a possible follow-up throw from first to second. You’re the first backup.
RF · Right field Back up the bunt throw to first, beyond 2B on the incoming throw’s line.
Bravara standard defense. Adapt to your coach’s coverage calls. Diagrams illustrate responsibilities and are not to scale.
bravara.com/softball-plays/bunt-first-second
