Single to center: runner on first

A single reaches center field. Organize the return throw to third base with the cutoff, coverage, and backups in position. This example plays the advance to third, not a shallow-hit force at second.

Open in Playmaker

Runner on first1 out

Defense Runner / batter Ball

Play progress

Show routes

Read the situation

One out. Runner on first. Know your responsibility before contact.

Follow a position

The team’s job

Make the advancing runner earn third base.

One defined rotation for nine-player fastpitch. Follow your coach’s calls when your team uses a different system.

Why this rotation works

The runner from first is the immediate threat at third. The shortstop moves into the throw line while second stays covered.

The goal

Make the advancing runner earn third base.

Watch for these mistakes

Watching the ball instead of moving to your responsibility.
Sending the ball to an uncovered base instead of finding the SS cutoff.
Standing beside the receiver when your job is to back up beyond the throw.

Other runner situations

With runners on first and third, use this rotation when the defense is playing the runner advancing from first.

Walk it through at practice

Set the runners and call the situation before contact. Have each defender name their job, then walk through the rotation together. Repeat with the ball live and stop at the receiving position to check the cutoff, coverage, and backup.

All nine responsibilities

Position responsibilities for Single to center: runner on first
Pitcher	Back up the throw to third.
Catcher	Cover home plate.
First base	Check that the batter touches first, then be ready on the inside of the base.
Second base	Cover second base.
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.
Third base	Cover third base. Call third base and direct the cutoff: cut or through.
Left field	Back up the outfielder.
Center field	Field the single and throw toward third base through SS.
Right field	Back up the outfielder.

Keep learning

Single to left: bases emptyView the rotation Single to left: runner on firstView the rotation Single to left: runner on secondView the rotation

Softball Playmaker Nine-player fastpitch

Single to center: runner on first

Make the advancing runner earn third base.

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