Softball Positions: All 9 Explained
The nine defensive positions, their numbers (1 through 9), where each player stands, and what they do. The same positions you see in baseball, on the softball diamond.
The nine softball positions and their numbers. The layout matches baseball, with the pitcher in the circle and the catcher behind the plate.
The 9 Softball Positions by Number
Every position has a number from 1 to 9, used on the scorebook instead of the player name. A ground ball from shortstop to first base is written 6 to 3, and a shortstop-to-second-to-first double play is 6 to 4 to 3, exactly as in baseball.
| # | Position | Abbr | Group | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher | P | Battery | Starts every play from the mound and fields balls hit up the middle. |
| 2 | Catcher | C | Battery | Receives every pitch, blocks the plate, and directs the defense. |
| 3 | First Baseman | 1B | Infield | Takes throws at first base and covers the right side of the infield. |
| 4 | Second Baseman | 2B | Infield | Turns double plays and covers the right side up the middle. |
| 5 | Third Baseman | 3B | Infield | Guards the line at the hot corner and makes the long throw across. |
| 6 | Shortstop | SS | Infield | The infield captain, with the most range and the most ground to cover. |
| 7 | Left Fielder | LF | Outfield | Covers left field and backs up third base and the middle. |
| 8 | Center Fielder | CF | Outfield | The outfield captain, with first call on any ball they can reach. |
| 9 | Right Fielder | RF | Outfield | Covers right field and needs the strongest arm for the throw to third. |
How Softball Positions Differ from Baseball
The nine positions and their numbers are identical. What changes is the game around them: the pitcher throws underhand from a flat circle, the bases are closer (60 feet in most fastpitch), and the ball is larger. Because everything happens faster on a smaller field, infielders play a little tighter and the corners have to react quickly to slaps and bunts.
New to the numbers, or playing both sports? See the baseball positions guide and our primer on where everyone goes once the ball is in play, Ball, Base, or Backup.
Each Position, in One Line
Softball Positions FAQ
What are the 9 positions in softball?
The nine defensive positions are pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. The same nine positions and numbers are used in baseball and softball.
What are the softball position numbers?
The numbers match baseball: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first baseman, 4 second baseman, 5 third baseman, 6 shortstop, 7 left fielder, 8 center fielder, and 9 right fielder. They are used to record plays on the scorebook.
Are softball and baseball positions the same?
Yes, the nine positions and their numbers are identical. The main differences are in how the game is played: the softball pitcher throws underhand from a flat pitching circle, the bases are closer together, and the ball is larger, so the infield plays a bit tighter.
What is the hardest position in softball?
Most coaches point to catcher and shortstop. Catcher is the most demanding and runs the defense, while shortstop needs the most range and the quickest, most accurate arm in the infield. Pitcher is also uniquely specialized in fastpitch.
Which softball positions are infield and outfield?
The infield is first base, second base, third base, and shortstop. The outfield is left field, center field, and right field. The pitcher and catcher make up the battery.
Coach the positions, not just name them
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