Plays at the Plate

One of the most exciting plays in softball is the play at the plate. When you think of some of the most famous plays in major league baseball, great throws to nail a runner or violent collisions at home plate always show up on the highlight reels. A catcher must always assume a bad throw to the plate. In their mind they must be ready to move in any direction to catch a thrown ball, or be ready to drop to their knees and block a poorly thrown ball to keep runners from advancing and still giving yourself a chance to pick up the ball and tag out the runner. The catcher must keep the ball in front of them at all cost. When setting up for a throw to the plate, a catcher should put the foot on the third base line. Their knee should be pointing directly at the runner. If their knee is pointed away from the runner and a collision occurs, there is a greater chance the catcher will be injured. If their knee is pointed at the runner, there is more of a base and less give in the knee.

After catching the ball, the catcher should attempt to tag the runner with both hands; hand on ball, ball in glove. If it appears a collision is going to occur the catcher should lower their center of gravity and stay low. Just like in football, low man usually wins.

After you have tagged out the runner, get out of the way and find any other runners that may be on base. Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the play so much that you lose track of other runners on base. Tag out the runner trying to score and look for the next victim--want to throw the softball--want to make the next play. Always stay focused on the game.

One important point that must be mentioned is the catcher should leave their mask on. An excuse for taking off the mask is that the catcher feels they can see the ball better without the mask on. With that philosophy the catcher should never wear a mask. If you can catch balls from a pitcher 40 feet away and not have problems seeing the softball, you should be able to see a throw from the outfield. It is also a safety precaution. If the ball is short and takes a bad hop, an injury to the face and head could occur. Safety Comes first. Protect yourself from injury at all times in as many ways possible.