Position for third baseman

Question
Hi. I've played third baseman in (ASA) softball for 7 or 8 years year round. I have always stood equal with third base unless there was a runner on second or a bunt.  Now they are telling me to come up almost parallel to the pitcher.. What's up with that?!.. I'm gonna get my head knocked off my shoulders! Also.. How can I work up my throwing arm so that I was throw across the diamond?

Answer
Hello Lacey

I抳e seen some third basemen do as you describe and I don抰 understand it either. Perhaps the player or coach has the player to move up to intimidate the batter however in my mind that is a serious injury waiting to happen. Usually I have my third baseman perhaps 3 feet inside the bag, and a bit further (closer to home) if it抯 a bunting situation.   

To help strengthen use a weighted softball to practice throwing. I抦 not talking about a massive weight; these balls are just an ounce or two heavier than a normal ball. Use it for an exercise.  Throw the weighted ball perhaps two sets of 20 throws each in normal practices, (not on game days) this will target the exact muscles used in your throw.

Examples of weighted softballs can be found here: www.softballjunk.com