transition

Question
I have played slow pitch for five years and am now transitioning into fast pitch.  I am a catcher and first baseman.  I was wondering what i need to do to make this transition easiest on myself.

Answer
Hello Natasia

First base and catcher are both very crucial positions for fast pitch teams. First base would probably be and easier transition for you since the catching position for fast pitch is nothing like that on a slow pitch team.

First base is important because this position usually has the first opportunity to make an out on a runner, much of the game's action will take place here. The throw of all other fielding positions is probably practiced more than any other fielding play. Many times the first baseman is one of the team's tallest players so she can stretch to make the catch from other fielders while remaining in contact with first base. However they need to be mobile to react and reach balls that are hit down the first base foul line and quick enough to catch foul balls that are hit outside the first base foul line. Unlike the slow-pitch first basemen the fast pitch first baseman plays in front of the bag to field possible bunts.


The fast pitch catcher is the team's field general. The catcher is the only player who can see the entire field and the fielding situations that develop. Because of their unique position on the field, the catcher oversees the team's defensive activities. Unlike slow-pitch the ball is always live so not only do you have to catch fastballs, curveballs, drop-balls, rise-balls, and change-ups you'll need to dig out or block bad pitches. They need to control the runners and have a strong, accurate, and quick throw to catch base runners trying to steal. They also must be very quick to react to cover the bunts and foul tips. The catcher calls all defensive plays as well as to call pitches to the pitcher. The catcher must not only know the signals for all pitches, she must also understand which pitch is best for each situation and each batter. Also you'll need to recover from a dropped 3rd strike to catch the runner at first, rise quickly to catch foul ball tips, back up throws from the outfield to 1st and 3rd, and be continually on the alert for instructions from the coaches.