Each player on a softball team encounters situations that call for a certain type of throw. Pitchers become part of the fielding defense after delivering a pitch. Infielders must react to a ball hit to either side of their position, field the ball and throw it for an out. Outfielders have to make accurate throws when runners are on base. The types of throws used in softball vary with the fielder's position and the particular target.
Pitchers
Fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball pitchers use an underhand motion to deliver a pitch. Pitches are thrown using a full windup that starts from belt level, or by lobbing the ball to home plate in an arc. After fielding a ball hit up the middle, pitchers might lob an underhand toss to first base or use an overhand throw to second base, third base or home plate.
Catchers
Catchers use an overhand throw to return the softball to the pitcher. In addition, catchers use a snap-throw to first base to get a runner who got too far away from the base. The snap-throw involves wheeling the upper body quickly toward the target and making a crisp side-arm throw at chest level.
Infielders
Proper throwing techniques are essential when playing one of the infield positions. The third baseman and shortstop must be able to field the ball, set their feet and make a crisp throw across the infield to first base. When a base runner attempts to advance to second on an infield hit, the third baseman uses a dig throw to the infielder covering second base. A dig throw is similar to a side-arm throw, but the fielder throws the ball at knee level. Shortstops use a dig throw to second base when fielding a ground ball hit toward the third base side of their gap. Shortstops and second basemen might use an underhand lob to their teammate when a ball is fielded closer to second base. The first baseman uses crisp overhand throws across the infield and to home plate, and softer overhand throws when returning the ball to the pitcher.
Outfielders
Accuracy is important when making any throw in softball, especially when making long throws to a base or home plate from the outfield. A swim-throw is widely used by outfielders when the situation calls for a strong throw. After fielding the softball, the outfielder transfers the ball from the glove to the throwing hand, extends the glove hand toward the target and brings the ball hand straight back. Using a swimming motion, the outfielder throws the softball over the top in a full arc, and brings the glove hand straight down in line with the target. After releasing the softball, the outfielder's weight is on the glove side foot, the glove hand is behind on the same side and the throwing hand is following through in a line toward the target.
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