Fastpitch Defensive Strategies

Developing sound Fastpitch defensive strategies combined with the skills will result in fewer runs given up. I have always told my teams that if we work hard and become good at not giving up runs, we will have a better chance to win the game. The defensive strategies I am giving you here is what I use and it has worked extremely well for me. Now, I am not so arrogant that I believe my way is the only way. Please, if you have something that could help a new coach or experienced coaches, share it with us on the Coaching-Fastpitch Blog.


A pitcher is willing to put in extra work to learn her skill. She is a smart person who understands the game. Mentally tough, she knows that errors in the field will happen and she can not let errors by other players affect her game. She has to stay positive and just go after the next batter. Umpires will not always have the same strike zone. She has to adjust to the umpires’ strike zone.


A catcher is a very athletic player. Perhaps she is your best athlete. She has to be quick, have a strong arm and understand all positions fastpitch defensive Strategies. She is the team leader on defense.

Team USA coach Mike Candrea reviews position play for 1st, 2nd, 3rd base and more.


The first base player must have a good glove. A tall player can reach throws that are a little off target. When the she is about to catch a throw for a force out, the she should put the opposite foot of her glove hand on the base.


The second base player is typically a right handed. A left handed player would have to turn all the way around to throw to 1st base creating a delay and allowing the runner a better chance to get to 1st safely. This is the same situation for the short stop and 3rd base positions.


The third base player is usually played by a right handed player who is agile and has a good arm and a good glove.


The short stop is a right handed thrower who is agile with the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly. She has a strong arm and a good glove.


The outfield is a large area to cover. Having fast players there makes it easier to cover the area. Positioning these players can vary a lot based on their age, the batters and wind conditions.


When there are runners on first and third , you should have a defense prepared to deal with it. I want to take a moment to explain this situation to the new coaches. What the offensive team wants to do in this situation is to have the runner from 1st steal 2nd and draw the throw from the catcher so the runner from 3rd can steal home.

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