Last night as things were winding down at work I took some time with my workmates and teammates for the slowpitch Softball league we play in. I wanted some general strategies for playing since last season I made some fundamental screw ups. As I gather new tips from them, I'll add them to this post. Here goes:
Batting
If the count is 3-0 don't swing, take the opportunity to walkRunning
If there are 2 outs, run on anything as soon as the batter connects
If there are less than 2 outs and it's a fly ball to right field either
1. run to about halfway and watch the catcher. Advance if it is dropped or return and stay if it is caught since you will be unlikely to make the advance after returning. This is usually a strategy for first base or if the catcher is poor. OR 2. stay on base until it is caught if you are between 2nd and 3rd and the catcher has good hands.
If you aren't being forced you must be tagged with the glove (with ball in it) or with the ball itself (risky since the ball can be knocked from their hand). If not they just need to have a foot on the base when they have the ball.
You can only overrun first base and when you do, you must stay to the right of the line extending from home base to first base.Listening to base coaches
As you approach second base you should be looking for signals from the third base coach
At this point (s)he will suggest you stop (at second), continue or go home.
As you approach third the signals could be slide, stayup or go home. If they try to tell you to go back ignore them since they have screwed up. Hesitation is more likely to get you out than following their initial instruction.
