In baseball and softball, all nine fielders have defined responsibilities and need to move on every play.
Infield fly to the middle of the infield with bases empty or runners on base, the play is to make the catch and hold the runners.
Play:
| Situation: | Bases empty or runners on base with less than two outs |
| Offense: | Infield fly to the middle of the infield |
| Defense: | Play is to make the catch and hold the runners |
Player Responsibilities:
| Pitcher: | Direct the infield players so everyone knows who is making the catch |
| Catcher: | Cover home |
| 1st base: | Cover first base |
| 2nd base: | Go hard to the ball to make the catch until shortstop calls the catch (has second priority) |
| 3rd base: | Cover third base |
| Shortstop: | Go hard to the ball to make the catch (has first priority) |
| Left: | Back up third base |
| Center: | Back up second base |
| Right: | Back up first base |
| Note: | Shortstop and second baseman need to go hard to the ball to attempt to make the catch. On fly balls in the middle of the infield, shortstop has priority over second base on making the catch. |
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