I had an issue like this one year. I solved it by requiring a certain proficiency in practice before they could pitch in a game. They had to consistently pitch at least 12 strikes out of 20 pitches in practice.
That way it wasn't subjective at all. It showed the player and parents how much work...
Thanks, everyone for their comments. Will continue to work with our 2nd basemen.. Biggest challenge is getting them to think about what they need to do before each pitch. Every time the ball is hit, there's a split second delay as they process things. That's why they are slow to the bag. Happens...
When ball is hit to the first baseman, does anyone have their pitcher cover first base? In baseball, it's the pitcher but in softball it seems like it's usually the 2nd baseman.
We are a competitive rec team (about half the team has played/plays select) but I like to play all the girls at least...