Outfielder Positioning or Shift

[nathancharli]

Is there a rule that limits the number of players positioned/playing on the grass? This would be a defensive shift, with 9 defenders on the field (just 4 in the OF). Only thing I've seen is that the pitcher and catcher are only "designated" defensive spots by rule. Just confirming. NFHS rules.

 

[Lemond]

I think the only limit is that the begin the play in fair territory, exception for the catcher.

 

[The Man In Blue]

Currently that is correct.

MLB has outlawed shifts and some baseball codes have followed. Not sure if it will make its way over to the softball side of the world or not. I would tend to believe not, as the field is already so small that shifts are not nearly as advantageous.

 

[Agcy]

With our slapper, who never pulls the ball, I have seen other colleges pull the RF into the 2B position and 2B shift to the middle of the diamond.