first base, not second!!!

Lefty's can excel at any position. Admittedly second base is probably the toughest, do to the throw to first but there are a lot of other sttributes that help decide what postion fits a player best. At 8U coaches typically like to put their player that can catch the best, just because you are pretty limited on good catching players.

As she progresses, coaches typically like a lefty at first for the extra reach advantage it gives them on close plays. However, in addition to that flexibility and height play into it as the taller girls generally have a better reach and make a bigger target when getting thrown to. Additionally, as they get older alot of girls can catch a ball thrown to them and there are less grounders hit at them, so I don't look to put my more athletic girls on first. (no offense to first base players).

The skills for second and short stop are fairly similar. You need very quick, in-shape, athletic, players that have great side to side movement and really good at grounders. Also, they have to be really heads up as they have the most decisions to make on where to cover on steals, bunts, lefty vs righty hitters, backing-up throw, etc.... The main difference is that you need a better arm at Short Stop since the throw to first is further than second.

Third base requires someone with nerves of steel and quick reflex's since they are generally the closest player to the ball with the exception of the pitcher. Third typically plays in several feet forward of third and depending on the situation may play as close to half way up and be charging bunts. Players have to be fearless at this position and have the best arm equalled only by the catcher.

At the younger levels 8u/10u outfield does not normally see alot of balls so coaches will put their weaker fielding players there. This gives the outfield a stigma that is not accurate. As they get older and players are smashing the ball to the outfield you need some really athletic players for those postitions. They must be able to read the ball quickly and accurately off of the bat, get a good jump on the ball and put all out effort (catching at a full run, diving, etc...) Outfielders also do the most movement of any players on the field. They are moving on every pitch and no matter where the ball is hit they are either going for it or backing up the infield play, once they see it has been fielded then they have a base to backup in-case of an overthrow.

I hope this helps in determining what may be the best postion for you daughter, as there is alot more to it than which hand they throw with. In my opinion at the younger age groups any girl who can actually catch and hold the ball is a good fit for first. As they get older lefty's are certainly a plus at first, however I tend to try to fill my other postions with the right skills first then if I have a bigger player that I need in the line-up, but they really don't have the skills for the other positions and can catch the ball, that is who I have cover first.

Thanks so much for your explaination!! It is very helpful! Emma has speed to her advantage...she is athletic and is great with ground balls, however working hard on her throwing accuracy and catching skills, her strength is good. During last season the team would throw ground balls to first as opposed to air balls. I feel that this has delayed her catching skills somewhat. We are going to begin travel ball and want her to play with confidence, which we did not see at all during the state tournament while playing right center field on the county All Stars team. She has the athleticism and heart...we are working on technique! Thanks again for your response!