Softball Athletic Skill Measurables
Student athletes need to meet particular skill levels to qualify to play. Our list of softball athletic skill measurables provides a baseline of the measurables D-I, D-II, D-III and NAIA coaches look for.
Division I Softball:
Similar to baseball, the typical DI softball players are ‘polished’ and possess the necessary tools to be successful as freshman. Most DI players come from large high schools or play on elite club teams. Many of these high school and club programs are considered the best in their area or in the state. In addition, most DI players have been awarded accolades such as All Area, All County, or All State.
- Pitchers: 60 – 63 + MPH; command of at least 3 pitches; sub 1.00 ERA
- Catchers: 1.8 Pop Time or below, superior leadership ability
- Middle Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st
- Corner Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st, tremendous power potential
- Centerfielders: 2.8 or less Home to 1st
- Corner Outfielders: 2.9 or less Home to 1st, tremendous power potential
Division II Softball:
- Pitchers: 58+ MPH; command of at least 3 pitches; sub 1.70 ERA
- Catchers: 1.9 Pop Time or below, superior leadership ability
- Middle Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st
- Corner Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st, tremendous power potential
- Centerfielders: 2.9 or less Home to 1st
- Corner Outfielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st, tremendous power potential
Division III and NAIA Softball:
Similar to baseball, the discrepancies in characteristics can be somewhat severe when it comes to schools competing at the DIII and NAIA level. Be sure to fully research each individual program to get a better idea as to what type of player they are looking for. With that being said, pitchers, catchers, and position players interested in competing at the DIII and/or NAIA level should strive to meet the following measurables.
- Pitchers: 55+ MPH
- Catchers: 2.0 Pop Time or below
- Position Players: 3.0 or less Home to 1st
Andy Pohl In addition to leading DNA Sports' baseball and softball college recruitment guidance program, Andy specializes in all facets of hitting. Leave a Comment
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What does that mean
•Middle Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st
•Corner Infielders: 3.0 or less Home to 1st, tremendous power potential
Thanks for your question Rick.
College softball coaches use the Home to First time as means to evaluate a player’s speed. For all infield positions, college coaches at the Division I and Division 2 level are looking for recruits who have a Home to First time under 3.0 seconds. For corner infielders (first baseman and 3rd baseman), some college coaches look for players who have the potential to drive the ball into the gaps.