left handed players

Question
My daughter plays on a 10U fast pitch softball team. She plays very well for her age and loves the game besides. Recently her coach has come to he concousion that lefty's can only play catcher, first base, outfield, an pitch. I am left handed and I don't agree with his thoughts on the subject. What is your professinal opinion?  

Answer
Hello Michele,

Unfortunately, I'm not going to give the answer your hoping for.  I am also left-handed and have played ball my entire life and her Coach is correct.  At least in reference to advanced levels of play.  We as left handers are at a disadvantage for all other infield positions due to the positioning of the body to make throws.  Ball hit to the left side of the field require us to field, then totally re-align our feet for throwing.  It most cases, this requires too much time.  To illustrate, have her field a ball at third base, then throw to first from the position her feet are in when she picks the ball up.  You'll see the problem quickly.  Trust me, I didn't deal with the reality very well at a younger age, but the coach is telling you the truth.  She can excel at the positions mentioned, and depending on her interest try to narrow her down to a couple of positions now.  If she doesn't have any interest in catching or pitching ( the two most coveted positions for college coaches), then lean toward an outfield position if she possess speed and toward first base if she is slower.  I'm sorry I couldn't give the answer you hoped for, but I try to be honest even when it is not a popular answer.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Coach Mike