Softball Lineup Card Template (Free Printable PDF)

Softball lineup cards have one wrinkle baseball's don't: the DP/FLEX rule. This free printable handles it — batting order, defensive positions inning by inning, a substitutes section, and dedicated DP and FLEX rows so the one rule that confuses every new fastpitch coach is right there on the card instead of argued at the plate meeting.

What is on the card

Twelve batting slots for a continuous or traditional order, position boxes for six innings, DP and FLEX rows, and space for subs and notes. Print two copies and the pre-game card exchange is done in seconds.

DP/FLEX in one paragraph

The DP (designated player) bats but doesn't have to play defense; the FLEX plays defense but doesn't bat. They are linked: the FLEX can only enter the batting order in the DP's spot. Most coaches use it to get a big bat in the order for a defensive specialist — often the pitcher or catcher. Write both names on the card at the start; you can't add a DP/FLEX pair mid-game.

Setting the order and the rotation

In youth rec ball, a continuous order where everyone bats is the norm — fill all twelve slots and rotate defense separately. For tournament fastpitch, the classic shape holds: on-base speed at the top, your best hitter third, power behind her. Use the inning columns to plan defense before the game: no one sits twice in a row, everyone touches the infield across a couple of games, and your playing-time answers are already in ink when a parent asks.

From paper card to live lineup

The paper card runs the dugout; the season runs better online. With My-Team Sports you can build the lineup from your roster, score the game play by play from your phone, and let the AI lineup advisor suggest a batting order and rotation — then print this card as the copy that lives on the fence.