Nine positions, quick version.
Pitcher (P). Throws the ball from the mound to the batter. At 8-10, pitchers throw from a shorter mound or flat ground. Subject to pitch count and rest-day rules.
Catcher (C). Crouches behind home plate, receives pitches, and is the only player with a view of the whole field. Calls plays, backs up bases, and fields bunts in front of the plate. Requires a full equipment set.
First baseman (1B). Guards the right side of the infield and receives throws on nearly every ground ball hit to the infield. Needs good hands and reliable footwork around the bag.
Second baseman (2B). Covers the middle of the infield toward the right side. Turns double plays with the shortstop and covers second base on steals. Usually a quick, rangy player.
Shortstop (SS). The busiest infielder. Covers the left side of the infield, has the longest throw to first, and handles more ground balls than any other position. Usually the best athlete in the infield.
Third baseman (3B). Guards the left side. Reacts to hard-hit balls and bunts, makes long throws across the diamond. Called the “hot corner” because the balls arrive fastest.
Left fielder (LF). Covers ground behind third base. Fewer balls come to left field at youth levels, which is why rec leagues sometimes put developing players here.
Center fielder (CF). The hub of the outfield. Takes the most ground, calls off other outfielders, and typically has the strongest arm and fastest legs in the outfield.
Right fielder (RF). Covers the right side. Throws to third base on hits, backs up first base on grounders. At youth levels this is where coaches sometimes put players still developing confidence.
At 8-10, rotating kids through positions is good coaching. If your kid plays four spots in a season, that’s development, not indecision.