Softball Presented by: Claire Gui

About Softball

a variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field

invented in 1887 in Chicago as an indoor game

The name 'Softball' was given to the game in 1926.

also called indoor baseball, kitten ball

also played by women ladies' baseball.

more than 110 countries

two types of softball slowpitch softball & fastpitch softball

What is the difference between two types of softball?

Major differences

Fastpitch softball Slowpitch softball

Age&Gendermostly female

5 years old to adults

both men and women

only adults

Pitching requires years of practice and knowledge

more relaxed and not entirely as demanding

Position players 9 offensive players allow a 10th player

Run Rulenot high scoring ; commonly enforces a mercy rule after 5 innings is ahead by 7 runs

high scoring; have a common mercy that end a game after four or five innings the team has a 15-run lead

Basic information about the field

The field contains the quadrilateral shape ,running areas, and a grass outfield.

There are 4 bases on the infield (1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, home plate) the bases are arranged in a square and are typically 45 to 65 feet

Diagram of the fastpitch softball field

the maximum outfield distance is stated to be 250 feet

baselines for a field is 60 feet.

from Pitchers Mound to Home Plate 35 to 40 feet

Rim of the Infield is 60 feet

coaches box is 15 feet * 3 feet

Equipment Ball

size of circumferences: 30.5±0.3 cm

between 6.25 oz and 7.0 oz

surface: leather colour:yellow

Bats

materials: wood, meta

logo:used in ompetition must have an ASA-approved stamp

Uniforms

include a shirt, undershirt,baseball socks, cap, visor and shorts.

Gloves

worn by the defensive team members

materials: leather or a sturdy fabric.

size:similar to baseball gloves, but allows larger sizes up to 14 inches

Helmets

must have two ear flaps.

must wear a protective helmet, a face mask and a chest protector

How long is the game?

The game is played in usually 7 innings. Each inning is divided into a top half, in which the visiting te

am bats and tries to score runs, while the home team occupies the field and tries to record 3 outs; then a bottom half, when the teams' roles are reversed.

Most ASA rules specify 5 innings and a maximum time of 1.5 hours.

Catching

a very important part of fast pitch softball

Without a fast-paced catcher, the pitcher will not succeed.

If there is a bad pitch that hits the ground, the catcher needs to block it so runs do not score, and runners do not advance on the bases.

Catchers are responsible for throwing runners out when they try and steal bases.

How to win a softball game?

Having played seven innings, the team that has acquired the most number of runs will emerge victorious.

In order to score a run, the player will have to touch the home plate, having run past the bases in order, without committing any fouls.

If the home team is leading by 10 runs after three and a half innings, or the visiting team is leading by 10 runs after four innings, the game may end prematurely.

Let us see a video about softball fastpitch game.