Softball

Softball is a variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. It was invented in 1887
in Chicago as an indoor game. It was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground,
softbund ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies' baseball. The
name softball was given to the game in 1926. A tournament held in 1933 at the Chicago World's
Fair spurred interest in the game. The Amateur Softball Association of America (founded 1933) governs the
game in the United States and sponsors annual sectional and World Series championships. The World
Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) regulates rules of play in more than 110 countries, including the
United States and Canada; before the WBSC was formed in 2013, the International Softball Federationfilled
this role. Women's fast-pitch softball became a Summer Olympic sport in 1996, but it (and baseball) were
dropped in 2005 from the 2012 games.
There are two types of softball. In the most common type, slow-pitch softball, the ball, sometimes larger
than the standard 12 inches, must arch on its path to the batter; there are 10 players in a team; and
bunting and stealing are prohibited. In fastpitch softball, the pitch is fast, there are nine players on the field
at one time, and bunting and stealing are permitted. Softball rules vary somewhat from those of baseball.
Two major differences are that the ball must be pitched underhandfrom 46 ft. (14 m) for men or 43 ft,
and 35ft for 10u, 8u, and 6u girls. (12 m) for women as compared with 60.5 ft. (18.4 m) in baseballand
that seven innings instead of nine constitute a regulation game.
Despite the name, the ball used in softball is not very soft. It is about 12 in. (30.5 cm) in circumference (11
or 12 in. for slow-pitch), which is 3 in. (8 cm) larger than a baseball. The infield in softball is smaller than
on a baseball diamond; each base is 60 ft (18 m) from the next, as opposed to baseball's 90 ft. (27 m).
History
The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. It took place
at the Farragut Boat Club at a gathering to hear the outcome of the Yale and Harvard football game. When
the score was announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard
supporter. The other person grabbed a stick and swung at it. George Hancock called out "Play ball!" and
the game began, with the boxing glove tightened into a ball, a broom handle serving as a bat. This first
contest ended with a score of 41-40. The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded.
George Hancock is credited as the game's inventor for his development of ball and an undersized bat in
the next week. The Farragut Club soon set rules for the game, which spread quickly to outsiders.
Envisioned as a way for baseball players to maintain their skills during the winter, the sport was called
"Indoor Baseball" Under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved outside in the next year, and the
first rules were published in 1889.
In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. of Minneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise for firefighters; this game
was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball.Rober's version of the
game used a ball 12 inches (305 mm) in circumference, rather than the 16-inch (406 mm) ball used by the
Farragut club, and eventually the Minneapolis ball prevailed, although the dimensions of the Minneapolis
diamond were passed over in favor of the dimensions of the Chicago one. Rober may not have been
familiar with the Farragut Club rules. The first softball league outside the United States was organized
in Toronto in 1897.
The name "softball" dates back to 1926. The name was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA at a
meeting of the National Recreation Congress. (In addition to "indoor baseball", "kitten ball", and "diamond
ball", names for the game included "mush ball", and "pumpkin ball".) The name softball had spread across
the United States by 1930. By the 1930s, similar sports with different rules and names were being played
all over the United States and Canada. The formation of the Joint Rules Committee on Softball in 1934
standardized the rules and naming throughout the United States.
Sixteen-inch softball, also sometimes referred to as "mushball" or "super-slow pitch", is a direct descendant
of Hancock's original game. Defensive players are not allowed to wear fielding gloves. Sixteen-inch softball
is played extensively in Chicago, where devotees such as the late Mike Royko consider it the "real" game,
and New Orleans. In New Orleans, sixteen-inch softball is called "Cabbage Ball" and is a popular team sport
in area elementary and high schools.
By the 1940s, fast pitch began to dominate the game. Although slow pitch was present at the 1933 World's
Fair, the main course of action taken was to lengthen the pitching distance. Slow pitch achieved formal

recognition in 1953 when it was added to the program of the Amateur Softball Association, and within a
decade had surpassed fast pitch in popularity.
The first British women's softball league was established in 1952.
In 1991, women's fast-pitch softball was selected to debut at the 1996 Summer Olympics. The 1996
Olympics also marked a key era in the introduction of technology in softball. The IOC funded a landmark
bio-mechanical study on pitching during the games.
In 2002, sixteen-inch slow pitch was written out of the ISF official rules, although it is still played
extensively in the United States under The Amateur Softball Association of America, or ASA rules.
The 117th meeting of the International Olympic Committee, held in Singapore in July 2005, voted to drop
softball and baseball as Olympic sports for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Other sanctioning bodies of softball are AAU, NSA, PONY, ASA, ISC, USSSA, Tripple Crown and ISA.
Overview[edit]
Softball is played between two teams on a large field, with 9 players from one team on the field at a time.
The field is usually composed of a dirt or brick-dust infieldthat contains the quadrilateral shape and
running areas, and a grass outfield. However, the field can consist of other solid and dry surfaces such as
artificial turf or asphalt. There are 4 bases on the infield (first base, second base, third base, and home
plate); the bases are arranged in a square and are typically 45 to 65 feet (13,7 to 19,8 meters) apart. Near
the center of this square is the pitcher's circle, and within the circle is the "rubber", a small flat rectangular
piece of rubber about a foot and a half in length. The rubber can be 40 or 43 feet away from home plate,
depending on age level and the league one is playing in. The object of the game is to score
more runs (points) than the other team by batting (hitting) a ball into play and running around the bases,
touching each one in succession. The ball is a sphere of light material, covered with leather or synthetic
material. It is 10 to 12 inches (or rarely, 16 inches[12]) (28 to 30.5 centimeters) in circumference. The game
is officiated by one or more neutral umpires. Players and umpires are generally free to ask for a brief
stoppage at any time when the ball is not in play, or immediately following a play once its outcome is
clear.
The game is played in usually 7 innings. Each inning is divided into a top half, in which the visiting team
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. Youth leagues may play 6-inning games; most ASA and
middle school rules specify 5 innings and a maximum time of 1.5 hours.
To start play, the offense sends a batter to home plate. The batting order must be fixed at the start of the
game, and players may not bat out of turn. The defense'spitcher stands atop the rubber and throws
"(pitches") the ball towards home plate using an underhanded motion. If the pitcher is playing in a fast
pitch league, they must have both feet intact with the pitching rubber at all times. If the pitcher is playing
in a slow pitch league, the pitcher is allowed to take one step back prior to releasing the ball during the
forward movement. The batter attempts to hit the pitched ball with a bat, a long, round, smooth stick
made of wood, metal or composite. A pitch must fly over the home plate within an area known as
the strike zone: it must cross over home plate, and as it crosses it must be above the knees and slightly
below the shoulders (roughly the armpit or the shirt logo). The strike zone therefore varies from batter to
batter, and the umpire behind home plate is the sole arbiter of what is or is not a valid pitch. A pitch
outside the strike zone is a ball, and if the batter reaches 4 balls, the batter is awarded the first base. A
pitch that crosses the strike zone is a strike, and a batter who reaches 3 strikes is out (a strikeout), and the
next batter in the order comes to bat. A strike is also recorded on any pitch that the batter swings at and
misses entirely, and also on a pitch that is hit foul (out of play). A foul ball may or may not result in a
strikeout dependent upon what association and local league rules. However, bunting a foul ball does result
in a strikeout. In some associations and leagues, bunting is not allowed and results in an out.
The batter attempts to swing the bat and hit the ball fair (into the field of play). After a successful hit the
batter becomes a baserunner (or runner) and must run to first base. The defense attempts to field the ball
and may throw the ball freely between players, so one player can field the ball while another moves to a
position to put out the runner. The defense can tag the runner, by touching the runner with the ball while
the runner is not on a base. The defense can also touch first base while in possession of the ball; in this
case it is sufficient to beat the batter to first base and an actual tag of the batter is unnecessary. A runner
is said to be "thrown out" when the play involves two or more defensive players. Runners generally cannot
be put out when touching a base, but only one runner may occupy a base at any time and runners may not
pass each other. When a ball is batted into play, runners generally must attempt to advance if there are no
open bases behind them; for example, a runner on first base must run to second base if the batter puts the

ball in play. In such a situation, the defense can throw to the base that the lead runner is attempting to
take (a force out), and the defense can then also throw to the previous base. This can result in a multipleout play: a double play is two outs, while a triple play, a very rare occurrence, is three outs. Runners with
an open base behind them are not forced to advance and do so at their own risk; the defense must tag
such runners directly to put them out rather than tagging the base.
A ball hit in the air and caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter out. A fly
ball is a ball hit high and deep, a pop fly is a ball hit high but short, and a line drive is a ball hit close to the
horizontal. After the catch, runners must return to their original bases; if the defense throws the ball to that
base before the runner returns, the runner is out as well, resulting in a double play. A runner who remains
on the base until the ball is touched, or returns to the base (tags up) after the catch, may try to advance to
the next base, at the risk of being tagged out between bases. As in baseball, the infield fly rule applies in
some game situations to prevent the defense from recording multiple force outs by deliberately dropping
an easy catch.
Offensive strategy is mostly just to hit the ball skillfully to let the batter reach base and advance other
runners around the bases to score runs. The count of balls and strikes indicates how aggressive the batter
should be. The offense may try to sacrifice, with the batter deliberately making an out in order to advance
runners. Defensive strategy is more complex, as particular situations (number of outs and positions of
baserunners) and particular batters call for different positioning of fielders and different tactical decisions.
The defense may decide to allow a run if it can achieve one or multiple outs.
Gameplay
The playing field is divided into 'fair territory' and 'foul territory'. Fair territory is further divided into the
'infield', and the 'outfield', and the territory beyond the outfield fence.
The field is defined by 'foul lines' that meet at a right angle at 'home plate'. The minimum length of the
baselines varies classification of play (see below for official measurements). A fence running between the
baselines defines the limits of the field; distance from home plate to the fence varies by field.
Behind home plate is a 'backstop'. It must be between 25 and 30 feet (7.62 and 9.14 meters) behind home
plate depending on the type of division that is playing.
'Home Plate' is one corner of a diamond with 'bases' at each corner. The bases other than home plate are
15 in (38 cm) square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than 5 in (13 cm) thick. The bases are
usually securely fastened to the ground. The bases are numbered counter clockwise as first base, second
base, and third base. Often, but not always, outside first base (that is, in foul territory) and adjacent and
connected to it, there is a contrast-colored "double base" or "safety base". It is intended to prevent
collisions between the first baseman and the runner. The runner runs for the foul portion of the double
base after hitting the ball while the fielding team tries to throw the ball to the regular first base before the
runner reaches the safety base. However, not all softball diamonds have these safety bases and they are
much more common in women's softball than in men's. The double base is required in ISF championships.
The infield consists of the diamond and the adjacent space in which the infielders (see below) normally
play. The outfield is the remaining space between the baselines and between the outfield fence and the
infield. The infield is usually "skinned" (dirt), while the outfield has grass in regulation competitions.
Near the center of the diamond is the pitching plate. In fast pitch, a skinned circle 16 feet (4.88 meters) in
diameter known as the pitching circle is around the pitching plate. [13]
A field is officially required to have a warning track between 15 and 12 feet (5 and 4 meters) from the
outfield fence. However, if the game is being played on a field larger than required, no warning track is
required before the temporary outfield fencing.
Located in foul territory outside both baselines are two 'Coach's Boxes'. Each box is behind a line 15 feet (5
meters) long located 12 feet (3 meters) from each baseline.
Official baseline dimensions
Fast Pitch
Baselines

60 feet

Slow Pitch Baselines

70 feet (21.34 m) or 65 feet (19.81 m) or more depending on the

Wheelchair
Baselines

50 feet

(18.29 m)

association and level of play

(15.24 m)

Fast pitch pitching distances

Under 18 Girls / 8 and under is
coach pitch.
College and Adult

Female

Male

Under 16

10 and under is 35' kid pitch

distance. 12 and under is 40' kid
pitch distance. 14 and older is 43'
kid pitch distance.
Female

Male

Female

Male
43 feet (13.11 m)

43 feet
46 feet
(13.11 m (14.02 m 43 feet (13.11 m)
)
)

43 feet (13.11 m)

43 feet
(13.11 m) or
30 feet
(9.14 m)

There is a little league

distance also; 35 feet for
minors, 38 feet for majors, 43
feet for middle school.

Slow pitch pitching distances

Adult

Youth

1419 years

50 feet
(15.24 m)

50 feet
(15.24 m)

Kids

15-16 yrs
(Female)

46 feet (14.02 m)

1214 years

40 feet
(12.19 m)

Wheelchair

<12 years

35 feet
(10.67 m)

28 feet
(8.53 m)

Equipment
Equipment required in softball includes a ball, a bat (metal or wooden), gloves, uniforms and protective
gear: for example, helmets for the offensive team and a helmet, shin guards and chest protector for the
defensive catcher. Also cleats, sliding shorts, face masks and knee sliders may be worn for softball. This is
the most important part of the game, because if you do not have the right equipment then you are not
going to be very successful.
Ball
Despite the sport's name, softballs are not especially soft. The size of the ball varies according to the
classification of play; the permitted circumferences in international play are 120.125 in (30.50.3 cm), in
weight between 6.25 oz (178 g) and 7.0 oz (198.4 g) in fast pitch; 110.125 in (29.70.3 cm), weight
between 5.875 oz (166.5 g) and 6.125 oz (173.6 g) in slow pitch. For comparison, under the current rules
of Major League Baseball, a baseball weighs between 5 and 5 14ounces (142 and 149 g), and is
9 to 9 14 inches (229235 mm) in circumference (2 783 in or 7376 mm in diameter). A 12-inch
circumference ball is generally used in slow pitch, although in rare cases some leagues (especially
recreational leagues) do use a 14-inch circumference ball. Some balls have a raised seam, and others do
not. The ball is most often covered in white or yellow leather in two pieces roughly the shape of a figure-8
and sewn together with red thread, although other coverings are permitted. The core of the ball may be
made of long fiber kapok, or a mixture of cork and rubber, or a polyurethane mixture, or another approved
material.
In 2004, high-visibility yellow "optic" covering, long-used for restricted flight balls in co-ed recreational
leagues, became standard for competitive play. Yellow is the color of official NCAA and NAIA softballs.

Yellow softballs are fast becoming the standard for all levels of play for girls' and women's play in
particular. White balls are also allowed, but are much more common in slow pitch than in fast pitch.
In Chicago, where softball was invented, it remains traditional to play with a ball 16 inches (41
centimeters) in circumference. The fielders do not wear gloves or mitts. A 16" softball when new is rough
and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not "give" when receiving a ball,
[17]
but the ball "breaks in" slightly during a game and continues to soften over time with continued play. A
well-broken-in ball is called a mush ball and is favoured for informal "pick-up" games and when playing in
limited space, such as a city street (because the ball does not go as far). A 16-inch ball is also used for
wheelchair softball.
Bat
The bat used by the batter can be made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials such as carbon fiber.
Sizes may vary but they may be no more than 34 inches (86 cm) long, 2.25 inches (6 cm) in diameter, or
38 oz. (1.2 kilograms) in weight. The standard bat barrel diameter for both slowpitch and fastpitch softball
is 214 inches. Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces weight and allows higher swing speed.
Gloves
All defensive players wear fielding gloves, made of leather or similar material. Gloves have webbing
between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket". The first baseman and the catcher may wear
mitts; mitts are distinguished from gloves in that they have extra padding, and no fingers. No part of the
glove is allowed to be the same color as that of the ball, including that of its seams. Gloves used in softball
are usually larger than the ones used in baseball. No glove larger than 14" (36 cm) can be used in ASA
sanctioned play.
Uniform
Each team wears a distinctive uniform. The uniform includes a cap or visor, a shirt (usually sleeveless),
tight sliding undershorts (these are optional), socks, and pants; these are the components for which
standards are set.
Caps, visors, and headbands are optional for female players, and sometimes have to be the same color.
Caps are mandatory for male players. A fielder who chooses to wear a helmet (see below) is not required
to wear a cap.
Many female players use "sliding shorts", otherwise known as compression shorts in other sports. These
shorts help to protect the upper thigh when sliding into a base. "Sliders" may also be worn for similar
protection. These are somewhat padded shinguards that extend usually from the ankle to the knee of the
wearer and wrap all the way around the leg(s). They protect the shin, calf, etc. from getting bruised or
damaged while sliding into homeplate and make it much more comfortable to slide into the plate. Most
male players use long, baseball-style pants.
At the back of the uniform, an Arabic numeral from numbers 0 through 99 must be visible. Numbers such
as 02 and 2 are considered identical. Also, on the back of the uniforms players' names are optional.
All players are required to wear shoes. They may have cleats or spikes. The spikes must extend less than
0.75 inch (19 mm) away from the sole. Rounded metal spikes are illegal, as are ones made from hard
plastic or other synthetic materials. High school athletes are sometimes permitted to wear metal cleats,
such as in Ohio.
Many recreational leagues prohibit the use of metal cleats or spikes to reduce the possible severity of
injuries when a runner slides feet-first into a fielder. At all youth (under 15) levels, in co-ed (the official
terminology for mixed teams) slow pitch, and in modified pitch, metal spikes are usually not allowed.
Protective equipment
A helmet must have two ear flaps, one on each side. Helmets and cages that are damaged or altered are
forbidden. Helmets must be worn by batters and runners in fastpitch. Helmets are optional in slowpitch. In
NCAA fastpitch softball you have the option to wear a helmet with or without a face mask. Most female
travel ball teams for fast pitch softball require the batter to wear a helmet with a face mask. In male
fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons. In fast pitch, the catcher must wear a
protective helmet with a face-mask and throat protector, shin guards and body protector. Shin guards also
protect the kneecap.
In slow pitch, the catcher must wear a helmet and mask at youth levels. At adult levels, there is no formal
requirement for the catcher to wear a mask, although the official rules recommend it. A female catcher
may optionally wear a body protector in slow pitch.

There is an option to wear a face mask on the field. It is recommended in lower age groups.
In any form of softball, any player (other than fast pitch catchers on defense) can wear a protective face
mask or face guard. As usual, it must be in proper condition and not damaged, altered, or the like. This is
intended to prevent facial injuries.
Umpires
Decisions about plays are made by umpires, similar to a referee in American football. The number of
umpires on a given game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven. There is never more
than one "plate umpire"; there can be up to three "base umpires", and up to a further three umpires
positioned in the outfield. Most fast pitch games use a crew of two umpires (one plate umpire, one base
umpire).
The plate umpire often uses an indicator (sometimes called a clicker or counter) to keep track of the game
Official umpires are often nicknamed "blue", because of their uniforms in many jurisdictions, most
significantly ISF, NCAA and ASA games, umpires wear navy blue slacks, a light powder blue shirt, and a
navy baseball cap. Some umpires wear a variant of the uniform: some umpires in ASA wear heather gray
slacks and may also wear a navy blue shirt; umpires from the USSSA wear red shirts with black
shorts; National Softball Association (NSA) umpires wear an official NSA white-colored umpire shirt with
black pants or black shorts; NSA Fast-Pitch umpires wear the white NSA umpires shirt and heather gray
slacks.
Decisions are usually indicated by both the use of hand signals, and by vocalizing the call. Safe calls are
made by signaling with flat hands facing down moving away from each other, and a verbal call of "safe".
Out calls are made by raising the right hand in a clenched fist, with a verbal call of "out". Strikes are called
by the plate umpire, who uses the same motion as the out call with a verbal call of "strike". Balls are only
called verbally, with no hand gesture. The umpire also has the option of not saying anything on a ball. It is
understood that when he stands up, the pitch was not a strike. Foul balls are called by extending both
arms up in the air with a verbal call of "foul ball", while fair balls are indicated only by pointing towards fair
territory with no verbal call. No signal is given for balls that are obviously foul and for closer calls that are
not borderline; a mere acknowledgement signal is given.
All decisions made by the umpire(s) are considered to be final. Only decisions where a rule might have
been misinterpreted are considered to be protestable. At some tournaments there might be a rules
interpreter or Tournament Chief Umpire (TCU) (also known as the Umpire In Chief, or UIC) available to pass
judgment on such protests, but it is usually up to the league or association involved to decide if the protest
would be upheld. Protests are never allowed on what are considered "judgment calls" balls, strikes, and
fouls.

Gameplay
A softball game can last anywhere from 3 to 9 innings, depending on the league, rules, and type of
softball; however 7 innings is the most common. In each inning, each team bats until three batters have
been put out (see below). The teams take turns batting. Officially, which team bats first is decided by a
coin toss,[13] although a league may decide otherwise at its discretion. The most common rule is that the
home team bats second. Batting second is also called "last at-bat". Many softball players prefer to bat
second because they feel they have more control in the last inning, since they have the last at-bat.
In the event of a tie, extra innings are usually played until the tie is broken except in certain tournaments
and championships. If the home team is leading and the road team has just finished its half of the seventh
inning, the game ends because it is not necessary for the home team to bat again. In all forms of softball,
the defensive team is the fielding team; the offensive team is at bat or batting and is trying to score runs.
Pitching
Play begins with the umpire saying "Play Ball". After the batter is ready and all fielders (except the catcher)
are in fair territory, the pitcher stands at the pitching plate and attempts to throw the ball past the batter
to the catcher behind home plate. The throw, or pitch, must be made with an underarm motion often
called the "windmill" motion: the ball must be released below the hip when the hand is no farther from the
hip than the elbow to get it in the strike zone.
A windmill motion is done by extending the throwing hand around the body and releasing the ball at about
hip level at maximum speeds. Strength acquired in the underhand windmill motion is based from the open
to close hip motion. Without correct form and hip movement, pitches can be inaccurate and can lose
strength and speed. In girls' fastpitch, 12u up to 18u level can throw between 30 mph and 60 mph, or
more. Girls who can pitch at the faster speeds are mainly recruited to play Division 1 college softball.
However, speed is not always the most important factor in fastpitch softball. Pitchers can throw balls that
curve inwards (screwball) and outwards (curveball) on right-handed batters. There are also riseballs that
move upwards and out of the strikezone (as an attempt to force the batter to swing or cause them to hit a
weak pop-up), drop balls and drop curves (to cause the batter to hit groundballs; this is important at the
higher levels where strikeouts occur less often). The other common pitches are change-up and fastballs. A
change of pace (off-speed) is also very important, good pitchers will be able to throw all their pitches at
varying speeds and possibly even different pitching motions. Pitchers use deception as a primary tactic for
getting batters out as the reaction times are approximately half a second or less.
The pitcher tries to throw the ball so that it passes through the "strike zone". However, in advanced play a
highly skilled pitcher may deliberately pitch a ball outside the strike zone if she believes the batter is likely
to swing. In other instances, such as when an extremely powerful hitter comes up to bat and they are
followed by a weaker hitter, a pitcher may deliberately walk the first batter based on the calculation that
the next batter will be an easy out. The strike zone is slightly different in different forms of softball. A pitch
that passes through that zone is a "strike". A pitch that the batter swings at is also a strike, as is any hit
ball that lands in foul territory.
A pitch which is not a strike and which the batter does not swing at what is a "ball". The number of balls
and strikes is called the "count". The number of balls is always given first, as 2 and 1, 2 and 2, and so on. A
count of 3 and 2 is a "full count", since the next ball or strike will end the batter's turn at the plate, unless
the ball goes foul.
Various illegal acts done by the pitcher, such as "crow-hopping" are called an illegal pitch. A "crow hop"
occurs when the pitcher pushes with the pivot foot from somewhere other than the pitching plate. This
often involves jumping from the pitching plate and replanting somewhere in front of the pitching plate. The
umpire sticks his left arm out straight to the side and clenches his fist. This results in a ball being awarded
to the batter, and any runners on base advancing to the next base. The batter has the option to swing at
the pitch that is deemed illegal, the defense is given the option of result of the play or the penalty listed
previously. Image to the right demonstrates a legal pitch as the push-off foot has not left the ground. The
ball must be released simultaneously with the lead leg step.
In 16-inch softball, the pitch is lobbed. Umpires will make calls based on where the ball lands behind the
plate. A pitch in "the well" is considered a perfect pitch.
In fast pitch softball, there are various types of pitches. Some are: the fastball, changeup, dropball, riseball,
screwball, curveball, dropcurve, dropchange.
At higher levels of play, pitchers aim for the inner and outer corners of the plate when throwing fastballs.
Pitchers also vary throwing fastballs at different heights to make hitting the ball even harder for the

individual up at bat. Similarly, both the dropball and the riseball are pitches that change heights. To the
batter, the dropball appears to be coming in level but then as the ball reaches the plate, the pitch drops,
trying to force the batter to hit the top of the ball. This should result in the batter hitting a groundball.
When pitchers throw riseballs, batters see the ball coming in straight, but when the ball reaches the plate,
it rises. The purpose of the riseball is to have the batter hit an easy pop-fly or strike out. Another pitch that
breaks at the last minute is the curveball. When pitchers throw curveballs they snap their wrist and follow
their arm across their body, making the ball curve to the outside of the plate. Pitchers can also make the
ball curve to the inside of the plate by snapping their wrist the opposite direction (away from their
body).The one pitch that drastically changes speed is the changeup, disrupting the batters timing.
Fast pitch pitches may reach high speeds; At the 1996 Summer Olympics one pitch reached 73.3 miles per
hour (118 kilometers per hour).[21] Male pitching can reach speeds around 85 miles per hour (137
kilometers per hour).
Batters
The offensive team sends one "batter" at a time to home plate to use the bat to try to hit the pitch forward
into fair territory. The order the players bat in, known as the "batting order", must stay the same
throughout the game. Substitutes and replacements must bat in the same position as the player they are
replacing. In co-ed, male and female batters must alternate.
The batter stands facing the pitcher inside a "batter's box" (there is one on each side of the plate to
compensate for either right or left handed batters). The bat is held with both hands, over the shoulder, and
away from the pitcher (90 degree angle). The ball is usually hit with a full swinging motion in which the bat
may move through more than 360 degrees. The batter usually steps forward with the front foot, the body
weight shifts forward, as the batter simultaneously swings the bat. Abunt (baseball) is another form of
batting. There are different types, including a [sacrifice bunt], or [slap bunt]. There is also regular slapping
in which a batter takes position on the left side of the plate and usually stands in the back of the box, but it
is possible form anywhere. The batter takes a step back with their leading foot as the pitcher is in the
middle of the windup, crosses over with their back foot and runs toward first base while they swing. There
are many different types of slapping and they all vary depending on the batter and their strengths. There
are half swing slaps, fake slaps, and full swing slaps. Each type of slap has a different purpose or goal. No
matter what way the batter hits the ball, they must be inside the batter's box when the bat makes contact
with the ball. If the batter steps out of the box while swinging, the batter is out.
Once the ball is hit into fair territory the runner must try to advance to first base or beyond. While running
to first base, the batter is a "batter-runner". When she safely reaches first (see below) she becomes a
"base-runner" or "runner".
A batted ball hit high in the air is a "fly ball". A fly ball hit upward at an angle greater than 45 degrees is a
"pop fly". A batted ball driven in the air through the infield at a height at which an infielder could play it if
in the right position is a "line drive". A batted ball which hits the ground within the diamond is a "ground
ball". If a batted ball hits a player or a base, it is considered to have hit the ground.
A batter can also advance to first if hit by the pitch. If a batter is hit by the pitch it is a dead ball and she is
rewarded first base. She must make an attempt to get out of the way and it is the umpire's judgmental call
whether the batter attempted to move. If he feels the batter could have moved and avoided getting hit he
or she will not reward the batter first base and the pitch will be recorded as a ball.
Getting the batter out
The batter is out if: three strikes are called (a "strikeout"); a ball hit by the batter is caught before touching
the ground (a "flyout"); the batter goes to a base that is already tagged ("tagged" or "tag play"); a fielder
holding the ball touches a base which is the only base towards which the batter may run before the batter
arrives there (a "force out" or "force play"); or in certain special circumstances. There is also a not so
common occurrence when the batter has 2 strikes and swings at strike three. If the catcher doesn't catch
the ball, the batter has the chance to run to first base and the catcher can throw the batter out at first
base.
Advancing around the bases
If the player hits the ball and advances to a base without a fielding error or an out being recorded, then
that is called a "base hit". The bases must be reached in order counterclockwise, starting with first base.
After hitting the ball the batter may advance as many bases as possible. An advance to first base on the
one hit is a "single", to second base is a "double", to third base is a "triple", and to home plate is a "home
run". Home runs are usually scored by hitting the ball over the outfield fence, but may be scored on a hit
which does not go over the fence. A home run includes any ball that bounces off a fielder and goes over

the fence in fair-territory (depending upon association and local league rules) or that hits the foul pole. If a
batted ball bounces off a fielder (in fair territory) and goes over the fence in foul territory, or if it goes over
the fence at a location that is closer than the official distance, the batter is awarded a double instead.
If a runner becomes entitled to the base where another runner is standing, the latter runner must advance
to the next base. For example, if a player hits the ball and there is a runner on first, the runner on first
must try to advance to second because the batter-runner is entitled to first base. If the batter reaches first
base without being put out, then that player can then be forced to run towards second base the next time
a ball is driven into fair territory. That is because the player must vacate first base to allow the next batter
to reach it, and consequently can only go to second base, where a force out may be recorded.
Runners may advance at risk to be put out: on a hit by another player; after a fly ball has been caught,
provided the player was touching a base at the time the ball was first touched or after; or (in fast pitch)
automatically, when a pitch is delivered illegally.
Runners advance without liability to be put out: when a walk advances another player to the runner's
current base; or automatically in certain special circumstances described below. [
Special circumstances
If there is a "wild throw" (or "overthrow") in which the ball goes out of the designated play area, each
runner is awarded two (2) bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw. Retreating past a
made base, negates the advance to that base. If a fielder intentionally carries a ball out of play, two (2)
bases are awarded from the time the ball leaves the field of play. If this is unintentional (fielder's
momentum), the award is one (1) base. If on a tag play, the fielder loses control (after establishing control)
of the ball and it leaves the field of play, one (1) base is awarded.
If there is a "wild pitch" in which the ball goes out of the designated play area, each runner is awarded one
(1) base from the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
In fast pitch, runners may try to get a "stolen base" by running to the next base on the pitch and reaching
it before being tagged with the ball. The point at which a runner can steal a base varies. In fast pitch, the
runner is allowed to begin stealing a base when the ball is released from the "windmill" pitching motion,
but until recently, stealing was forbidden in slow pitch because a runner has the opportunity to get a larger
head start while the slow pitch is making its way to the batter. As a result of rule changes initiated by the
Independent Softball Association which later made its way to the Amateur Softball Association and the
International Softball Federation in the 21st century, most levels of slow pitch permit stealing bases,
provided the runner starts when the ball either touches the ground or crosses the plate. This rule
encourages pitchers to be more responsible with the pitch and catchers to play defense, as balls which
miss the catcher are now grounds to have stolen bases.
No matter what level of play, all baserunners must keep one foot on a base until the pitcher throws the ball
or until the ball crosses the front edge of home plate (depends on association).
In fast pitch, if the catcher drops strike three (a "passed ball") with less than two outs, the batter can
attempt to run to first base if first base is unoccupied. The catcher must then attempt to throw the ball to
first base ahead of the runner. If he or she cannot, the runner is safe. With two outs, the batter can
attempt to run to first whether or not it is already occupied.
Depending on the league in slow pitch only a foul ball with two strikes on the batter means the batter is
out. Stealing in 16-inch softball is severely restricted, as a runner may only steal the base in front of them
if it is open, and if they are thrown at, " la" pickoff move or snap throw. This results in many inexperienced
players being thrown or doubled off when they attempt to advance on a wild pickoff at another baserunner.
Scoring runs
A "run" is scored when a player has touched all four bases in order, proceeding counterclockwise around
them. They need not be touched on the same play; a batter may remain safely on a base while play
proceeds and attempt to advance on a later play.
A run is not scored if the last out is a force out or occurs during the same play that the runner crosses
home plate. For instance, if a runner is on third base prior to a hit, and he or she crosses home plate after
an out is made, either on the batter or another runner, the run is not counted.
Ending the game
The team with the most runs after seven innings wins the game. The last (bottom) half of the seventh
inning or any remaining part of the seventh inning is not played if the team batting second is leading.

If the game is tied, play usually continues until a decision is reached, by using the international tie-breaker
rule. Starting in the top of the eighth inning, the batting team starts with a base-runner on second base,
which is the player who is the last available to bat (in other words, the batter who last took their position in
the batter's box; regardless whether they were the last out or another runner was put out).
In games where one team leads by a large margin, the run ahead rule may come into play in order to avoid
embarrassing weaker teams. In fast pitch and modified pitch, a margin of 15 runs after three innings, 10
after four, or 7 after five is sufficient for a win to be declared for the leading team. In slow pitch, the margin
is 20 runs after four innings or 15 after five innings. In the NCAA, the required margin after 5 innings is 8
runs. The mercy rule takes effect at the end of an inning. Thus, if the team batting first is ahead by enough
runs for the rule to come into effect, the team batting second is given their half of the inning to try to
narrow the margin.
A game may be lost due to a "forfeit". A score of 70 for the team not at fault is recorded (generally one
run is awarded for each inning that would have been played). A forfeit may be called due to any of these
circumstances: if a team does not show up to play; if one side refuses to continue play; if a team fails to
resume play after a suspension of play ends; if a team uses tactics intended to unfairly delay or hasten the
game; if a player removed from the game does not leave within one minute of being instructed to do so; if
a player that cannot play enters the game and one pitch has been thrown; if a team does not have, for
whatever reason, enough players to continue; or if after warning by the umpire, a player continues to
intentionally break the rules of the game. This last rule is rarely enforced as players who break rules after
being warned are usually removed.
The plate umpire may suspend play because of darkness or anything that puts players or spectators in
danger. If five innings have been played, the game is recorded as it stands. This includes ties. If fewer than
four innings have been played, the game is not considered a "regulation" game.
Games that are not regulation or are regulation ties are resumed from the point of suspension. If it is a
championship game, it is replayed from the beginning. Team rosters may be changed.
Positions
There are nine players out on the field at one time. Although the pitcher and catcher have the ball the
most, each person has a specific job. In the infield there is the pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second
baseman, shortstop, and third baseman. In the outfield there is left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
In slow pitch softball there is an extra outfielder in the outfield, who is specified as a roamer. Normally, the
defensive team will play with four outfielders, meaning there is a left fielder, left-center fielder, right-center
fielder, and right fielder.
Pitcher
The pitcher is the individual who throws the ball from the middle of the diamond. As in baseball, fastpitch
softball has a rubber used to control the pitchers delivery. A pitcher must have both feet on the rubber at
the start of their delivery but neither foot is on the rubber when the ball is released. In baseball the rubber
is on a mound of dirt as gravity is used to generate speed. In softball the pitchers throw from within a circle
and the rubber in the circle is not elevated. The circle is also used to control base runners. When the
pitcher is in possession of the ball in the circle, a runner who has passed a base must either advance or
return to the base. They cannot "bait" the pitcher to throw or they will be called out. The pitcher usually
throws the ball in the strike zone. In softball, the pitcher uses an underarm motion to pitch the ball towards
the strike zone. As soon as the pitcher makes a throw, the fielders are ready to field balls that are hit in the
middle of the diamond. Pitchers usually tend to be tall, very flexible and have good upper body strength.
Pitchers can be right-handed or left-handed. The softball pitcher makes a windmill motion while throwing
under hand, unlike baseball pitchers who throw over hand.
Catcher
The catcher is normally behind home plate in a squatted position (some plays may require the catcher to
stand at an angle for intentional walks). At the plate the catcher is responsible for catching pitches,
keeping mispitched balls in front of the plate, calling pitches that are normally done through hand signals,
and they are considered the leaders of the field. Catchers must know how many outs there are, the
number of strikes and balls on the batter so they can relay that to their team-mates. They must also know
how many runners are on base and where the ball should be thrown next in the following play. Catchers
are strong, need to be smart and quick on their feet, and have accurate throws so they can pick runners off
at each base.
First baseman

The first baseman is the position to the right side of the diamond when facing the field. The major role of
the first baseman is to receive throws from other defensive players in order to get a force play at first
base. Another role they play is to make fielding plays on all balls hit towards first base. The first baseman
is usually involved in every play that occurs on the field. Individuals at first base have quick hands, a good
reach and are always on the lookout to catch the player off base. They are also generally taller and lefthanded throwing, which gives them an extended reach. First basemen however, can be both left and right
handed. Just like the catcher, first basemen may wear mitts.
Second baseman
The second baseman plays in between the first baseman and the gap at second. If the ball is hit to the left
side of the field, second covers second base. If the ball is hit on their side of the field, they back up the
fielder, cover first, or field the ball depending on where it is hit.The second baseman also is the cut off on
balls hit to the right side of the outfield. The second baseman also throws directly to the pitcher to prevent
runners from scoring. Mostly, when the ball is hit to the left side of the field, the second basemen plays
second for shortstop. Also, in the case of a bunt, the second baseman must cover first as the first baseman
runs to get the ball from the bunt, then it is often thrown back to first base.
Shortstop
The shortstop fields all balls hit to the infield between the second and third bases. This individual also
helps cover second base, third base and is frequently involved in force plays, double plays and frequently
throws the ball to the catcher to throw out runners at home plate. On steals to second base (when the
runner from first is advancing to second on the pitch) the shortstop usually covers. The shortstop only
doesn't cover second base when a right handed batter is up. In this case, the second baseman covers the
steal. Most short stops are very quick, agile and think fast. They are the captain of the infield as is the
center fielder of the outfield. Shortstops may play in a restricted zone but are faced with many types of
hits and interact closely with the 2nd base, 3rd base and home plate. Often double plays are due to quick
thinking/reaction by the short stop. When a ball is hit up the middle the and the shortstop catches it, they
will flip the ball to the second baseman for the best result. Short stop also takes the cut off for the left field
when the play is at second base. When the ball is hit to the right side of the outfield, the short stop then
covers second base. If there is a runner on first base and there is a hit down the line or in the gap to right
field, the shortstop will then go for the cut to third. Meaning the runner that is going from first to second
will most likely be advancing to third, and in that case, the shortstop will be the cut off for the throw from
right field to third base.[25] Shortstop is one of the most difficult positions to play due to the amount of balls
being hit in that direction.
Third baseman
The third baseman covers all hits to the third base. The third base person also frequently throws the ball to
the catcher trying to throw out the runner at home plate. The individual at third base usually thinks fast
because of the types of hits that commonly occur in that zone. Quick thinking can often stop runners from
scoring or can result in double plays.
Outfielders
The outfielders are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield. Outfielders are named for their
positions in the field relative to home plate. Traditional outfield positions include a left fielder, a center
fielder, and a right fielder. These players usually back up the plays made by the infielders and make plays
when the ball is hit past or over the infield. Because their positions cover a greater range than those of
infielders, outfielders tend to have strong throwing arms. Outfielders are responsible for throwing fielded
balls to a player known as a cut-off person (usually a second baseman or short stop). In this way, the
outfielders more efficiently return the ball to the infield with the goal of preventing baserunners from
advancing to additional bases. In some leagues/ organizations, four outfield players are utilized by each
team, with the center field position being shared between two players known as the left-center fielder and
the right-center fielder.