Softball

Softball is a popular variation of baseball, the difference being that

it is played with a larger ball on a smaller field and with only underhand pitches (where the ball is
released while the hand is primarily below the ball) permitted. Softball is played competitively at club
levels, the college level, and the professional level. The game was first created in 1887 in Chicago by
George Hancock.

There are two rule sets for softball generally: slow pitch softball and fastpitch. Slow pitch softball is
commonly played recreationally, while women's fastpitch softball is a Summer Olympic sport and can be
played professionally.

Depending on the variety being played and the age and gender of the players, the particulars of the field
and equipment will also vary. While distances between bases of 60 feet are standard across varieties, the
pitcher's plate ranges from 35 to 43 feet away from home plate, and the home run fence can be 220 to
300 feet away from home plate.[1] The ball itself is typically 11 or 12 inches (28 or 30 centimetres) in
circumference, though this also depends on specifics of the competition. Softball rules vary in certain
aspects from those of baseball. The game moves at a faster pace than traditional baseball due to the field
being smaller and the bases and the fielders being closer to home plate. Softball is pitched underhand
from flat ground.

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 University and Harvard
University football game.[2] When the score was
announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus
threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The
Harvard fan grabbed a stick and swung at the rolled
up glove.[3] George Hancock, a reporter there, 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.[4] First photo of a softball team, Chicago, 1897
The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded.[5][6]

Hancock is credited as the game's inventor for his development of a 17-inch 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".[7] Under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved outside in the next year,
and the first rules were published in 1889.[7]

In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. of Minneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise for firefighters;[8] this
game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball.[9] Rober's
version of the game used a ball 12 inches (30 cm) in circumference, rather than the 16-inch (41 cm) 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. Fire Station No. 19 in Minneapolis, Rober's post from
1896 to 1906, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part for its association with the
sport's development.[10] The first softball league outside the United
States was organized in Toronto, Ontario, in 1897.

The name "softball" dates back to 1926. The name was coined by
Walter Hakanson of the YMCA[4] at a meeting of the National
Recreation Congress.[11] (In addition to "indoor baseball", "kitten
ball", and "diamond ball", names for the game included "mush ball",
and "pumpkin ball".[4]) The name softball had spread across the
United States by 1930.[11] By the 1930s, similar sports with different
rules and names were being played all over the United States and
Canada. A tournament held in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair
spurred interest in the game. By 1936, the Joint Rules Committee on
Softball had standardized the rules and naming throughout the
United States.[12] Indoor baseball player, 1907

Sixteen-inch softball, also sometimes referred to as "mush ball" or

"super-slow pitch" (although the ball is not soft at all), 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,[13] where devotees such as newspaper columnist Mike Royko consider it the
"real" game,[14] and New Orleans. In New Orleans, sixteen-inch softball is called "Cabbage Ball" or
"batter ball" and is a popular team sport in area elementary and high schools.

The first cork-centered softball was created in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, by Emil "Pops" Kenesky.[15]

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.[7]

The first British women's softball league was established in 1953.[7]

The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum was opened in Oklahoma City, United States, in 1957.

In 1991, women's fast pitch softball was selected to debut at the 1996 Summer Olympics.[4] 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 International Softball Federation (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 Olympics.[16] They were reinstated
for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021.[17]

Other sanctioning bodies of softball are AAU, NSA, PONY, Babe Ruth League, ASA, ISC, USSSA and
Triple Crown.

Overview
Fastpitch softball is played between two teams on a large field, with nine players (in 10u and above; 8u
and below is usually played with ten players on a field at once) from one team on the field at a time.
Slow-pitch softball is played with ten fielders but can be played with
nine if needed.

The softball field is usually composed of a dirt or brick dust infield

that contains the shape and running areas of a diamond and a grass
outfield. However, the field can consist of other solid and dry
surfaces such as artificial turf or asphalt. There are four bases on the
infield: First base, second base, third base, and home plate. The A softball game

bases are arranged in a square and are typically 60 feet (18 m) apart.
Near the center of this square is the pitcher's circle, and within the circle is the "rubber", a small flat
rectangular plate a foot and a half in length. The rubber distance from the plate in fastpitch can be as
short as 35 feet for 10u players up to 43 feet for ages 14 and older.[18] In slow pitch softball, the rubber
distance can be 43, 46 or 50 feet 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 11 to 12 inches (28–30 cm) (or, rarely, 16 in or
41 cm[19]) 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 (called a time out),
or immediately following a play once its outcome is clear.

The game is played in usually seven innings. Each inning is divided into a top half, in which the away
team bats and tries to score runs, while the home team occupies the field and tries to record three outs;
then a bottom half, when the teams' roles are reversed. Some leagues play with a reduced number of
innings or with a time limit, rather than the traditional seven innings.

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's pitcher stands atop the rubber and pitches the
ball towards home plate using an underhand motion. In fast pitch, 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. If the pitcher throws three
strikes against a batter, then the batter is out and the next batter in the order comes up to bat. A strike is
recorded any time a batter swings at and misses a pitch or when a batter hits a ball foul (out of play). A
strike is also recorded any time the batter does not swing at a pitch that crosses home plate within an
area known as the strike zone. In fast pitch, to be within the strike zone, the pitch 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. In slow pitch, the ball must land
on a carpet or marked area behind the plate, therefore standardizing the strike zone. A pitch outside the
strike zone is a ball. If the batter reaches four balls, the batter is awarded the first base in what is known
as a "walk". The umpire behind home plate is the sole arbiter of balls and strikes. 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. Also, if a player has two strikes, swinging and partially hitting the ball can result in an out if
the catcher manages to catch the tipped ball.

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 base runner (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 multiple-out 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 base-runners) 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.

Playing field
The playing field is divided into fair territory and foul territory. Fair
territory is further divided into the infield, and the outfield.

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. The widest part of the field is the distance
between the foul poles, which are erected where the foul lines meet
the fence, and are about 310 to 420 feet (94 to 128 m) apart
Diagram of a softball diamond
depending on the length of the foul lines.

Home plate is one corner of a diamond with bases at each corner. The bases are cushions 15 inches
(38 cm) square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than 5 inches (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" 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 fair portion 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 the U-18 Women's
Softball World Cup.
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, or colloquially "rubber". In fastpitch, a circle 16 feet
(4.9 meters) in diameter known as the pitching circle is market around the pitching plate.[20]

A field is officially required to have a warning track between 15 and 12 feet (4.6 and 3.7 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
(4.6 meters) long located 12 feet (3.7 meters) from each baseline.

Official baseline dimensions

Fast pitch Slow pitch Wheelchair

60 feet 60 to 70 feet (18.29 to 21.34 m) depending on the association and level 50 feet
(18.29 m) of play (15.24 m)

Pitching distances

Slow pitch pitching distances

Adult[21] Youth Kids Wheelchair

13–19 years 10–12 years 7–9 years <7 years

50 feet (15.24 m) 50 feet (15.24 m) 46 feet (14.02 m) 43 feet (13.11 m) Coach pitch 28 feet (8.53 m)

Fast pitch pitching distances

Adult

Female Male

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

Under 16

43 feet (13.11 m)

12 and under

40 feet (12.19 m)

10 and under

35 feet (10.67 m)

8 and under

Coach pitch

Equipment
Equipment required in softball includes a ball, a bat (composite, 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.

Ball
Despite the sport's name, the ball is not actually soft, though it does
have a lower density and greater coefficient of restitution than a
baseball.

The size of the ball varies according to the variety played and age of
the participants. The circumference for fastpitch for adults is
12 ± 0.125 in (30.5 ± 0.3 cm), with a mass between 6.25 and 7.0 oz
(177 and 198 g), while children under 12 use a ball with a
circumference of 11 ± 0.125 in (27.9 ± 0.3 cm) with a mass between
A modern optic yellow softball
5.875 and 6.125 oz (166.6 and 173.6 g). A 12-inch circumference ball
is generally used in slow pitch. (For comparison, a baseball is 9 to
91⁄4 inches (229–235 mm) in circumference and has a mass between 5 and 51⁄4 ounces (142–149 g).[22])

The ball is covered in two pieces of leather or similar synthetic covering that are roughly the shape of a
figure-8 and sewn together along a continuous seam. The core of the ball may be made of long fiber
kapok, a mixture of cork and rubber, a polyurethane mixture, or another approved material.[20]

Before 1993, white balls were standard at all levels of play. In that year, a new, fluorescent optic yellow
colored ball was first used in college softball.[23] Yellow softballs have become the standard for all levels
of play; white balls are also still allowed, but are very uncommon today.

In Chicago, where softball was invented, it remains traditional to play a variant of slow-pitch with a ball
16 inches (41 centimeters) in circumference. The fielders do not wear gloves or mitts.[24] A 16-inch
softball when new is rough and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not
"give" when receiving a ball,[25] 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 favored 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, 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, or
38 ounces (1.1 kg) in mass.[26] The standard barrel diameter for both slow pitch and fast pitch softball
bats is 21⁄4 inches.[27] Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces mass and allows higher swing
speed.

Although there are a variety of bats used, there are several that are banned due to performance
enhancement. For example, with a thinner wall, the ball recoils faster off the bat, allowing it to travel
further. Many bats may be "doctored" or "juiced" by being end loaded, shaved, or painted. End loading
of a cap refers to the addition of weight manually placed at the end of the barrel to distribute more
weight at the tip. Shaving bats require machine use in order to remove the inner walls of the bat to
improve elasticity.[28] Lastly, illegal bats may be painted to resemble legal ones.
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".[29] Gloves used in softball are typically larger
than the ones used in baseball to account for the larger ball. No glove
larger than 14 in (36 cm) can be used in ASA (American Softball
Association) sanctioned play.

While extremely rare in recreational play, there are sometimes

Fielding in softball
different size gloves for different positions on the field. Catchers and
first baseman have what is called a mitt, whose pockets are larger
than other gloves. These are more padded.[30] An outfielder's glove is smaller than the catcher's,
typically 12 inches to 13 inches for fast pitch softball or 12 to 15 inches for slow pitch.[30] An infielder's
glove is the smallest, typically from 11.5 inches to 13 inches.[30] A pitcher's glove is typically 11.5 to 12.5
inches for fast pitch or 11.5 to 13 inches for slow pitch.[30]

No part of the glove is allowed to be the same color as that of the ball, including that of its seams.
Pitchers are also not allowed to have any white on their gloves including the seams. The umpire has
discretion to determine whether any coloring on the glove interferes with or hinders the batter from
seeing the ball clearly.

Uniform
Each team wears a distinctive uniform. The uniform may include a cap, a
shirt displaying team colors and the players' number, sliding undershorts/
compression shorts (optional), socks, and pants/athletic shorts. The team is
required to have all of its members wear the same uniform.[20]

Caps, visors, and headbands are optional for female players, and have to be
the same color. Caps are mandatory for male players. A fielder who chooses
to wear a helmet or face mask is not required to wear a cap.[20]

Many players use "sliding shorts", otherwise known as compression shorts

in other sports. These can be outfitted with a pouch for fitting a protective
cup for male players. These shorts also 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 Fastpitch softball batter in a
knee of the wearer and wrap all the way around the leg(s). They protect the helmet with mask

shin, calf, etc. from getting bruised or damaged while sliding into home
plate and make it much more comfortable to slide into the plate. Some male players use long, baseball-
style pants. However, some female players now wear a shorter version of baseball 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.
[20]

All players are required to wear shoes. They may have cleats or spikes. The spikes must extend less than
0.75 in (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.[31]
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
Helmets must be worn by batters and runners. A helmet must have two ear
flaps, one on each side. Helmets and cages that are damaged or altered are
forbidden. In NCAA fastpitch softball, players have the option to wear a
helmet with or without a face mask. Most female travel ball teams for
fastpitch softball require the batter to wear a helmet with a face mask. In
male fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons.

In fastpitch, 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.[20] In slow pitch, the catcher must wear a helmet,
chest protector 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 catcher may optionally wear a body protector in adult slow
Catcher wearing a helmet
pitch.[20]
and chest protector

While mandatory for the pitcher in some slow pitch leagues, there is an
option to wear a face mask on the field. It is recommended in lower age groups. It must be in proper
condition and not damaged, altered, or the like.[20] This is intended to prevent facial injuries.[32]

Umpires
Decisions about plays are made by umpires. 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
fastpitch games use a crew of two umpires (one plate umpire, one base
umpire).

Official umpires are often nicknamed "blue", because of their uniforms – in

many jurisdictions, most significantly ISF, NCAA and USA Softball 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
The plate umpire often uses
USA Softball wear heather gray slacks and may also wear a navy blue or an indicator (sometimes
powder blue shirt; umpires from the USSSA wear red shirts with grey called a clicker or counter)
slacks; National Softball Association (NSA) umpires wear an official NSA to keep track of the game.
white-colored umpire shirt with black pants or black shorts; NSA fastpitch
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; for
closer calls that are not borderline a 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. As of the 2021-22 academic year, a coach of a NCAA team is allowed to protest a call
made by the umpire through what is called “video review” during the game. The opposing team only has
until the next pitch to initiate the protest, and they are only allowed two a game.[33]

Gameplay
A softball game can last anywhere from 3 to 7 innings, or 1–2 hours depending on the league, rules, and
type of softball.[34] The teams take turns batting. Officially, which team bats first is decided by a coin
toss,[20] 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 often, but not always, begins with the umpire saying "play ball". After the batter is ready and all
fielders (except the catcher) are in fair territory at their respective positions, 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 underhand motion.

The pitcher throws the ball in or around the "strike zone". However, in advanced play pitcher and
catcher play a psychological game trying to get the batter to guess where the next pitch is going and if it
will be a strike. 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 at which the batter swings is also a strike, as is
any hit ball that lands in foul territory that is not caught out.

A pitch that is not a strike and at which the batter does not swing is known as 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.

Slow pitch
In most versions of slow pitch (including 16-inch) the pitch is lobbed so that the ball rises above the
batter's head and lands on a small rectangular area on the ground behind the plate called "the well".
Umpires will make calls based on where the ball lands behind the plate; a pitch landing in the well is a
strike. These restrictions make it much easier to put the ball into play and
extremely difficult to use pitching as a defensive strategy, as the physics of
projectile motion limit how fast a ball can be thrown under such conditions
and still be called a strike. In other varieties of slow pitch (sometimes
known as "modified"), the only restriction is that the windmill cannot be
used; thus the pitching arm cannot be raised above the shoulder and both
the wind-up and the release must be underhand, still allowing for moderate
speed and control in pitching.

Fastpitch
For fastpitch softball, the traditional pitching style is a "windmill" motion,
extending the arm above the body and releasing the ball at about hip level
at maximum speeds. Strength acquired in the underhand windmill motion The target normally used in
is based on the open-to-close hip motion. slow pitch softball. In some
forms of slow pitch, the
Pitches may reach high speeds. In girls' fastpitch, depending on the age pitched ball must hit the
group, pitchers can throw from 30 to 65 mph (48 to 105 km/h) or more. black mat behind home
The fastest pitch ever recorded was at 77 mph (124 km/h) by Monica Abbott plate to count as a strike.

on June 16, 2012.[35] At the 1996 Summer Olympics one pitch reached
73.3 mph (118.0 km/h).[36] Male pitching can reach speeds around 85 mph
(137 km/h). To compare, MLB players average around 90 mph (140 km/h)
but can reach speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h).[37] Although slower than
baseball pitches, the shorter pitching distance in fastpitch results in batters
having a comparable time to react to a pitch as in baseball.

Throwing fastballs for speed is not always the most important factor in
fastpitch softball. Pitchers can throw breaking balls that move late in their
flight, fooling batters into swinging at pitches outside the strike zone or,
conversely, not swinging at pitches that pass through the strike zone. These
include balls that break inwards (screwball) and outwards (curveball) on
right-handed batters, starting off the plate and moving into the strike zone
or starting towards the strike zone and moving off the plate. There are also
riseballs that break upwards, frequently starting in the strike zone and Fastpitch pitcher Megan
ending above it, and dropballs that break downward. Another common Gibson pitching the ball in
the "windmill" motion
pitch is the change-up, an intentionally slow pitch that initially appears to
be a fastball, causing the batter to swing too early and miss or foul off the
pitch. Rarer is the knuckleball, which moves slowly and erratically. Pitchers use deception as a primary
tactic for getting batters out as the reaction times are approximately half a second or less. At higher
levels of play, pitchers aim for the inner and outer corners of the plate when throwing fastballs and
breaking pitches. Pitchers also vary the location of the pitch by height to make hitting the ball even
harder for the batter. Pitchers also throw knuckleballs which are generally slower and move erratically.

A "crow hop" is an illegal pitch that 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. For an illegal pitch, the umpire extends his left arm straight
out 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. If the batter swings at the pitch that is deemed illegal and puts the
ball in play, the offense is given the option to accept the results of the play or accept the penalty listed
previously (exception: if the play results in the batter and any runners all advancing at least one base,
the play stands and no option is given). The 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.

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
A batter swings at a pitch
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. A bunt 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: the batter accrues three strikes (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 two strikes and swings at strike three. If the catcher does A batter striking out

not 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
A baserunner attempting to slide
ball over the outfield fence, but may be scored on a hit which does
into home plate is tagged out by the not go over the fence. A home run includes any ball that bounces off
catcher. 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.[38]

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.[38]

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 fastpitch)
automatically, when a pitch is delivered illegally.[38]

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.[39]

In the recent years, the NCAA rules[40] changed when concerning the batters feet while in the box. The
rule now states that as long as any part of the batter's foot is in the box the ball will stay live. It is not
until the batter's entire foot is out of the box, that the play will be declared dead and the batter called
out. The SEC (college ball), however, claims that if any part of the batter's foot is out of the box when she
makes contact, she is out and the play is dead.

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 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 bases are
awarded from the time the ball leaves the field of play. If this is unintentional (fielder's momentum), the
award is one base. If on a tag play, the fielder loses control (after establishing control) of the ball and it
leaves the field of play, one base is awarded.[38]

If there is a "wild pitch" in which the ball goes out of the designated play area, each runner is awarded
one base from the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
In fastpitch, runners may try to steal bases 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 fastpitch, 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.[38]

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).[38]

In fastpitch, if the catcher drops strike three (a "passed ball") with no 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.[38]

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, à 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.[38]

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.[38]

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 A collision at home plate — the
run is not counted.[38] player in red scores as the catcher
has failed to secure the ball.

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 rules. Starting in the top of first extra inning, the batting team starts with a baserunner 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
reduce any potential embarrassment of weaker teams. In fastpitch and modified pitch, a margin of 15
runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4, or 7 after 5 is sufficient for the leading team to be declared the winner. In
slow pitch, the margin is 20 runs after 4 innings or 15 after 5 innings.[20] 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 has their
half of the inning to narrow the margin.

A game may be lost due to a "forfeit". A score of 7–0 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 four innings have been played and a team is in the lead, the game is recorded as it stands. If
fewer than four innings have been played, the game is not considered a "regulation" game. Games that
are not regulation or are tied when suspended 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 in fastpitch
softball and 10 players in slow-pitch softball. 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 a 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 or
rover. Normally, the defensive team will play with four outfielders,
meaning there is a left fielder, left-center fielder, right-center fielder,
Playing positions for fast pitch
and right fielder. The recent trend with tournament and league slow softball
pitch softball play is to field five infielders instead of four outfielders.
The extra infielder is commonly placed behind the pitcher on either
side of second base.

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 tries to throw the ball in the strike zone. In order to do that, they start while having the
ball in their glove, they throw their arms behind their hips, they shoot forwards with their leg, which is
on the same side as their glove, and leave their glove hand there and the other arm goes around the
shoulder, bends the elbow, and turns their wrist toward the third baseman, and brings their arm
through at the end, flicks their wrist, (which affects the ball's speed, spin and subsequent motion), and
brings the arm up, with the hand by their shoulder. They follow through with their legs turning their
pitching stance into a fielding stance. They try to release the ball when they go past their hips. 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.[41]
Pitchers usually tend to be tall, very flexible and have good upper body strength. Pitchers can be
righthanded or lefthanded. The softball pitcher makes a windmill motion while throwing underhand,
unlike baseball pitchers who throw overhand.

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, picking off runners, 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
teammates. 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. Catchers should be able to have strong and
muscular legs to squat for a long period of time. The gear worn by a catcher protects them from balls
thrown in the dirt or wild pitches. The catcher is allowed to take off his/her mask to catch a pop fly or to
watch the play.

First baseman
The first baseman is the position to the left side of the diamond when facing home plate. 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 and good reach, and are always on the lookout to catch the player off base. They are also generally
taller and left-handed 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 specific first base mitts,
usually having a longer web allowing them to reach the taller throws over their head.

Second baseman
The second baseman plays in between the first baseman and second base itself, usually closer to second
base. If the ball is hit to the left side of the field, the second baseman covers second base. If the ball is hit
to right-field or center field, they become the cut-off for the center fielder or the right fielder depending
who the ball was hit to. If the ball is hit to the first baseman, the second baseman then is responsible for
covering first. If the ball is hit to the second baseman, they either throw the ball to second if there was
already a player on first, or they throw to first if there was nobody on. If there is a runner on first and the
person up to bat hits the ball to the shortstop or the third baseman, the second baseman is in charge of
covering second to receive the throw from the shortstop or third baseman. Then, depending where the
runner is between home and first, the second baseman makes the decision to throw the ball to first or to
hold the ball. 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 and third bases, is frequently involved in force plays and double plays, and often
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 does
not cover second base only when a right-handed batter is up. In this case, the second baseman covers
the steal. Most shortstops are very quick, agile and think fast. Shortstops may play in a restricted zone
but are faced with many types of hits and interact closely with the second base, third base and home
plate. Often double plays are due to quick thinking/reaction by the shortstop. When a ball is hit up the
middle and the shortstop catches it, they will flip the ball to the second baseman for the best result.
Shortstop 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 shortstop 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.[42] Shortstop can be
one of the most difficult positions to play due to the number of balls being hit in that direction.

Third baseman
The third baseman is the position on the right side of the diamond when you are facing home plate. They
are responsible for fielding all balls hit their way including bunts. In fact, the third baseman fields more
bunts than a pitcher and first baseman do. Third base is also called the "Hot Corner" because the ball
can pop off the bat at the fielder very fast. Third baseman must have great reflexes and be very quick on
their feet because not only to they need to be quick to field a bunt but also if they are unable to predict
whether the batter will bunt or hit, a ball that is hit may be a line drive to the face. It also helps if they
can run fast but it is not a requirement. A third baseman must have a very strong arm so that they can
throw a runner out from across the diamond. Any ball that the third baseman can get, they should. They
will have more momentum towards first base when fielding the ball than a shortstop. They are also
closer to first base when they cut off a slower ground ball towards shortstop. Third baseman are
responsible for covering third base at all times unless the ball is hit to them. In that instance, the
shortstop is responsible for third base. Third baseman must be smart, have great reflexes, have a strong
accurate arm, and be quick with their hands.

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. Each player has a specific job as being an outfielder.

Right fielder
The right fielder's position is on the right side of the field, in the opening between the first and second
basemen, when looking at the field from behind home plate. The right fielder is part of a group of two
other fielders that make up the outfield. The right fielder has a multitude of jobs over the course of a
softball game. Generally, outfielders act as a back-up to the infielders when they make plays or if the ball
is hit past the infield. Right field has a particular job of covering the area behind first base if the ball is to
be thrown in that area. Right field is meant to cover this area if the ball gets past the first baseman. This
will prevent base-runners from advancing to unwanted bases. Traditionally in the game of softball, the
right fielder will have the strongest arm out of the two other outfielders. The right fielder must have the
strongest arm because they have the furthest possibility to throw the ball. A right fielder will throw the
ball to each base more than the other outfielders will because of their position in respect to the bases.

Center fielder
The center fielder's position is in the middle of the outfield directly behind second base when looking at
the field from behind home plate. The center fielder is part of a group of two other fielders that make up
the outfield. Center fielders technically serve as the "captains" of the outfield. They are and should be the
most vocal in effectively communicating with their outfielders. Since the outfielders are further apart
from each other, it can be hard to hear each other. The center fielder covers the area behind second base
if the ball is going to be thrown in that direction. By covering this area, if the ball does get past the
infielder, the center fielder can prevent base-runners from advancing to unwanted bases. Within the
game of softball, the center fielder is traditionally the fastest of the three outfielders. The center fielder
needs to be the quickest because of the large area of field they must cover. Besides being a quick player,
the center fielder must have a strong throwing arm because of the distance between the player and home
plate.

Left fielder
The left fielder's position is on the left side of the outfield behind the third baseman when looking at the
field from behind home plate. The left fielder is part of a group of two other fielders that make up the
outfield. Generally, outfielders act as a back-up to the infielders when they make plays or if the ball is hit
past the infield. The left fielder must field their position, but also cover the area behind third base if a
ball is thrown or hit in that direction. The left fielder covers this area in the case that the ball will pass
the infielders. The left fielder can then prevent the base runner from advancing to unwanted bases.
Besides covering certain areas of the field, the left fielder must be the smartest of the outfielders. In the
left field position, the player has full view of the field, the players, the base-runners, and the batter. The
left fielder must constantly be aware of the situation on the field and know what must be done in
different circumstances. More advanced levels require the left fielder to be able to field the ball during
"slap hit" situations by playing shallow. Left fielders must also play a role in any run down situation
between third base and home plate or back up any plays that happen at third base in case of an
overthrow.

Designated player
In fastpitch softball, it is common for teams to use a designated player in the lineup; this player, which
functions like the designated hitter in baseball, hits in place of one of the position players but does not
play defense.

Unlike a designated hitter, a designated player can also become a temporary defensive substitute, and
the player substituted by the designated player can return to their original position at a later point in the
game. However, the only player that can be substituted as an offensive replacement (pinch runner or
pinch hitter) is the defensive player the designated player originally replaced, known as the "flex".

At any time, the designated player can be substituted back into the lineup in the place of the flex player,
but once taken out, the designated player cannot take the place of any other player in the lineup.[43]

Short fielder
In some leagues and organizations, four outfield players are utilized by each team. The extra outfielder is
sometimes called the short fielder and plays somewhere behind second base, adjusting position based
on the handedness or other characteristics of the batter, while the regular center fielder plays a
considerably deeper position. The short fielder used as such can take away a batting strategy in softball,
which is to hit soft liners over the pitcher.

However, some teams prefer to use the fourth outfielder like the others, with the center field position
being shared between two players known as the left-center fielder and the right-center fielder. In this
case the four outfielders are spaced equidistantly and play at roughly the same depth.

Pitch
In softball, a pitch is the act of throwing a softball toward home
plate to start a play. All pitches are thrown from below the waist in
an underhand motion. The phases of throwing include the grip,
stance, windup, stride, release and follow through.

Pitchers throw a variety of pitches, each of which has a slightly

different velocity, trajectory, movement, hand position, wrist
position and/or arm angle. These variations are introduced to
confuse the batter in various ways, and ultimately aid the defensive
team in getting the batter or baserunners out. To obtain variety, and
therefore enhance defensive baseball strategy, the pitcher
manipulates the grip on the ball at the point of release. Variations in Unlike in baseball, softball pitches
the grip cause the seams to "catch" the air differently, thereby are thrown in an underhand style.
changing the trajectory of the ball, making it harder for the batter to
hit.[44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51]

The selection of which pitch to use can depend on a wide variety of factors including the type of hitter
who is being faced; whether there are any base runners; how many outs have been made in the inning;
and the current score.

Signaling
The responsibility for selecting the type of pitch is traditionally made by the catcher by relaying hand
signals to the pitcher with the fingers. In more advanced play, coaches may give signs to batters and/or
runners to initiate special plays in certain situations. A catcher may signal to a position player that they
will be trying to throw the runner out. A runner on base may see the pitch sign given by the catcher and
hint it to the batter using hand or body motions.

Pitching styles
The International Softball Federation (ISF) recognizes three pitching styles:

▪ fastpitch
▪ "modified" fastpitch
▪ slowpitch

Fastpitch style
The pitching distance can range between 35 feet for younger players and 43 feet for older players.
Collegiate and international level pitchers pitch from 43 feet. Pitches can travel at speeds of more than
65 mph (105 km/h).
 ▪ Windmill or "Full-windmill"

- The pitcher begins with her arm at the hip. Then she brings
the ball in a circular motion over the head, completes the circle
back down at the hip, and snaps the hand.

▪ Figure 8

- The ball is not brought over the head at all but down and
behind the body and back in one smooth motion tracing out a
figure eight.

▪ Illegal forms of pitching

Pitching in softball involves various
▪ "crow-hopping" styles.
▪ "leaping"

"Modified" fastpitch style

▪ "Modified" windmill

- A "modified" fastpitch is identical to a "windmill" pitch except the arm is not brought over the head
in a full windmill motion, but instead is brought behind the body (restricted back swing) and is then
thrust directly forward for the release.

Slowpitch style
The pitching distance is 50 feet. The pitch must be lofted in such a way that it falls onto the plate in
order for it to be a called strike (the ball falls into the strike-zone instead of flying through). Strikeouts
are rare in slowpitch. Pitchers strategize to pitch the ball with a high enough arc that the batter cannot
hit a line-drive. The speed of the pitches ranges from 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 km/h), resulting in plenty
of reaction time.

▪ half windmill

- High-arc pitching technique

- The pitch must be thrown with an arc between 6-12 feet high. If the arc is not high enough, the
umpire will call the pitch illegal.

Types of pitches

Fastballs
The fastball is typically the first type of pitch a player will learn.

▪ Two-seam fastball
▪ Four-seam fastball

Breaking balls

▪ Dropball
▪ Riseball
▪ Curveball
 ▪ Screwball
▪ Drop-curve
▪ Rise-curve
▪ Backdoor curve (the pitch starts out of the strike zone and curves back over the plate. Often, this
pitch is thrown at a batters hip or hands with the intention of either moving them off the plate or
inducing a foul ball)
▪ Drop screw
▪ Backdoor screw (the same as a backdoor curve except the ball spins in the opposite direction of a
curveball)
▪ Drop curve

Changeups
The changeup is the staple off-speed pitch, usually thrown to look like a fastball but arriving much
slower to the plate. Its reduced speed coupled with its deceptive delivery is meant to confuse the batter's
timing. There are a variety of grips and techniques a pitcher may use to deliver a change up such as:

▪ Flip (or "Back-hand flip") release

▪ Stiff wrist release
▪ Circle grip changeup
▪ Knuckle grip changeup

Other off-speed pitches

▪ Knuckle curveball
▪ Floater

- This is a pitch used by pitchers in the slow-pitch game. To throw the floater accurately, pitcher
holds the ball with just his or her fingertips and does not let them touch the laces. Then comes
straight up with her hand and lets the ball go up to the 12-foot mark and come down.

▪ Knuckleball

Recreational play

Types of leagues
It is estimated that 14.62 million Americans played at least one game
of softball during the spring of 2015.[52] It is played by men and
women both recreationally and competitively.

Softball is especially popular as a recreational activity for adults.

Leagues for such play are often characterized as either "fun leagues",
in which the outdoor exercise and player camaraderie is more
important than the final result, or "serious leagues". The distinction
Handshakes at the conclusion of a
is not absolute and there can be gradations within each. Softball championship game in a co-ed
teams are often organized around groups of employees who play in recreational league, as seen in New
the early evening after work in the summer. In many US cities, adult Jersey in 1997.
softball teams are organized by bars and clubs, hence the popular
term "beer league" softball. The teams can be men's, women's or co-
ed, and skill levels can range from novice to elite, with league composition reflecting that. These leagues
are typically either slow-pitch or modified.

Co-ed recreational leagues, where men and women play on the same team, generally have provisions to
keep men from dominating the game. League rules may stipulate that there must be an equal number of
men and women on the team, or that batting order alternate male and female batters.[53] Some leagues
only require three women to play but they must be present on the field at all times. Others will allow a
game to proceed when a team does not have the requisite number of women available but charge the
batting team with an automatic out whenever the missing woman's place in the batting order comes up.

Modification of rules
One reason for the popularity of softball is the ease of modification
of its rules, thereby allowing the game to be adapted to a variety of
skill levels. For example, in some slow pitch softball leagues a batter
starts at bat with a count of one ball one strike. In some leagues, the
number of home runs that can be hit by a team are limited. In other
leagues, stealing of bases is prohibited. Some groups allow for a
more defensive game by making home plate a force out for first base.
Recreational game in progress, New
This reduces scoring evenly on both sides, and allows for some
Jersey, 1996
margin of error.

Co-ed leagues sometimes adopt live-play rules intended to reduce gender inequality, under the
assumption that men will be generally more powerful. In most co-ed or mixed gender leagues there is
something called an encroachment line. This requires the outfielders to stay behind a line till the ball is
hit. If an outfielder passes in front of this line before the female batter hits a fair ball, the batter will
receive a single base or the result of the play, and the base runners will advance accordingly. The line
will be 180 feet from home plate.[54] One possible rule requires male batters to "switch hit".[55] Some
leagues even use different balls for male and female batters.[56] While these modified rules are common,
there are questions as to their place in modern adult sports.[57]

Some leagues require teams to use limited flight softballs. These softballs, when hit, will not go as far as
regular softballs. Other leagues limit the number of runs which can be scored in an inning. Five is a
common limit.

By allowing these and other modifications, softball can be enjoyed by children, teenagers, and adults.
Senior leagues with players over the age of 60 are not uncommon.

An example of a rule modification is the "offensive pitcher" (or "self pitch") often found in informal
games where the emphasis is on the social rather than the competitive aspects of the game. The pitcher
aids the batter by attempting to give the easiest pitch to hit. There are no walks, and a batter is normally
given a fixed number of pitches to attempt to hit (usually 3 or 4). The batter is considered to strike out if
the batter fails to hit the ball into fair territory after the given number of pitches. The pitcher does not
act as a fielder, and a rule is often made that if a batted ball touches the pitcher, the batter is out.

In some leagues the number of pitches to walk or strikeout can be reduced. For instance, one strike is an
out, and two balls is a walk. This is common in leagues where doubleheaders are played, or in late
season leagues when reduced daylight is an issue. It results in shorter games, as players are more apt to
swing, even at marginal pitches, rather than risk striking out on one pitch.

Many leagues also include a second first base immediately adjacent to the main one. This is usually
orange and the batter running through first base is supposed to run straight through it. This minimizes
the chances of a collision. By the same token some leagues have an alternate home plate and rule that
plays at home are always force plays. In these cases there is typically a white line drawn approximately
1/3 of the way down the baseline that is considered a point of no return. This is designed to reduce the
"Pickle" which can put a great strain on the ankles and knees of older baserunners.

Indoor play
Despite the fact that it was originally intended to be played indoors, softball is usually played outdoors.
The indoor form is sometimes called Arena Softball. Indoor softball has generally the same rules as
outdoor softball. Only the wall behind the batter is considered foul territory. The other walls are
considered fair. Usually, there is a small area on one of the walls in the outfield that results in a home
run being awarded if the batted ball hits it. Pitching is generally a little slower because of the indoor turf,
or pitched through a pitching machine at younger levels. There is no limit to the number of batters a
team may have available, although only so many can bat in one inning. Some indoor facilities do not
allow the use of metal cleats on the field, which are what players at the age of 14 and up generally use.
Also, some tournaments may require a time limit for games.

Professional leagues
Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF) is a professional women's softball league in the United States
and was formerly the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and then the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL).
The WPF league launched in June 2022.[58][59] In 2024, a new professional league called the
Association of Fastpitch Professionals launched with 4 teams.[60]

The late 1970s to early 1980s marked a brief era for men's professional softball in the United States.

International competition
Softball is played in over a hundred countries around the world.[61] The highest governing body for the
sport, the International Softball Federation (ISF), has 113 member countries (excluding dependent
territories).[62] The ISF holds world championships in several categories.

The Amateur Softball Association is the National Governing Body of Softball for the United States
pursuant to the 1976 Amateur Sports Act. Due to the popularity of the sport, there are a multitude of
governing bodies such as the United States Specialty Sports Association, International Softball Congress
and the National Softball Association.

The ISF holds the ISF Women's World Championship tournaments in several categories. The
tournament in each category is held every four years—two years from 2010. The most recent
tournament was XII Women's World Championship in June, 2010. All World Championships use a Page
playoff system[63] and are in fastpitch. There are also several World Cups held at 4-year intervals in
different categories.[64][65]

New Zealand became the Men's World Champions winning the world title in 2013. Prior to that,
Australia won the World Championship in 2009 and New Zealand had won the previous three
tournaments before that.[66]

In the Junior Men's World Champions in 2012, Team Argentina won the world title.[67]
Summer Olympics
In the Women's Softball World Championships the United States is the most dominant team, having
won three of the past four Olympic tournaments and the past seven World Championships.[68][69] The
current Junior Women's World Champion is the United States.[70]

Women's softball debuted at the 1996 Summer Olympics and was removed from the program following
the 2008 Summer Olympics.[71] Softball and Baseball were unable to have their sport included in the
program at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. In 2012 the heads of the International Softball and
Baseball Federations announced their united effort to be included in the program in 2020. "The
proposal calls for men's baseball and women's softball to be played at a single venue during 7 to 10 days.
Each tournament would feature eight teams. Baseball and softball would be two disciplines under a
single sports banner. The proposal awaits formal endorsement from the congress of both federations.
Other sports which sought to be included in the 2020 program, when only one spot is up for filling,
were: karate, roller sports, squash, sports climbing, wakeboard and wushu. The IOC executive board
were to decide at their May meeting which sport to recommend for inclusion. The final decision was
made in a vote of the full IOC in Buenos Aires in September 2013.[72] Softball and Baseball were re-
included in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, which was held in 2021.[73] The American team
had entered the gold metal match with an undefeated record, facing Japan. United States was defeated
2-0 by Japan, naming Japan the Tokyo 2020 Softball Olympic Gold Medalists.[74]

Participating countries and areas

New Zealand
New Zealand is the most successful nation at men's world championship softball, having won their
eighth title in 2019. The New Zealand women's team have also won a number of World Championship
titles in the past. The game is widely played in New Zealand and is the second most popular summer
sport behind cricket.

Australia
Softball is played in all states and territories in Australia and at all levels of academic education. The
game is widely promoted to maintain fitness, health, personal achievements and pleasure. Australia has
produced several of the world's great men's softball players, including Adam Folkard and Andrew
Kirkpatrick, widely considered all-time greats in men's softball. Australia has excellent softball teams
which are a reflection of its coaching, education and training system.[75]

Japan
Japan has had a long tradition of softball which is played at all levels in the country. Many high schools
and colleges have sports programs which include softball. Like baseball, softball in Japan is intensely
competitive. Japan's win over the United States at the 2008 Olympics[76] reflects the advanced level of
play in this East Asian country.

China
Since the silver medal at the Atlanta Olympics, the Chinese have now made softball a priority at all
levels.[77] The game is played in most schools.
Europe
Softball is played in almost every country in Europe, mainly fastpitch. Every two years an open women's
European fastpitch championship is held with over twenty nationals teams. Italy and Netherlands are
the best nations, and both have an almost professional championship where athletes from the US,
Australia and China play. In the men's division eight to ten national teams compete for the European
championship, with the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Denmark leading the way.

United States
In America, there are more than 1,500 college softball teams
spanning five different levels: NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division
3, NAIA, and NJCAA.[78] There are 5 professional softball teams: the
Aussie Peppers, the Chicago Bandits, the Cleveland Comets, the
California Commotion, and the Canadian Wild.[79]

Competitive fastpitch softball for girls is growing increasingly 2014 Women's College World
popular. All over the US, there are thousands of teams that compete Series Championship Series

year-round at tournaments. During most of these tournaments the

biggest goal is not winning the tournament, but attempting to get as many college coaches as possible to
observe (a) particular player or players. Competitive teams are now beginning around eight years old, if
not younger. Depending on the team they can travel all over the United States or even out of the country
such as to Canada, the summer and fall for many weeks and days at a time.

There are many different sanctioning bodies of softball: USSSA, ASA, ISA, NSA, WSL, USFA, Triple
Crown and SASL just to name a few. One of the biggest is the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). It is
known as the national governing body of softball, was established in 1933 and has over 240,000 teams.
The USSSA, founded in 1968 as the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, but renamed in 1997 to
the United States Specialty Sports Association, is the only association that still has a men's major slow-
pitch program alive. Currently, the USSSA program is run out of Viera, FL. The United States also has a
competitive women's softball team that competes in international tournaments. They represented the
US each time at the Olympics until softball was removed from the Olympics.[80]

The Amateur Softball Association of America (founded 1933) is one of the largest governing bodies for
the game in the United States and sponsors annual sectional and World Series championships. Other
national and regional governing bodies also exist, including the USSSA. 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 Federation (ISF) filled this
role.

The USA Softball Men's Fast Pitch National Team has won five World Championships (1966, 1968, 1976,
1980 and 1988) and three other medals. In the Pan-American Games, Team USA has made the finals in
all seven appearances at the Games when Men's Fast Pitch was played.[81]

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