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
Fairspurred 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 Federation filled 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 underhand
from 46 ft. (14 m) for men or 43 ft, and 35ft for 10u, 8u, and 6u girls. (12 m)[1] for women as
compared with 60.5 ft. (18.4 m) in baseballand that seven innings instead of nine constitute a
regulation game.[2]
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).
Contents
[hide]

1 History

2 Overview

3 Gameplay
o

3.1 Official baseline dimensions

3.2 Fast pitch pitching distances

3.3 Slow pitch pitching distances[14]

4 Equipment
o

4.1 Ball

4.2 Bat

4.3 Gloves

4.4 Uniform

4.5 Protective equipment

5 Umpires

6 Gameplay
o

6.1 Pitching

6.2 Batters

6.3 Getting the batter out

6.4 Advancing around the bases

6.4.1 Special circumstances

6.5 Scoring runs

6.6 Ending the game

7 Positions
o

7.1 Pitcher

7.2 Catcher

7.3 First baseman

7.4 Second baseman

7.5 Shortstop

7.6 Third baseman

7.7 Outfielders

8 Modification of rules
o

8.1 Indoor play

9 International competition

9.1 New Zealand

9.2 Australia

9.3 Japan

9.4 China

9.5 Europe

9.6 United States

10 See also

11 References

12 External links

History[edit]

First photo of a softball team, Chicago, 1897

Indoor baseball player, 1907

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.[3] 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. [4] The ball, being soft, was
fielded barehanded.[5][6]
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".[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; this
game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball. [4] 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 inToronto 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.[8] (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.[8] 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.[7]
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, [9] where devotees such as the late Mike
Royko consider it the "real" game,[10] 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.[7]

The first British women's softball league was established in 1952. [7]
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 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.[11]
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 infield that 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 baseson 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's pitcher 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 in contact 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 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 aline 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[edit]
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[edit]

Fast Pitch

Wheelchair

Slow Pitch Baselines

Baselines

60 feet (18.29 m)

Baselines

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

the association and level of play

50 feet (15.24 m)

Fast pitch pitching distances[edit]

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

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

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

There is a little league

(13.11 m) or

distance also; 35 feet

30 feet

for minors, 38 feet for

(9.14 m)

majors, 43 feet for

middle school.

Slow pitch pitching distances[14][edit]

Adult

Youth

1419 years

50 feet

50 feet

Kids

15-16 yrs
(Female)

1214 years

46 feet (14.02 m) 40 feet

Wheelchair

<12 years

35 feet

28 feet

(15.24 m)

(15.24 m)

(12.19 m)

(10.67 m)

(8.53 m)

Equipment[edit]
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[edit]
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 14 ounces (142 and 149 g), and is 9 to 9 14 inches (229235 mm) in circumference (2 783 in
or 7376 mm in diameter).[15] 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.[13]
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. [16] 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[edit]

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.[18] 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[edit]
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.
[13]

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[edit]
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.[13]
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.[13]
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.[13]
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.[19]
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[edit]
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.[13]
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. [13]
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.[13] This is intended to prevent facial injuries.[20]

Umpires[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]

Fastpitch pitcher Megan Gibsonpitching the ball in the "windmill" motion

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[edit]

A batter swings at a pitch

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. A bunt
(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[edit]

The Texas Longhorns softball team gets a strikeout against Penn State to end the game, February 15, 2008.

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[edit]

A player trying to avoid a tag at third base.

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. [22]
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.[22]
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.[22]
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.[23]
Special circumstances[edit]
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. [22]
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. [22]
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). [22]
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.[22]
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.[22]

Scoring runs[edit]
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.[22]
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. [22]

Ending the game[edit]

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 tiebreaker 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. [13] 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[edit]
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 out field, 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[edit]
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. [24] 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 under hand, unlike baseball
pitchers who throw over hand.

Catcher[edit]
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[edit]
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 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 mitts.

Second baseman[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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.[26]

Outfielders[edit]
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 (or, alternatively, the deep center
fielder and the short fielder).

Modification of rules[edit]
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. This reduces
scoring evenly on both sides, and allows for some margin of error.
Co-recreational leagues, where men and women play on the same team, often adopt rules intended
to reduce gender inequality, under the assumption that men will be generally more powerful and/or
skilled. For example 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.[27] One possible rule requires male
batters to "switch hit".[28] Some leagues even use different balls for male and female batters. [29] While
these modified rules are common, there are questions as to their place in modern adult sports. [30]
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.