Competitive fast softball is a game dominated by pitching. Pitchers can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph, which is about the same a 95 mph fastball in baseball. Pitchers can also throw risers, drops, curves and changes of pace. All these pitches must be thrown legally without any deceptive motions. Since so many softball game are close and low-scoring, it is in the player's and coach's advantages to know the official rules of the game.
Pitching
Pitchers cannot make any deceptive motion when delivering the ball to home plate. For example, most pitchers use a windmill delivery toward home plate. If the pitcher delivers the pitch as she comes around with her initial arm pass, she may not continue to bring her arm around in windmill manner after delivering the ball. This is considered deceptive. The pitcher must begin her pitch from the rubber protrusion in the middle of the pitching circle and must remain in the pitching circle when the delivery of the pitch is completed. The pitcher must stride directly toward home plate and may not step in any other direction.
Player Positions
In fastpitch softball, teams take the field with 10 defenders. The positions are pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, right field and an extra fielder. That extra fielder is usually placed in the outfield and most teams play four outfielders across. However, that is not a requirement. Teams can place the extra fielder anywhere in fair territory. Teams also send 10 batters up to face the opposing pitcher. The 10 fielders may bat, but the coach may choose to use a designated hitter for any of the fielders. The designated hitter does not have to bat for the pitcher, as is the case in baseball. Teams may choose to eschew the designated hitter if the coach does not want to use that player.
Safety Equipment
All batters must wear helmets every time they come up to the plate. The helmet must be hard plastic and must cover both ears. A face mask is not required but it is encouraged. Players must wear batting helmets when they are on the base paths and in the on deck circle. Catchers must wear a catcher's mask, a chest protector and shin guards. Players may wear metal cleats. Those type of baseball shoes had been considered illegal but the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) approved their use in 2008.
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