International softball is a game that often features outstanding pitching. Pitchers throw fastballs that can reach 70 mph, curveballs, drops, risers and changes of pace. Games tend to be low scoring and teams that excel in fundamentals usually have the best chance to win. While softball is no longer an Olympic sport, it is played all over the world on the high school, college and professional level.
Safety Equipment
In international softball, all batters must wear a helmet that is made of hard plastic and covers both ears every time they leave the dugout. The helmet must be worn in the batter's box, when the batter reaches base and when the batter is in the on-deck circle. All catchers must wear a catcher's mask, a chest protector, shin guards and a throat protector that extends from the bottom of the mask. First base shall be a double base. The fielder will make plays on the regulation base (white in color) and the runner shall run to the safety base (orange in color). This is done to avoid collisions.
Legal Pitching
All pitches must be delivered with the pitcher starting and finishing her motion from the pitcher's circle. The pitcher must not make any deceptive motion. Pitchers must step straight toward home plate and cannot step backward or to the side. Pitchers cannot throw the ball behind their backs or between their legs. That is considered deceptive.
Player Positions
Coaches can field a lineup with 10 fielders. The positions are pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field and right field. The extra fielder usually plays in the outfield, but that is not mandatory. The coach may place the fielder anywhere in fair territory. The batting order also consists of 10 batters. The fielders may all 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. The designated hitter can be used for any of the fielders or the coach can choose not to use the designated hitter.
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