Softball can be very confusing to girls who are playing for the first time. With girls who are age 8 and under, called 8U players, the primary goal is teaching the fundamentals. You want to teach them how to throw, catch and hit the ball. You also want to teach them the basic rules of the game. Most of the rules at the 8U level are the same as rules for older players. However, there are some rules that help ensure that younger players have fun while they learn the game.
Batting Order
Youth softball teams often have as many as 15 or 16 players on the roster. With young players, you don't want them to sit for long periods. Although you can put only 10 or 11 players in the field, you can let all players bat. In most leagues, teams at this age level bat through the order each inning, unless the other team gets three outs. If that happens, the batting order resumes with the next player in the next inning. Most leagues also require that if a girl is on the bench for an inning while her team is on the field, she must play in the field the next inning.
Coaches on the Field
Most leagues allow up to two coaches to be on the field with the players during the game. This is a significant difference from play at older levels. But young players need on-the-spot instruction. For example, a player might freeze after fielding a ground ball, and a gentle word from her coach can remind her to throw to the right base. This will help her know what to do the next time.
Safety Equipment
All batters must wear batting helmets every time they come up to the plate. The helmet must be hard plastic and must cover both ears. Most leagues don't require that the helmets have masks to protect the lower part of the face, but many leagues recommend the use of masks. All base runners must wear helmets every time they reach base. Catchers must wear catcher's masks, chest protectors, shin guards and throat protectors. Often the pitcher, first baseman and third baseman wear protective plastic masks to keep them from getting hurt if the batter hits a line drive back to them. This safety equipment helps players feel more confident.
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