Softball and baseball go by the same basic concept of scoring more runs than the opposition in order to win the game. How the teams go about doing that is similar in both sports as well. But softball has its own unique rules that make the game different than baseball, and many of those rules are due to the smaller playing area.
Similarities to baseball
Just as in baseball, softball adheres to basic rules about reaching base and scoring runs. Batters earn a walk if they take four pitches out of the strike zone and they strike out if they get three strikes against them. Pitchers still throw the pitch and batters still try and put it in play. A batter is out if their fly ball is caught and safe if they make it to first base before the opposition can touch the bag with the ball that hits the ground. Batters earn first base if they are hit by a pitch and the same happens if the catcher interferes with the batter during a pitch. In order to be in play, a ball must be on the foul lines on within them.
Baserunning
Softball has specific rules related to running the bases once the next hitter comes up. A player must wait to attempt to steal the next base until "a pitched ball leaves the pitcher's hand, whether pitched or dropped," according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association rulebook.
Pitching
A wide array of constraints cause pitchers to be careful about their mechanics. The NCAA rule book explicitly states that "Both feet must be on the ground in contact with the pitcher's plate and a portion of the pivot foot must be on the top surface of the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate." The rulebook also states that pitchers cannot become airborne during the delivery of a pitch, forcing them to drag their pivot foot.
Field dimensions
High school and youth programs also follow the NCAA's rules on field dimensions when it comes to the base paths and foul lines. The NCAA rulebook states that baselines are to measure 60 feet long and outside those lines is foul territory. The pitcher's plate must be 43 feet from the back point of home plate as well.
Equipment
Bats must have a permanent ASA 2004 certification seal in order to be legal in NCAA softball. Glove sizes are also regulated in the rulebook, as defensive players cannot utilize a glove larger than 14 inches from the finger tip to the bottom edge and 8 inches wide at the palm.
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