Softball is one of the most popular games played in the world. It is played as both a recreational and competitive sport. Fast pitch softball--often called ultimate softball--is the primary form of the competitive game and pitchers are often able to throw the ball at speeds over 70 miles per hour. Rules of the game determine how many players can participate, how the pitcher can release the ball and base running.
Game Form and Number of Player
In ultimate softball, games are scheduled for seven innings. If one team can gain a 15-run lead after five innings, it wins the game. If it can gain a 10-run lead after six innings, it wins the game. If the home team is ahead after the visiting team has batted in the seventh inning it does not bat. If the game is tied after seven innings, the game goes into extra innings. The game is played with 10 fielders and 10 batters in the lineup. The extra fielder usually plays in the outfield, but can be stationed anywhere in fair territory. All of the fielders may bat, but the coach can choose to use one designated hitter for any of the fielders. The designated hitter does not have to bat for the pitcher, as is the case in baseball.
Pitching Regulations
The pitcher throws the ball from the pitching rubber which is inside the pitching circle. The pitching rubber is 46 feet from home plate. The pitcher must step directly to home plate when she is pitching and may not step backwards or to either side. Stepping in any direction other than forward is considered "deceptive" and is illegal. Pitchers may use the "windmill" style to pitch the ball, but may not make more than one revolution with the arm. That is considered deceptive and is an illegal pitch.
Running the Bases
Runners can slide into any base. Runners may not dive with their hands at the base. When they slide, their feet must remain in contact with the ground and they may not raise their feet above the ground intentionally. Players must slide into a base if there is going to be a tag play. Base runners who collide with fielders will be called out for interference. Fielders who are not involved in a play and make contact with the base runner may be guilty of obstruction. If the umpire rules that a fielder has obstructed a base runner on her way to the next base and she is called out as a result of the obstruction, she will be given the base and the out will not count.
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