The game of softball is similar to baseball, but it's played with a larger ball on a modified field with smaller dimensions than the typical baseball diamond. Learning basic softball rules will help ensure that you have an enjoyable time playing the game, whether playing for recreation or in a competitive league.
Game Setup
The softball field consists of three bases and a home plate set 60 feet apart in a diamond shape. When playing defense, nine players make up the team on the field: a first base player, second base player, third base player, shortstop, who plays between second and third base, left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, pitcher and catcher. Games consist of seven innings, with each inning complete after both teams have had a chance to bat.
Pitching
The pitcher must begin with both hands on the ball and both feet on the rubber of the pitcher's mound. One foot must remain on the rubber until the ball is released, and the ball must be thrown underhand.
Batting
A batting order must be declared prior to the start of the game and maintained throughout the game. A batter is called out if he receives three strikes as determined by the umpire, if he hits a fly ball that is caught or if he does not stand in the batter's box.
A foul ball is a ball that makes contact with the bat but does not enter the field of play, either falling outside the first or third base line or being projected back toward the catcher. In fast pitch softball, a foul ball is counted as a strike unless the batter already has two strikes. In slow pitch softball, a foul ball is counted as a strike even on the third strike.
Base Running
After hitting a ball, the batter must run toward first base. First base is the only base a runner may run past. If the batter overruns first base and turns out of the field of play, she cannot be tagged out. However, if the batter overruns first base and turns left, into the field of play, she may be tagged out. The batter is out if the ball is thrown to first base and the first base player tags the base before the runner touches the base, if the runner is tagged with the ball or if the ball is caught in the air. After first base, runners must touch each base in order and cannot overrun another runner.
Base runners must stay with one foot touching the base until the ball has left the pitcher's hand. If the batter hits a fly ball that is caught in the air by the defense, the base runner must tag the occupied base after the ball is caught before attempting to advance to the next base.
Member Comments