How Far Does A Softball Player Have To Hit A Ball To Get A Homerun?

Hitting a homerun in softball is the result of a nearly perfect swing by a hitter. When the barrel of the bat makes contact with the ball at the right spot, the ball rises high in the air and describes a high arc as it flies over the fence. However, the distance the ball needs to travel for a homerun may vary dramatically depending on the type of softball game played and the players who are playing it.

Women's Fastpitch

In women's fastpitch softball played at the high school level and beyond, the fences is at least 220 feet from home plate in left and right field, while the centerfield fence is at least 250 feet from home plate. There is no maximum length on the distance of the fence, but it is rarely over 300 feet from home plate.

Mens' Slowpitch

Many of the top homerun sluggers in slowpitch softball are known for their ability to bash balls long distances. Some of the best homerun hitters often give exhibitions and hold homerun hitting contests in major league stadiums. Many of these players can hit a slowpitch softball well over 400 feet. However, in game competition, slowpitch fences are usually not more than 350 feet from home plate. Many leagues limit the number of over-the-fence homeruns that can be hit by one team in a game. If that limit is five, the sixth ball to fly over the fence is called an "out" and all players must return to their bases.

Youth Softball

Youth leagues give girls 8 years and up a chance to play softball. By the time girls are 12 years old, they are often playing on fields with fences. The fence in youth league softball should not be less than 175 feet from home plate nor more 220 feet at any point in the ballpark.

Inside-the-Park Homeruns

For inside-the-park homeruns, a ball does not have to fly over the fence if it is well out of reach of the outfielders, and if the runner can circle the bases before the outfielder gets the ball back to the catcher. Sometimes these drives go to the outer reaches of the fence, while other times it just may be a well-placed ball hit to the opposite field. The outfielder is forced to run a long way for that ball, and a fast runner may be able to take advantage of the well-placed ball by scoring on the hit. A short inside-the-park homerun may be hit less than 200 feet.