Fast-pitch softball is most often played by women; slow-pitch softball is played by men and women alike. The rules and positions in softball are similar to baseball in many respects, with a few variations depending on league rules. The equipment used in softball and the position of the pitcher are the main differences.
Softball Positions
The positions in softball are very similar to those in baseball. In the infield, from right to left, are the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop and third baseman. These players are responsible for fielding batted balls and relaying the ball to first base before the batter can get there. There is also a pitcher and catcher, as in baseball, who are the primary players involved with every pitch. The outfield generally has three positions: left field, center field and right field. In slow-pitch softball, there is sometimes a fourth outfielder to help cover more territory.
Pitcher Differences
In baseball, pitchers throw overhand; in both slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, the pitchers throw underhand. Softball pitchers throw from a rubber located on flat ground, rather than on a mound, that is centered in a pitcher's circle with an 8-foot radius. The rubber is located closer to the plate than the mound in baseball; softball pitchers throw from a rubber 50 feet away, while baseball pitchers throw from 60 feet 6 inches away.
Softball Basic Rules
The pitcher pitches toward the plate, where a batter stands on one side and tries to swing at the pitched ball. The pitcher aims for the strike zone, which extends from the batter's knee to the shoulder. If the pitcher gets three pitches through the strike zone, the batter is out; if the batter makes contact with the ball and sends it into the field of play, the batter runs toward first base, trying to get there before the ball can be relayed to the first baseman. Consecutive hits advance runners around the bases, with the offense awarded a run if it successfully passes a runner across home plate. The team with the most runs after seven innings is declared the winner.
Rule Differences between Fast-Pitch and Slow-Pitch Softball
There are a few minor rule differences between fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball; for example, bunting is illegal in slow-pitch softball but legal in fast-pitch softball. Base runners in fast-pitch softball may attempt a steal when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, while slow-pitch softball players must wait until the ball reaches home plate. Slow-pitch softball pitches must have an arc that ranges from 6 to 10 feet high, while fast-pitch pitches may be released at any height. There is no dropped-third-strike rule in slow-pitch softball.
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