Over the line is a game that is a variation of regular baseball or softball. The game is designed to play in less space, without a standard baseball diamond and with fewer players. The rules of over the line are not complicated and anyone who is able to play regular baseball will pick it up quickly. The game is played with one bat, one ball and three or four players on each team.
Field Set Up
Over the line can be played in just about any regular field, beach or playground. An official playing area consists of a large triangle for home plate, with the point of the triangle at the back. Fifty-five feet away from the point of the triangle is the "line" that runs 55 feet across and completes the triangle. Two foul lines run straight from the corners of the bottom of the triangle, making up the boundary of the field. The boundary lines extend as long as the field or playing area. All of the lines on the field can be marked with rope, lines drawn in the sand, or anything else that you give s a clear indication of where the lines are located.
Defense
The pitcher in over the line is provided by the team up to bat and stands anywhere in front of "the line" but at least 10 feet away from the hitter. The fielders can play wherever on the field they wish, as long as they are past the line. The object of the fielders is to catch any ball hit in the air, and stop any ground ball from getting by.
Offense
When on offense, the batter stands at the back of home plate and his teammates, aside form the pitcher, must stand behind a cone that is placed 10 feet behind home plate. If any player gets closer, three outs are called and the teams switch sides. Each hitter gets two pitches, one if he hits the ball. Hitters are not permitted to take any pitches and must swing at whatever is thrown. A hitter is out if he hits two foul balls, has two strikes, hits a fly ball that is caught or hits the ball in front of the line.
Scoring
The hitters in over the line don't run any bases. If the ball is hit and lands over the line and inside the boundary lines along the sides, it is considered a hit. If a team gets three hits in one inning, one run is counted. Every hit after the first run in a given inning is also considered a run. If a fielder drops a fly ball, it is considered a hit. A home run is counted if the batter hits the ball past all of the fielders or over their heads. The home run clears the bases, but the hits start back at zero.
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