How To Record At-bats In Softball

Keeping score in softball is a traditional part of the game. Coaches usually have an assistant or a scorekeeper's whose primary job is to keep score of every game and record each at-bat that occurs during the game. Keeping score and recording at-bats not only tells the story of each hitter's day, but it also gives an account of what happened during the game and how rallies took place. Each batter's result will let the coach know who belongs in each spot in the lineup.

Step 1

Write down the batting order in the scorebook. This should include each player's name, uniform number and position number. Do this for the opponent as well. This will allow you to record the result of each at-bat as it occurs in the course of the game.

Step 2

Draw a single, horizontal line in the first box closest to the leadoff batter's name if she gets a hit in the first inning. The horizontal line indicates that the batter had a base hit. If she hits a double, you would draw two small horizontal lines, a triple would be three lines and a home run would be four lines. Also, draw a line that goes from home to first base on the little diamond symbol in the center of the square you just drew the horizontal line. That indicates the player is on first base. As she moves around the bases, continue to draw lines that indicate her progress.

Step 3

Write down the position numbers of the fielders responsible for the put-out in each batter's square if the batter makes an out. The fielders are assigned the following numbers: Pitcher, 1; catcher, 2; first base, 3; second base, 4; third base, 5; shortstop, 6; left field, 7; center field, 8; right field, 9; and rover,10. For example, if the leadoff batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop and is thrown out, write "6-3" in the scorebook because the shortstop -- 6 -- threw to the first baseman -- 3 -- to get the out. Use the same convention if the defense makes an error on a batted ball. Record it by writing in the scorebook "E" followed by the fielder's number.

Step 4

Write down the letter "K" if the batter strikes out. If the batter swings and strikes out, the letter "K" is made in the standard fashion. If the batter takes a called third strike, the letter "K" is drawn backwards. Write down "BB" if the batter walks. Write down "HBP" if the batter gets hit by the pitch.