Despite their use of bats, balls and gloves, fast pitch and slow pitch softball have a number of differences. Fast pitch attracts competitive players, while softball remains popular with recreational level players. You will notice many of these differences any time you watch a game.
Equipment
In fast pitch, catchers must wear protective masks, helmets, throat protectors and shin guards, but no such rules exist in slow pitch. Fast pitch batters and players in the on-deck circle must wear helmets, although slow pitch players do not have to wear this equipment. Fast pitch players must also wear ball caps, but this equipment remains optional for all slow pitch players.
Players
The sports have differing rules on the number of players on each team. In traditional fast pitch, each team has nine players. In some formats, however, a designated player exists, so the team has 10 players on the roster. The designated player can bat for a position player, taking that player's spot in the batting order. You must notify the scorekeeper before the game if you use a designated player. Slow pitch features 10 players, with the 10th player being an extra outfielder. Some slow pitch games include an extra player, who will bat but not field. This means that 11 players will bat for the entire game, but only 10 will field.
Pitching
Pitching in fast pitch requires a windmill motion, which generates more speed for the ball. Pitchers cannot make more than one revolution with their arm before releasing the ball, although they can drop their arm to the side before starting the windmill. In slow pitch, the pitcher must deliver the ball at a moderate speed and it must reach a height of at least 6 feet as it approaches the hitter. He must also deliver the ball during the first upward swing toward the plate, so he cannot use a windmill pitch.
Stealing Bases
Fast pitch players can advance to the next base once the pitcher releases the ball, but this gives the opposing team a chance to throw them out. Slow pitch players can advance once a teammate hits the ball and puts it in play. In some levels of slow pitch, runners can advance once the catcher has possession of the ball. They can also advance if the pitcher has the ball, but has not yet returned to the mound.
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