Fastpitch softball is played competitively at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. Fastpitch softball is played with nine defensive players in the field and an additional batter may be used in place of any of the fielders if the head coach wants to take advantage of that option.
Protective Equipment
Pitchers can throw the softball at speeds approaching 70 mph from a distance of 43 feet. This is the equivalent of a 90-plus mph fastball in baseball. Since the ball can move at that kind of speed, players are required to wear protective equipment. All catchers must wear catcher's masks, a chest protector and shin guards. The catcher's mask must have a throat protector that hangs from the bottom rung. All batters, runners and players who are in the on-deck circle must wear helmets. All offensive players may attach protective masks to the bottom of the batting helmet. Fielders may also wear protective masks.
Run Ahead Rule
This is also known as the slaughter or mercy rule in some high school softball associations. If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three innings, 10 runs after four innings or seven runs after five innings, the game concludes with the team that is ahead winning the game. The standard game is seven innings.
Pitching Regulations
The pitcher must step toward the batter when she releases the ball. She may not step backwards or to the side prior to releasing the ball toward home plate. If a pitcher does not step straight at the plate, the umpire rules that the pitcher has thrown a deceptive pitch and the pitch is, therefore, illegal; the pitch is ruled a ball. The pitcher may use the windmill motion and make one revolution with her arm over her shoulder, but she must deliver the ball after the revolution is complete.
Lineup
All fastpitch softball teams consist of nine players who may play in the field. If the coach chooses, she may use a hitter to bat for any one of the defensive players. Unlike baseball, the hitter does not have to bat for the pitcher. The designated hitter must take the last position in the batting order. The designated hitter may not play the field at any point during the game.
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