Softball is one of the most popular games to play in the United States. It is played at the high school, college and professional level by women. It is also played in youth leagues as well. In addition to these competitive leagues, it is also played recreationally in men's leagues, women's leagues and coed leagues. Knowing the basic rules of the game makes softball easier to understand.
Player Positioning
There are 10 players on the field. They are positioned at pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, right field and an extra outfielder. Normally, the extra outfielder share center field, and that means four outfielders are spread equidistantly. When the team in the field comes to bat, 10 batters will hit. The coach has the option of using a designated hitter for any of the fielders, not just the pitcher, as is the case in baseball. Using a designated hitter is merely an option for the softball coach and is not required.
Game Length
Softball games are seven innings. If the home team is ahead after the visiting team has batted in the top of the seventh inning, it does not bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. Most softball leagues use a mercy rule, ending the game if one of the teams is ahead by 10 runs or more after five innings.
Pitching
There are two ways to pitch in softball. Elite level players compete in fast pitch softball. In this game, pitchers throw the ball hard, at speeds approaching 70 mph from a distance of 45 feet. This is comparable to a 95-plus mph fastball in baseball. Pitchers throw fastball, curveball, changeups and sliders in fast-pitch softball. The strike zone is from the arm pits to the knees. In slow-pitch softball, pitchers throw the ball on an arc to home plate. This pitch comes in slowly, but hitters have to show patience to wait for the ball to come into the hitting zone. The ball must pass between the batter's back shoulder and knee.
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