Softball is one of the most competitive games when played at the high school and college levels across the United States. These players are highly skilled amateurs who play by rules that are designed to make the games as fair as possible. While baseball and softball are quite similar, there are some rules that differentiate the two from each other.
Pitching
Pitchers must deliver their pitchers toward home plate from the pitching circle. They must start their delivery from a pitching rubber that is 43 to 46 feet from home plate (depending on the state). Many pitchers take an exaggerated stride toward home plate that allows them to deliver the ball at high speeds from a spot closer than the pitching rubber. This is within the rules as long as the pitcher stays within the circle when she is finished pitching.
Pitchers are attempting to deliver strikes to the batters. The strike zone is any pitch that is between the knees and arm pits that is over home plate.
Lineup
Softball can be played with lineups that include 10 players in the field and 10 players in the lineup. The extra player in the field is almost always in the outfield, as the coach will position four outfielders relatively equidistant apart. However, that extra fielder can be played anywhere in the infield or outfield, depending on what the coach wants to do. The coach can also choose to use a designated hitter for one of the fielders. The designated hitter can be used for any of the position players, not just the pitcher as is the case in baseball. Using a designated hitter is not required.
Equipment
All batters and base runners must wear helmets that include ear flaps at all times, including when they are in the on-deck circle. Players are not required to wear face masks, but they are allowed to wear them at their own option. The face mask can go across the lower jaw or cover the entire mask. All catchers must wear catcher's masks, chest protectors and shin guards.
Member Comments