A good baseball swing requires sound mechanics. The upper and lower body work together, the head stays up and the eyes are focused on the baseball. When swing mechanics break down, the hitter has little chance of making solid c...
Punching bags help boxers get in shape and prepare for a fight. They can also help softball players become better hitters. Working out with a punching bag improves hand-eye coordination, bat speed and strength needed for hittin...
A wrestling deadlock, also called a stalemate, occurs when two pee wee wrestlers are stuck in a position where neither wrestler is able to improve his stance. At this point, the referee will call the stalemate and both wrestler...
The Major League Baseball Rule Book defines only two acts as an "illegal pitch." The first is a pitcher failing to have his pivot foot on the rubber while delivering a pitch. The second is for " a quick return pi...
Strikeouts are common in fast pitch softball and baseball. In slow pitch softball, strikeouts are rare. Most pitches are put in play by the hitter, and it is up to the defense to either catch the softball or throw to a base and...
Fastpitch and slowpitch softball share similar traits. Both sports share a general game structure similar to baseball. However, the two sports differ in their rule structure, and can also differ in the equipment used. For examp...
Batting and pitching are compound movements, meaning they require multiple joints -- in the upper and lower body. Each skill demands a level of core stability adequate to maintain proper spinal position and enough rotational st...
Fastpitch softball is played around the world at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. The game is often dominated by pitchers who can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph, which is the equivalent of a...
FastPitching.com estimates that the average 16- to 18-year-old softball pitcher throws between 53 and 57 mph with top speeds exceeding 60 mph. Combining this velocity with various pitches can make it difficult for a hitter to g...
When softball is played by youngsters, the main idea is to give the players a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game and have fun while playing. As players learn more and improve their skill level, they will become more c...
Playing competitive softball requires an athlete to depend on a strong throwing arm. Pitchers in the fast-pitch game put a great deal of stress on their shoulders and elbows, and other fielders are required to throw the ball wi...
Softball tryouts require a player to have confidence and a calm demeanor. When you are trying out for a travel, high school or college team, you will be putting your skills on display, and coaches will be evaluating them. While...
Softball tryouts often are pressure-filled activities that are difficult for players to manage. They know that, if they perform well, they have a chance to make a travel, high school or college team, but a poor showing can resu...
As players get bigger, stronger and older, they will naturally get stronger. Softball players will throw harder as the natural maturation process takes place, and the ability to throw the ball with more speed will make players ...
Coaching competitive softball poses a number of unique challenges, starting with selecting the right players for your team. Holding tryouts can help you scout and evaluate the available talent, but orchestrating an effective tr...
The abdominal muscles are used extensively by softball players and thus deserve to be the focus of any off- or in-season training program. While you don’t need to bulk your abs up to the level of a bodybuilder or boxer to...
Watching competitive softball games, you might notice the infielders and outfielders can throw the ball with velocity as they target speedy runners. In addition, you might notice these players use footwork and a certain throwin...
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 o...
For a softball pitcher, it is imperative to have more than one pitch to throw to a batter. The curveball is a common alternative to a straight fastball because it has movement between when it leaves a pitcher's hand and when it...
Variety is often the key for the best softball pitches. A powerful fastball will give you an advantage, but good hitters will be able to time this pitch and hit it hard if you don't have other pitches to go with it. A change-up...
Softball pitches leave the hand of the pitcher at around 60 mph for college and pro players, 50 mph for high schoolers and in the 30s and 40s for younger players. In rare cases, such as for breakout Olympian Jennie Finch, a sof...
The levels of Softball are determined by the Amateur Softball Association of America, the sport's governing body. It oversees competition for adult and youth teams in a variety of formats and age divisions. ASA competition for ...
Youth softball leagues for girls who are 8 and under are designed to get players familiar with the game so they can learn the finer points of softball and have fun while doing it. Pitchers deliver the ball with a windup, but th...
A strong arm is one of the key components in fastpitch softball pitching, but there are other steps to being successful. Equally important are grip, approach, stance, form and your push off the pitching plate. The pitcher must ...
Track and field athletes often make or break their season during the first 35 percent of the season. The work done during the preseason and the early season progress indicate the type of overall season the athlete will have, ac...
Slow pitch softball is usually a hitter's game. The pitcher is not trying to strike out the batter. He is trying to induce fly balls, pop-ups and ground balls with various pitches in excellent locations. Pitchers have to work o...
Softball can be played at a highly competitive fast-pitch level or at a recreational level when friends or co-workers get together to play the slow-pitch version of the game. While the two games have many differences, both game...
If you try to pitch with an improper stride, expect to eventually be switched to a different position on the baseball field. The stride is the pitcher's movement to home plate, and a smooth one is going to put the pressure on t...
Fast-pitch Softball is governed on a national basis by the Amateur Softball Association of America, which sets rules for the sport including standards for bats. In 1999, the ASA instituted a Bat Certification Program, which spe...
Softball players face a number of challenges when they take the playing field. They need to know how to handle the bat, run the bases, play the field and maybe even pitch. Having to juggle so many athletic skills can prove daun...
Hitting a slow-pitch softball can be a foreign concept, especially to players who have a history playing primarily fast-pitch softball or baseball. While the swing remains largely the same no matter what speed the ball is pitch...
Generating power in slow pitch softball is vital for any hitter who wants to be a consistent threat for his team. Unlike in baseball or fast pitch softball, the batter has to generate all of his own power. The pitcher merely dr...
Softball batters often encounter pitchers who avoid throwing over the middle of the plate in certain situations. A good pitcher can locate the ball over the inside or outside part of the plate and catch the average batter looki...
A pitcher tips the hitter when he makes a gesture or maneuver that gives away the next pitch before it is thrown. Tipping a pitch should be avoided at all costs. There are number of actions that a pitcher can take to avoid tipp...
Hitting the inside pitch in softball requires quick hands, quick reactions and a plan of attack when the pitch is thrown. Top pitchers in competitive fast-pitch softball can throw the ball at speeds of 70 mph or faster. This de...
Hitting a softball for distance requires a powerful, rapid bat speed at impact. It is a must in slow-pitch softball, where the batters supply all the power on a high-arc pitch. Quick hands to build bat speed come from skillful ...
Softball players need to stay in shape to perform at a high level. Talent alone will not lead to success. Recommended exercises provide two benefits: They maintain physical endurance and strength and they guide improvement. Mos...
Driving the ball to right field in slow-pitch softball can pay dividends for you and your team. Slow-pitch softball is a high-scoring game with a lot of long hits. Pitchers are not going to shut down the opposition. However, go...
Slow-pitch softball hitters who want to hit the ball to open areas should take their stance in the back of the batter's box and attack the ball. Standing in the rear of the batter's box gives good hitters a chance to read the p...
Generally, discussions about hitting for power in slow-pitch softball center around bat speed, weight transfer or both. Although these factors are important, the fact a slow pitch doesn't provide opposite resistance as a fast p...
Learning to hit the ball where you want it to go is vital in slow-pitch softball. Although some of the bigger and more powerful hitters are capable of driving the ball for distance and hitting home runs on a consistent basis, m...
In softball, the term "crow hopping" often comes with a negative connotation, indicating an illegal movement a pitcher makes with her feet while delivering the ball to home plate. However, crow hopping doesn't have to be a bad ...
Play slow-pitch softball for enough years and you will get a few long hits that draw praise and pats on the back from your teammates. However, you won't be truly valuable to your team unless you are a power hitter who hits the ...
Cutting players from tryouts can be the most difficult of experiences for the player who is getting cut as well as the coach who has to pare her roster to prepare for the upcoming season. Coaches at the youth, high school and c...
Hitting the ball in slow-pitch softball is relatively easy. Pitchers are not trying to strike out batters and as the ball moves toward the strike zone, hitters' eyes grow wide as they anticipate a long hit. But intelligent pitc...
Fast-pitch softball is more technical than you might think. The learning curve for a new pitch is one to two years, but understanding the specifics of various release points and hand positioning requires patience and practice. ...
Your pitch speed is one of many components that make you an effective pitcher. You do not have to be a math genius to estimate how fast you pitch without a radar gun. Recall a few elementary math equations to convert feet per s...
The windmill pitching motion in fastpitch softball puts considerable strain on the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, elbow, forearm and wrist. But good conditioning, proper mechanics and sensible pitching workloads can help pitcher...
Competitive softball is a game ruled by pitchers who can throw hard, have an array of pitches and can shut down the opposing offense; however, no pitcher can get the job done without getting help from her defense. The way the d...
Competitive fast-pitch softball is a game driven by statistics. Players and coaches want updates on batting averages, slugging percentages, home run totals, runs batted in and on-base percentages. Every time a player comes to t...
A baseball pitcher's goal is to ensure that hitters make an out. Pitchers want to avoid throwing the ball over the middle of the plate so it will be harder for the batter to hit the ball hard. By pitching to the four corners of...
Many competitive volleyball teams rotate players from the game to the sidelines and vice versa. Substitutions can be done to let an active player rest and recover for play later in the game, or it could be used to capitalize on...
Because the mechanics of the windmill softball pitch is underhand, some believe it to be less injurious than baseball pitching. However, in their article "Shoulder Muscle Recruitment Patterns and Related Biomechanics during Upp...
The best softball players in the world can crush the ball upward of 600 feet, but the power they generate in their swings does not come naturally. Top-of-the-line equipment helps, but proper mechanics combined with a strong cor...
Pitching is often the top factor in winning and losing in fast-pitch softball. Pitchers throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph from a distance of 46 feet; baseball pitchers, by comparison, can reach more than 90 mph from 6...
...e. A good center fielder needs to catch any fly ball she can get to and also direct the other outfielders and position them so they are prepared to make plays. Defense is a vital factor in fast-pitch softball and the center ...
When you go to the mound in slow-pitch softball, you are soon in control of the game. No action takes place until you step on the pitching rubber and deliver the ball to home plate. But unlike baseball or fast-pitch softball, t...
Hitting the ball consistently in slow-pitch softball represents a different kind of challenge then hitting in fast-pitch softball or baseball. Most hitters can make contact in slow-pitch softball without any problem. But drivin...
Pitching machines are mechanical devices that simulate a live pitcher in baseball and softball. Pitching machines can throw balls at hitters or fielders so that players can practice batting and catching fly balls. However, play...
Developing into a consistent power hitter in slow-pitch softball is not just about swinging from your heels and attempting to drive every pitch high and deep. Slow-pitch hitting requires timing, a strong weight shift and the ab...
Pitching a softball requires timing, coordination, strength and confidence. The best softball pitchers can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph during the day or night. While some pitchers may prefer throwing during the ...
Fast-pitch softball is a competitive game played by skilled players at a high level. Slow-pitch softball is often a recreational game played in after-work leagues or at family picnics. While one game is played at a fast pace an...
Umpiring college softball requires a commitment to the craft by the individual. Amateur umpires who work youth and high school games are eligible to move on to the next level when they pass the appropriate tests and attend umpi...
Having the right footwear is essential for sports performance, but for baseball and softball players, the cleats are the foundation for speed and agility. Cleats come in a variety of styles, including metal cleats that are made...
With over 80,000 teams and 1.3 million players, the youth division of the Amateur Softball Association is the largest youth sports organization in the United States. The ASA youth division was founded in 1974 and has since evol...
Taking care of your Mizuno GNP 1400 softball glove ensures sound catches each time you go for a ball. On occasion, it may be necessary to remove tattered lacing and lace up the loops at an edge, the heel or the crisscross at th...
Advances in composite Softball bat technology led to explosive performance and created safety concerns for players. In 2000, the Amateur Softball Association of America set a test standard that slow-pitch bats must meet to be u...
Fastpitch softball bats are always a key item for those who want to hit the ball hard. The best hitters know it is all about mechanics, building the proper swing and using it correctly depending on the pitcher and the game situ...
...ll low. Once you learn the low swing, the hardest thing is laying off low-outside pitches. Even if you make contact, the barrel of the bat is too far from your body to generate power. You can hit low softball pitches for dis...
Setting up a softball field (or "pitch") for play is generally the responsibility of the home team, as they are hosting the away team on their territory. Depending on the amount of set up required, coaches and helpers should ar...
Throwing an effective rise ball can turn a good pitcher into a great one in softball. The rise ball is one of the most difficult pitches to throw, and it often takes more than a year to develop an effective pitch that rises in ...
The challenge of hitting a fast pitch in baseball can be overwhelming at times. Some pitchers are capable of throwing the ball at speeds greater than 95 mph and locating the ball on the inside or outside corner. Attempting to m...
The key to pitching well in softball is learning the mechanics involved in getting the ball to home plate consistently. Factors such as grip, arm motion and stride are critical. Releasing the ball is a key part of your delivery...
Although softball pitchers throw underhand, the catcher and the rest of the defensive players behind the pitcher throw overhand, just like baseball players. As a softball player, then, it's essential that you learn how to execu...
Coaches want softball players who will compete hard and do their best when the game is on the line. Good players want to field the ball in the late innings; they welcome the opportunity to make a game-deciding play. The same is...
The phrase "UTrip" is short for USSSA, or the United States Specialty Sports Association. The USSSA was founded as the United States Slow-Pitch softball Association in 1968. It has evolved into one of softball's major national ...
A softball's velocity is defined as the speed and direction in which the ball is traveling. Whether you are pitching, hitting or catching a softball, you influence the softball's velocity. During a game, you can use physics to ...
A definition of softball from The Free Dictionary website states that softball is "a game closely related to baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer." That's an accurate nutshell d...
Many softball pitchers want to dominate the game by striking out batters with a hard fastball. Fast pitch softball is a low-scoring game that features many strikeouts. Pitchers who have a dominant fastball can cut off scoring o...
Earned-run average is one of the benchmark statistics by which a softball pitcher's performance is measured. Earned-run average is calculated by plugging a pitcher's totals of earned runs and innings pitched into a simple formu...
Sir Isaac Newton developed three laws that describe what causes an object to move after coming into contact with another object, such as when you hit a softball with your bat. Newton's Three Laws of Motion can be used to unders...
Throwing a softball from third base, you have three potential targets: first base, second base or home. And no matter which target you choose, the mechanics are the same: grip, footwork and release. In softball, the base paths ...
Softball can be an enjoyable game in after-work recreational leagues or at family picnics. It can also be a high-level competitive game played at the high school, college, professional and international levels. However, playing...
Throwing the softball properly is one of the first things players need to learn if they are going to play the game seriously. Defensive excellence is about catching the ball well and throwing it directly at your target with qui...
Collegiate and international fast pitch Softball competitions have strict rules governing all aspects of the game, including pitching. Softball pitchers must keep their rear pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate until t...
Softball bats and inner sleeves are engineered to specific requirements to ensure the barrel of the bat momentarily compresses on impact. A sleeve that's too thick can affect the compression factor and reduce the bat's power. I...
Slow-pitch softball is a game that usually features a lot of hitting and a number of home runs. Pitchers might seem to be merely extra infielders whose main job is to get the ball over the plate so it can be put into play; howe...
Slow-pitch Softball suits children and adults. It is a team game in which every position is of equal importance. The ball is pitched slowly to the batter, resulting in more hits, more runs, catches and throws. Softball bats com...
Slow-pitch softball is largely a hitter's game that features long home runs and big numbers on the scoreboard, but teams that win in slow-pitch softball often have expert pitchers. Slow-pitch hurlers don't intimidate batters or...
softball made its Olympic debut in the 1996 Atlanta Games, where the USA softball team took home the gold medal. During the games, each player uses various pieces of equipment from team and individual sponsors. For example, DeM...
Hitting the ball in slow-pitch softball does not have the same degree of difficulty as hitting in fast pitch softball. Instead of facing a pitcher who is trying to throw a fastball by you or throw drops and curves, you are faci...
Slow-pitch softball can be a game of opportunity for power hitters. Unlike baseball or fast-pitch softball, you don't have the challenge of facing a pitcher who is trying to overpower you with fastballs that challenge your reac...
Hitting a home run is the best experience in men's softball. You round the bases with your body full of pride, and your team meets you at home plate with a round of high-fives. You have realized the physical outcome of the bala...
Earning a spot on a competitive softball team during tryouts can be a difficult and pressure-packed experience. In a short period, softball players must display their talents and instincts in front of coaches who don't have muc...
Discussions surrounding the mechanics of swinging a softball bat range from focusing on the point of contact to following through. Just as timing your swing with the speed of a pitch is important, rolling your wrists at the rig...
softball and football are different in many ways. In the U.S., softball comes in two forms: slow pitch and fast pitch. Generally, in North America, when someone mentions football, they are usually referring to the sport played ...
The Amateur softball Association oversees many aspects of competitive fast- and slow-pitch softball, including the standards for legal bats in the industry. The ASA does not want players to use bats that give hitters a major ad...
Whether legging out a double or triple or trying to swipe an extra base, softball players need to run as fast as they can or risk being thrown out. Of course, all that speed can make stopping difficult. To avoid overrunning bas...
Softball pitchers face some of the same potential injuries as baseball players, especially if they use the fast pitch method. This requires rotation of the arm to throw the ball. Poor technique can lead to tearing connective ti...
Whether you're competing in baseball, the shot put or softball, the act of throwing requires a strong foundation in your core muscles, as well as a strong shoulder. The muscles of your rotator cuff are some of the smallest musc...
To prepare for softball tryouts, first take note of the tryout date and times --- then you must work on your defensive and offensive softball skills such as hitting, catching and throwing the ball. To help support your muscles,...
Softball is a sport that requires hand-eye coordination, precision, accuracy and timing. You must incorporate the correct mechanics and body strength to hit the ball hard. A wide variety of drills and training aids are availabl...
The ASA's rules on obstruction prevent players from hindering an opponent's ability to reach base. Without these rules, which the International Softball Association and USSSA have also adopted, defensive players could use nearl...
Unlike many other sports, which are timed, softball does not have a time limit but rather a set number of outs for each team. This can make it difficult to predict how long a game will last, but it also gives teams the chance t...
Base running and positioning on the basepaths is one of the underappreciated aspects of softball. Most of the glory in softball goes to pitchers who can dominate the game with fast pitches that can reach speeds of 70 miles per ...
The curveball is a specialty pitch used in both softball and baseball. Slow-pitch softball pitchers learn it to keep the batter off-balance. To effectively throw a curveball, start with the proper grip on the softball and use ...
Softball features a numbering system that is used to designate the position that each athlete plays. The numbering system is used primarily when keeping score in the game. Each position on the field corresponds to a number that...
Increasing the number pitches thrown in a game is not an overnight process. Your ability to last deep into a game depends on a variety of factors that take long periods of time to develop. In addition to muscle strength, you ne...
The Amateur softball Association of America, or ASA, governs many softball leagues across the country. This organization has developed the rules and regulations used during both tournament and league play, which makes these eve...
The National softball Association is a nationwide co-ed softball organization that was founded by Hugh Cantrell in 1982 for youth and adult players. The association acts as an umbrella to several leagues throughout the United S...
The pitcher in softball is the person who throws the ball to the catcher in a windmill-like motion, underarm, in an attempt to get the ball past the batter to the catcher behind. The ball is thrown after the umpire shouts "thro...
Currently, the Amateur softball Association registers more than 245,000 softball teams each year, which includes more than 3.5 million softball players. softball is played by men and women, both recreationally and competitively...
The differences between fastpitch and slowpitch softball go beyond the speed of the ball. Because of the way the pitching speed affects the game, and based on who and why people choose these two different versions of the sport,...
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 not...
Softball is a low-impact sport that can be played by kids and seniors alike. The popularity of intramural, competitive and noncompetitive, just-for-fun leagues has exploded across America, and joining a local league can help se...
The process of selecting the right softball glove is similar to how you would go about choosing a baseball glove, except that you have to take into consideration that softball is played with a bigger ball, and a deeper and ofte...
Softball is a highly competitive sport with strict rules and regulations at all levels of the game. For high school games, the National Federation of State High School Associations is the governing body that annually reviews an...
The whipping motion of a fastpitch Softball pitcher's arm can send pitches toward the plate that compare to top baseball pitchers' in speed and movement. Softball is a serious sport, and becoming a Softball pitcher takes a seri...
Athletes in all sports need exceptional foot traction to excel. Sports such as football, soccer, baseball, softball and even golf feature shoes with studded cleats along the soles to dig into the turf and prevent slipping. Whil...
Proper softball throwing mechanics involve the whole body, not just the throwing arm. Good mechanics start with the correct grip on the ball and conclude with proper follow-through after the ball's release. Consistently sound m...
Power hitting dominates slow-pitch softball. Pitchers are not interested in trying to strike out batters but are merely trying to make batters feel uncomfortable when swinging. The idea that most slow pitchers are trying to ope...
softball is often thought of as a slower, safer game, but in reality fastpitch softball players throw the ball as hard as they can and many work to improve their velocity. softball pitchers use an underhand throwing motion, whi...
Since the early 1950s, when former minor league baseball player Claude Christie invented the hitting tee, baseball and softball players have been using the equipment to tone their hitting, bunting, contact and fielding skills. ...
When you look around a softball diamond, it's usually simple to spot the most important players and personnel --- pitcher, batter, fielders, the umpire calling the balls and strikes, or the coaches on the basepath and in the du...
Girls' fastpitch softball pitching is a rapid-fire set of actions that require patience and practice to perfect. A pitcher needs to be able to relax and concentrate on every pitch to be successful. Mastering a variety of pitche...
Fastpitch softball diamonds are much smaller than baseball diamonds. At the higher levels, it is a quick game dominated by pitching, defense and speed. Bunting and slap-hitting are key offensive weapons and the third baseman an...
Softball was invented in Chicago in 1887 by a group of men who wanted to play baseball indoors during the cold and brutal winters of northern Illinois.To play indoors they created a soft, oversized ball and a small bat so that ...
Community or in-house softball leagues are often the first competitive leagues young girls play in as they begin their softball careers. Scores are kept and wins and losses are recorded in standings. As a result, house leagues ...
Fastpitch Softball sanctioning bodies divide the competition into age groups in addition to classes. This applies to league play and tournaments. The primary sanctioning groups are the Amateur Softball Association of America, t...
Softball catchers may be the most important players on the field. The catcher calls the pitches and will touch the ball any time the ball does not get put into play. A catcher has to know how to position the defense, has to blo...
Softball is a fun sport for children of all ages to play. It is not only a healthy way to help get and stay in shape, but it also improves hand-eye coordination as well as strength, endurance and mobility skills. It also provid...
Softball is a very demanding sport, like baseball, with excellent timing and hand-eye coordination required to contact pitches and send them into play for a base hit. Keeping your eye on the ball is one of the most important tr...
One of the seven ways you can reach base in both baseball and softball is through a rule called "catcher interference." It happens when you, as the batter, hit the glove of the catcher during the main part of the swing. When th...
softball was introduced as an Olympic sport for women only in 1996, making its final appearance at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The rules of softball are similar to those of baseball, with slight variations ...
... simply swinging at a pitch is not an uncommon occurrence, even for professionals who have been doing it for more than 20 years. If you believe you have pulled a stomach muscle from swinging a bat in softball, there are seve...
Softball games are regularly scheduled for seven innings at the high school and college level. There are reasons that the game may not be able to be completed. When the full seven innings can't be played, the rules may allow t...
When you want an ASA fastpitch softball bat that meets all the bat size regulations, you might think it's as easy as looking for the certification markings on the bat. Not so: Some regulation-size bats with ASA certification ma...
Jenny Finch is perhaps the most famous female softball player in the world, as of 2011. Finch was a staple of the U.S. softball teams, helping the team to many victories. Not only did she become famous for her talents on the di...
Anyone who's ever watched a few minutes of a rec-league softball game has probably seen a big guy taking flailing hacks at the ball, swinging with all of his might, but popping it up for an easy out. Being a good hitter in soft...
High school softball can be extremely competitive, and "Select" team players might populate the roster in softball hotbeds. Girls hoping to make the freshman, junior varsity or varsity teams must develop good overhand throwing ...
Though they share many basic principles and are often grouped together, baseball and softball also have many differences. Baseball is traditionally played by males and requires a bit more organization, while softball is a unise...
Fastpitch softball demands a variety of skills, including hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, pitching and catching. Players may develop and refine those critical skills with the help of training gear. Some baseball training ...
The PONY League was formed in 1951 as a next step for 13- and 14-year-old boys who were too old to play Little League baseball. An acronym for Protect Our Nation's Youth, PONY League baseball and softball has expanded to includ...
Softball pitching plates consist of a pitching rubber and hardware that secures the rubber in the pitcher's mound. Pitching plates are manufactured in regulation sizes and come in two basic styles. Spike-down plates are practic...
Gearing up for softball season requires a glove that meets the demands of your position. There is a difference between a glove and a mitt --- mitts have no finger slots. First baseman and catchers use mitts, which make it easie...
Exercises to get in shape for softball are designed to help you strengthen core muscles as well as other muscles you use during the game. While pitchers and hitters often engage in a few differing drills, most softball exercise...
Some people may perceive softball as a sport that requires less skill than regular baseball, but that is simply not the case. Playing softball requires speed, strength, agility, balance and hand-eye coordination. Every position...
Fastpitch Softball bats may be used in slowpitch Softball as long as they fall within the specifications set by the Amateur Softball Association of America and other sanctioning bodies. The ASA sanctions both fastpitch and slow...
Dixie leagues provide access to organized baseball and softball to children in 11 southern states from Texas to Virginia. Girls playing Dixie softball compete on a smaller field than other youth softball programs', changing the...
The "international tiebreaker" rule refers to the extra-inning rules set by the International Softball Federation. If a game under ISF rules is tied after seven innings, the tiebreaker rule is put into effect. The ISF rules app...
There are two levels to the sport of softball: fast-pitch, in which pitchers wing the ball past batters at rates of up to 70 mph, and slow-pitch. If you are new to the sport, the latter is the better choice until you have honed...
The change-up is also referred to as an off-speed pitch, because the speed is slower than your other pitches. The pitcher delivers a change-up with the same motion and intensity as a fastball. When used effectively, a change-up...
While similar in many ways to baseball, softball has its own unique set of rules and guidelines. The exact set of rules governing a softball game will depend largely on the age, gender and skill level of the competitors. Softba...
From the first softball game in 1887 to the late 1960s, batters came to the plate with a wooden bat. In 1969, sporting goods manufacturer Easton introduced the first aluminum bat made for everyday play. This revolutionized the ...
Defend your softball mitt against natural leather damage such as drying and cracking by applying a glove oil to help protect, soften and condition it. Many glove manufacturers offer their own glove oil solutions, which are made...
Softball pitchers at all levels need to execute drills and strengthen their arms before the start of another season. They need to get their arms in the best shape possible to pitch well and stay healthy. Drills will help a pitc...
A screwball is a type of pitch in softball that is designed to break or move the same direction as the pitcher's throwing hand. Generally, breaking pitches such as a curve ball for right-handers move to the left, while a left-h...
Many fastpitch softball pitchers are able to throw pitches at speeds that rival baseball pitchers and can put movement on the ball, making it rise or dip. As in baseball, the ability to throw a good change-up keeps the hitter o...
End caps on a softball bat are standard and in most leagues must be present on your bat before you are allowed to play. End caps are inserted into the bat's barrel to provide even distribution of weight and protect the inside o...
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 scor...
Holding tryouts for a softball team could be a complicated task. Coaches will be making choices based on a small sample size of performance to determine what players are best to fill the roster. In most cases, it will lead t...
Softball tryouts can be the most critical time of the year for some players. If you are a high school player new to your community, this is the best opportunity you have to impress your coach and win a spot on the team or a pos...
The first softball was not a ball, but a boxing glove. On Thanksgiving Day 1887, a group of Yale and Harvard alumni gathered in Chicago to hear the score of the schools' annual football game. A Yale alumnus, after learning of t...
Hitting the ball consistently hard in fast-pitch softball requires a batter to have the proper stance and an effective swing. One of the key factors in building a consistent and repeatable swing is making sure you have a bat th...
softball bats are sold in a variety of sizes, materials and styles. Choosing a softball bat is not done by simply picking one off of the shelf and purchasing it. A softball bat must fit your individual playing style with comfor...
Hitting the ball hard in slow-pitch softball seems easy. The pitcher is not trying to strike you out. Instead, he is just floating the ball over the plate, allowing you to take a shuffle step in the batter's box and a powerful ...
For the casual beer league softball player, the art of hitting is sometimes viewed as simply stepping to the plate and hacking away as hard as you can. But if you take the sport more seriously, there are some fundamental techni...
The Amateur softball Association of America was founded in 1933 by Leo Fischer and Michael Pauley as a way to organize the recently founded sport of softball on a national level. The duo formalized their efforts by hosting a na...
When you repeatedly pull on a joint, it eventually stretches out or even breaks from overuse, similar to a rubber band. The same can be true for your elbow when throwing a softball. Repeated throwing can pull on the normally st...
When you speak of bunting techniques in softball, you are talking about fast-pitch softball. Bunting is banned in slow-pitch. If you bunt, or make a motion construed as bunting by chopping down on the ball, you will be called o...
Hitting a softball is a challenging, but fundamental, skill. Although softball batting averages tend to be higher than those in baseball, it is still likely that a softball player will fail to reach base more often than she get...
Fast pitch throwing exercises are designed to help improve the mechanics of the pitchers on your team as well as their pitch speed and velocity. In addition to active throwing exercises, some pitchers use weight training and re...
Despite the difference in pitch speed and the skill needed to hit these pitches, fastpitch and slowpitch softball do have a few similarities. Both sports make a commitment to treating injured players and ensure that the bats us...
The Amateur softball Association is the governing body for amateur softball played in the United States. The ASA sets rules for spectator conduct at softball tournaments, which also apply to all local ASA-affiliated leagues. Lo...
A softball glove takes time to break in and mold to your hand. When you have a glove that is comfortable, it is difficult to give up. With proper maintenance, a softball glove should last for years. One part of the glove that m...
Slow-pitch softball is like baseball with a few differences. In pitching, the pitcher in slow-pitch softball throws underhanded while baseball pitchers throw over-handed. Underhanded pitches are a little more difficult when it ...
Composite softball bats require a breaking-in period before they are at their best. During the breaking-in period, the composite materials break down slightly, creating an accelerated rebound effect when you swing and hit the b...
The term "fast pitch" in men's fast pitch softball is used to differentiate the game from slow pitch softball, in which there are restrictions on the speed and flight pattern of the pitcher's throws. The pitches in slow pitch a...
A well-thrown rise ball is a tremendous weapon in fast-pitch softball. It produces missed swings, foul balls to the screen and harmless pop-ups. Recognizing and hitting a good rise ball is one of the most difficult challenges f...
Training games for softball pitching are designed to help improve your pitch accuracy and speed. While some softball pitching games help simulate typical game situations, others take the form of drills, which attempt to isolate...
In slow-pitch softball, the catcher can indeed throw a base runner out at first base. However, the ways this can happen are limited compared to the fast-pitch game. Because of the differences in rules, there are only a couple o...
Setting a lineup in softball can be instrumental in the outcome of any game. It's vital to put together hitters and base runners that complement each other and can help keep rallies going as long as possible. It's not simply a...
A slug in softball or baseball is almost always a hit and usually refers to a home run or other long and powerful hit. A hit in baseball or softball, however, is not necessarily a slug. If you bunt for a hit, it would be inacc...
Regardless of whether you're playing in a casual soft-pitch league with some friends from your office or competing in a high-level college fast-pitch conference, the strategies of hitting a softball don't change drastically. Wh...
Slow, high-arcing pitches characterize slow-pitch softball. The batters in slow-pitch don't have to be concerned with pitch speed or breaking balls, but using the right mechanics is still important to achieve optimum results. F...
...n schemes to replace the imaginary country's president with a self-declared tyrant, a peanut vendor becomes the Secretary of War and a spy defects because the other side offers better food. Duck Soup softball is conducted in...
The Amateur softball Association of America (ASA) provides a variety of competitive softball programs with associated leagues throughout the country. The adult softball programs for men and women are the largest programs in the...
Many 7- and 8-year-old girls are still mastering the proper softball swing. Bat control and speed are the most important considerations when selecting the right equipment. Players in this age group vary greatly in size, speed a...
A fast pitch softball pitcher is similar to a baseball pitcher. Technique is vitally important, and if a pitcher's "mechanics," or fundamental techniques, are off, it promises to be a tough day on the mound. There are a lot of ...
...ugan Returns," real-life Major League batting coach Charlie Lau tells actor Mathew Broderick's character, "You can't hit what you can't see." Possibly the easiest pitch to see in all of baseball is a softball slow pitch. Man...
If your first Softball tryout is approaching, remember two things: Have fun and hustle. Softball is a game, and while your potential coaches want to see that you are serious about the sport, you should also keep in mind that th...
The strike zone in competitive softball extends from the top of the letters on the softball uniform shirt to the area just above the knees. The pitch must be over the plate within that area for the umpire to call a strike. Home...
Slow-pitch softball is a game mostly for younger kids and recreational players. Many rec leagues are co-ed, so the rules for slow-pitch softball are the same for both men and women, except in men's competitive Class A and B lea...
10U fastpitch softball rules are similar to rules of a basic women's softball league. Many of the restrictions and differences in 10U softball are based around the developing bodies and sizes of the girls playing the game. As a...
A slider in slow pitch softball is a form of curve ball. The slider is a simple pitch that can be mastered in very little time. Used in softball and baseball, the slider is designed to curve slightly as it nears the batter. The...
They are played on the same type of fields, use the same types of equipment and play by many rules that are similar. Yet there are major differences between baseball --- often called hardball --- and Softball. Softball may appe...
While 12-year-old softball players often play on a field that is smaller in size, the fundamentals and techniques of pitching remain the same. Despite this, youth are advised against throwing off-speed pitches, such as curves a...
Men's slow pitch is a popular sport played by men of all ages for recreation and exercise. Many men participate in organized slow pitch softball or organize weekly games with friends. Proper grip on a softball bat influences th...
...of an accident or from playing sports. It may be a repetitive injury from overuse of the wrist. No matter what causes the sprain, there are only so many ways it can heal. Playing any sport, including softball, takes skill an...
Kickball has no official governing body in the United States, and its rules vary from league to league. Various national and international kickball organizations provide specific rules for the sport. These sets of rules provide...