Softball
According to the history of softball, the game
came into existence in Chicago, Illinois; thanks to George Hancock. The very
first game took off using a rolled up boxing glove as a ball and broomstick as
a bat. Softball game is among the popular sports in the United States. The game
has its roots in baseball. Size of the balls and
throw of the pitches separates the two. Softball game uses balls that
are larger in size than that used in a baseball game. The pitches are thrown
underhand instead of overhand, as in baseball. League specifications determine
the types of rules and regulations of a softball game. How skilled the players
are and the amount of participation in league play, also decides the variation
of softball rules and softball regulations.
Players and the
Game
A softball game generally indulges 10 players in a match.
However, some teams may also have 8 to 9 players also. The playing ground is
divided into two sections - the infield and the outfield. There are three bases
on the infield. At each of these bases, there is a base defender. At the home
plate, a catcher is placed and the pitcher is at the pitcher's rubber. This is
the kind of setup of the infield. Left fielder, center fielder, right center
fielder and right fielder are involved in the outfield. The softball is a 7
innings game and the time frame is about an
hour.
Pitching
The pitcher's rubber at the infield
is required to be stepped on by both the feet of the pitcher. According to the
softball pitching instructions,
while pitching only one step is allowed to be taken in the forward direction.
As mentioned above, the ball is pitched underhand instead of overhand. When the
pitcher is about to make the pitch, he has to ensure that both his hands are on
the ball.
Batting
The batting rules have to be
followed by the batter throughout the game. Softball rules say that the batter
is allowed three strikes until he has been called out. The batter is also
called out until a fly ball is caught or if the batter does not stand in the
batter's box, once the game has started.
The bats used by the batters
are mostly made out of aluminum or composites. An approved bat list is
available with each softball team. One of the softball regulations that is
important is that the bats have to be closely monitored by most softball
governing associations. The umpires also need to check the bats'
legality.
Basic Softball Rules and Softball Regulations for
Base Running and Scoring
When moving forward through the bases,
runners must touch ease base in order. Until the ball has been hit by a
subsequent batter, base runners cannot lead off a base. Softball allows the
batters to only run past the first base, not the second and third base. If the
ball hit by the batter has been caught in mid air, the base runner needs to tag
the occupied base before proceeding to the next base. According to the rules
and regulations of softball, one base runner cannot overtake another base
runner. Although stealing from one base to another is permitted by some
fast-pitch leagues, generally this is not allowed in regular softball
games.
Base runners are called out if they are tagged with the ball
before they reach a base or if the fielders get the ball to the first base
before the runners. Runners are also tagged out if they cross a distance of 3
feet out of the base line. This normally happens when they try to avoid getting
tagged out by the fielders.
Fast pitch Softball Rules and
Regulations
As the name suggests, in a fast pitch softball game, you
can fairly expect a faster pitch than normal. Generally, the pitch goes up to a
speed of 60 to 70 miles per hour. Here the playing field has small dimensions,
with a distance of 200 feet maintained between the home plate and the center
field wall. Helmet, mask and a throat protector are a must for players in a
fast pitch softball game. Stealing bases is also permitted in this type of
game.
Slow Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations
Here
the pitchers are required to arc the ball while pitching. The field used in a
slow pitch softball game is larger than that of the fastpitch game. Slow pitch
game does not allow foul balls to be counted as strikes, if there are already
two strikes on the batter. This is one of the softball rules that is similar to
baseball
rules. Slow pitch soft ball games are preferred
by most amateur players as the ball is easier to hit than a fastpitch
game.
The above mentioned softball regulations and rules have been
presented in a simplified version. However, it may feel different while
actually playing on the field, even if the rules remain the same. A practical
hands-on experience in the field provides a real taste of getting acquainted
with all the softball rules and regulations that have been set up for the
game. http://www.usasoftball.com/folders.asp?uid=1
SOFTBALL PLAYER POSITIONS
AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Pitcher
Throws
the softball from the center of the diamond (pitcher's mound) to the catcher.
The pitcher uses an underarm motion to pitch the ball toward the "strike zone".
After making a pitch, the pitcher gets ready to field balls hit up the
middle.
Catcher
Plays
in a semi-crouched position behind home plate and receives pitches thrown by
the pitcher. Also receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at home
plate.
First
Baseman
Positioned
just to the left of the first base. Her main role is to make fielding plays on
balls hit toward first base.
Second
Baseman
Plays
in the gap between the bag at second and the first baseman. Receives throws
from fielders attempting to make outs at 2nd base and fields “grounders” and
“pop ups” hit to this side of the infield.
Shortstop
Fields
the balls hit to the infield between second and third base. She covers second
base (along with the second baseman) and is often involved in force plays and
“double plays” with the second baseman.
Third
Baseman
Plays
to the left of third base and covers any plays there. Receives throws from
other fielders attempting to make outs at 3rd
base.
Outfielders (Left, Right, and
Center)
Positioned
beyond the infield, they catch and field “fly balls,” line drives, and ground
balls hit into the outfield.
According to the history of softball, the game
came into existence in Chicago, Illinois; thanks to George Hancock. The very
first game took off using a rolled up boxing glove as a ball and broomstick as
a bat. Softball game is among the popular sports in the United States. The game
has its roots in baseball. Size of the balls and
throw of the pitches separates the two. Softball game uses balls that
are larger in size than that used in a baseball game. The pitches are thrown
underhand instead of overhand, as in baseball. League specifications determine
the types of rules and regulations of a softball game. How skilled the players
are and the amount of participation in league play, also decides the variation
of softball rules and softball regulations.
Players and the
Game
A softball game generally indulges 10 players in a match.
However, some teams may also have 8 to 9 players also. The playing ground is
divided into two sections - the infield and the outfield. There are three bases
on the infield. At each of these bases, there is a base defender. At the home
plate, a catcher is placed and the pitcher is at the pitcher's rubber. This is
the kind of setup of the infield. Left fielder, center fielder, right center
fielder and right fielder are involved in the outfield. The softball is a 7
innings game and the time frame is about an
hour.
Pitching
The pitcher's rubber at the infield
is required to be stepped on by both the feet of the pitcher. According to the
softball pitching instructions,
while pitching only one step is allowed to be taken in the forward direction.
As mentioned above, the ball is pitched underhand instead of overhand. When the
pitcher is about to make the pitch, he has to ensure that both his hands are on
the ball.
Batting
The batting rules have to be
followed by the batter throughout the game. Softball rules say that the batter
is allowed three strikes until he has been called out. The batter is also
called out until a fly ball is caught or if the batter does not stand in the
batter's box, once the game has started.
The bats used by the batters
are mostly made out of aluminum or composites. An approved bat list is
available with each softball team. One of the softball regulations that is
important is that the bats have to be closely monitored by most softball
governing associations. The umpires also need to check the bats'
legality.
Basic Softball Rules and Softball Regulations for
Base Running and Scoring
When moving forward through the bases,
runners must touch ease base in order. Until the ball has been hit by a
subsequent batter, base runners cannot lead off a base. Softball allows the
batters to only run past the first base, not the second and third base. If the
ball hit by the batter has been caught in mid air, the base runner needs to tag
the occupied base before proceeding to the next base. According to the rules
and regulations of softball, one base runner cannot overtake another base
runner. Although stealing from one base to another is permitted by some
fast-pitch leagues, generally this is not allowed in regular softball
games.
Base runners are called out if they are tagged with the ball
before they reach a base or if the fielders get the ball to the first base
before the runners. Runners are also tagged out if they cross a distance of 3
feet out of the base line. This normally happens when they try to avoid getting
tagged out by the fielders.
Fast pitch Softball Rules and
Regulations
As the name suggests, in a fast pitch softball game, you
can fairly expect a faster pitch than normal. Generally, the pitch goes up to a
speed of 60 to 70 miles per hour. Here the playing field has small dimensions,
with a distance of 200 feet maintained between the home plate and the center
field wall. Helmet, mask and a throat protector are a must for players in a
fast pitch softball game. Stealing bases is also permitted in this type of
game.
Slow Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations
Here
the pitchers are required to arc the ball while pitching. The field used in a
slow pitch softball game is larger than that of the fastpitch game. Slow pitch
game does not allow foul balls to be counted as strikes, if there are already
two strikes on the batter. This is one of the softball rules that is similar to
baseball
rules. Slow pitch soft ball games are preferred
by most amateur players as the ball is easier to hit than a fastpitch
game.
The above mentioned softball regulations and rules have been
presented in a simplified version. However, it may feel different while
actually playing on the field, even if the rules remain the same. A practical
hands-on experience in the field provides a real taste of getting acquainted
with all the softball rules and regulations that have been set up for the
game. http://www.usasoftball.com/folders.asp?uid=1
SOFTBALL PLAYER POSITIONS
AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Pitcher
Throws
the softball from the center of the diamond (pitcher's mound) to the catcher.
The pitcher uses an underarm motion to pitch the ball toward the "strike zone".
After making a pitch, the pitcher gets ready to field balls hit up the
middle.
Catcher
Plays
in a semi-crouched position behind home plate and receives pitches thrown by
the pitcher. Also receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at home
plate.
First
Baseman
Positioned
just to the left of the first base. Her main role is to make fielding plays on
balls hit toward first base.
Second
Baseman
Plays
in the gap between the bag at second and the first baseman. Receives throws
from fielders attempting to make outs at 2nd base and fields “grounders” and
“pop ups” hit to this side of the infield.
Shortstop
Fields
the balls hit to the infield between second and third base. She covers second
base (along with the second baseman) and is often involved in force plays and
“double plays” with the second baseman.
Third
Baseman
Plays
to the left of third base and covers any plays there. Receives throws from
other fielders attempting to make outs at 3rd
base.
Outfielders (Left, Right, and
Center)
Positioned
beyond the infield, they catch and field “fly balls,” line drives, and ground
balls hit into the outfield.