Softball

Softball is a fun sport that is similar to baseball. It uses a bigger ball and is played on a smaller field. In softball, pitchers throw the ball underhand to batters, which makes the game different from baseball.

The sport was invented in 1887 in Chicago by George Hancock. There are two main types of softball: slow-pitch and fast-pitch. Slow-pitch is often played for fun, while fast-pitch is played at higher levels, including in the Summer Olympic Games. Fast-pitch softball was an Olympic sport, and it will return for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Depending on the type of game and the age of the players, the field and equipment can change. The bases are usually 60 feet apart, but the distance from the pitcher to home plate can be between 35 to 43 feet. The ball used in softball is usually 11 or 12 inches around, but it can be smaller for younger players. Softball is played at many levels, from club teams to high schools, colleges, and even professionally.

History

The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois, on Thanksgiving Day in 1887. It started at the Farragut Boat Club after a football game between Yale University and Harvard University. A Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter, who hit it with a stick. A reporter named George Hancock suggested playing ball, and they used the glove as a ball and a broom handle as a bat. Hancock helped make a special 17-inch ball and a smaller bat, and the Farragut Club made rules for the game. It was first called "Indoor Baseball" and later played outside.

Softball became popular, especially among firefighters in Minneapolis, where it was called "kitten ball." The name "softball" was created in 1926. By the 1930s, many versions of the game were played across the United States and Canada. Softball grew at all levels, from schools to professional leagues. In 1996, women's fast pitch softball debuted in the Summer Olympics. Softball's rules and organizations have continued to develop over the years.

Overview

Softball is a fun game played between two teams, similar to baseball but with some special rules. The field has four bases arranged in a square, and players hit a larger ball to score runs. In softball, the pitcher throws the ball underhand, which makes the game different from baseball.

Players take turns batting and fielding. Each team tries to score more runs by hitting the ball and running around the bases. The game usually has seven innings, where each team gets a chance to bat and field. Players use bats made of metal or composite material to hit the ball, and there are rules about strikes and balls that decide if a batter gets to run to first base. The team with the most runs at the end wins!

Playing field

The playing field has two parts: fair territory and foul territory. Fair territory is split into the infield and the outfield.

The field has lines called foul lines that cross at home plate. These lines help decide if a hit ball is fair or foul. The field's edges are marked by a fence, and the space between the foul lines and the fence is the outfield. The widest part of the field is between the foul poles, where the foul lines meet the fence.

Home plate is one corner of a diamond shape, with bases at each corner. These bases are cushions usually made of canvas, about 15 inches square. The bases are numbered first, second, and third, moving counterclockwise. The infield is the area around the diamond where infielders play, usually covered in dirt. The outfield, beyond the infield, is usually grassy.

Near the center of the diamond is the pitching plate, where the pitcher stands. In fastpitch softball, there is a circle 16 feet across around the pitching plate.

Pitching distances

Equipment

Softball players need special equipment to play safely. This includes a ball, a bat, gloves, uniforms, and protective gear. Hitters must wear a helmet when they are up to bat. Catchers need extra protection like a helmet, chest plate, and knee/shin guards.

Ball

A softball isn’t soft. It is smaller and lighter than a baseball. The size of the ball depends on the age of the players. For adults, the ball is about 12 inches around, but for children under 12, it is a bit smaller at 11 inches. The ball is covered in leather or a similar material.

Bat

The bat can be made from wood, aluminum, or composite materials. The bat can be up to 34 inches long and 2.25 inches wide. Some bats are not allowed because they can make the ball go too far.

Gloves

All players who field the ball wear gloves made from leather or similar material. These gloves are bigger than baseball gloves because the softball is larger. The size of the glove can depend on the position a player has on the field.

Uniform

Each team wears the same uniform. This usually includes a cap or visor, a shirt with the team’s colors and the player’s number, socks, and pants or shorts. Players also wear shoes with cleats or spikes, but these spikes cannot be too long.

Protective equipment

Players who are batting or running the bases wear special helmets to protect their heads. Catchers wear even more protection, including a helmet with a face mask, chest protector, and shin guards. Some players, especially younger ones, can choose to wear face masks while playing in the field.

Umpires

Decisions about plays in softball are made by umpires. A game can have from one to seven umpires. There is always one "plate umpire," and there can be up to three "base umpires" and three more umpires in the outfield. Most fastpitch games use two umpires: one plate umpire and one base umpire.

Umpires are often called "blue" because of their uniforms. In many games, they wear navy blue pants, a light blue shirt, and a navy baseball cap. Some umpires wear different colors depending on the league. Umpires show their decisions with hand signals and words. For example, they signal "safe" by moving their hands apart and say "safe." They signal "out" by raising their right hand and say "out." They call "strike" and "ball" verbally, and for foul balls, they raise both arms and say "foul ball."

Most decisions by umpires are final. If a coach thinks a call was wrong, they can protest, and the umpires will discuss it. Protests might change a call sometimes, but not always. Coaches cannot protest calls about balls, strikes, or fouls. However, there are special rules for reviewing some calls using video in certain games.

Gameplay

A softball game can last from 3 to 7 innings, or about 1–2 hours, depending on the league and rules. Teams take turns batting. Usually, the home team bats second, but this can vary by league. Batting second is called "last at-bat," and many players like it because it gives them more control in the final inning.

If the game is tied, extra innings are played until there's a winner, except in some tournaments. If the home team is leading after the visiting team finishes their seventh inning, the game ends.

In all softball, the defensive team fields the ball, while the offensive team bats and tries to score runs.

Pitching

Play usually starts with the umpire saying, "play ball." The pitcher stands at the pitching plate and throws the ball underhand to the batter. The pitch must go through the "strike zone" to count as a strike. If the batter doesn’t swing and the pitch isn’t a strike, it’s called a "ball." The count of balls and strikes is called the "count," like 2 and 1 or 2 and 2. A "full count" is 3 and 2, meaning the next pitch will decide the batter’s turn unless it goes foul.

Slow pitch

In slow pitch, the pitch is lobbed so it rises above the batter’s head and lands in a small area behind the plate called "the well." If it lands there, it’s a strike. This makes it easier to hit the ball and harder to pitch defensively because the ball can’t be thrown too fast.

Fastpitch

In fastpitch, pitchers use a "windmill" motion, throwing the ball at high speeds. Depending on the age group, pitches can reach from 30 to 65 mph or more. Pitchers can throw different types of pitches, like fastballs, breaking balls, rise balls, drop balls, and change-ups, to outsmart batters.

A "crow hop" is an illegal pitch where the pitcher jumps before throwing. If this happens, the batter gets a ball, and any runners on base move up one.

Batters

One batter at a time tries to hit the pitch into fair territory. The batting order stays the same all game. Batters stand in a "batter’s box" and swing the bat to hit the ball. If they hit the ball into fair territory, they run to first base and become a runner.

A batter can also reach first base if hit by the pitch, as long as they tried to move out of the way.

Getting the batter out

A batter is out if they get three strikes, the ball they hit is caught before touching the ground, they go to a base that’s already tagged, a fielder touches the base they’re running to before they get there, or in some special cases.

Advancing around the bases

If a player hits the ball and reaches a base without an error or out, it’s called a "base hit." Bases must be touched in order, starting with first base. Advancing to first base is a "single," to second is a "double," to third is a "triple," and to home plate is a "home run." Home runs usually happen when the ball goes over the outfield fence.

Runners can advance for several reasons: on a hit by another player, after a fly ball is caught if they were touching a base, or automatically in some cases.

Scoring runs

A "run" is scored when a player touches all four bases in order. They don’t have to do it all in one play; they can stay on a base and wait for a chance to move later.

Ending the game

The team with the most runs after seven innings wins. If the home team is leading after the visiting team’s seventh inning, the game ends. If it’s tied, extra innings are played until there’s a winner.

If one team is ahead by a large margin, some leagues use a "run ahead rule" to end the game early.

A game can also end in a forfeit if a team doesn’t show up, refuses to play, or breaks the rules after being warned.

Games can also be stopped due to danger, like darkness. If four innings have been played and a team is leading, the game stands as it is. If fewer than four innings were played, the game is replayed from the beginning if it’s a championship.

Positions

There are nine players on the field in fastpitch softball and ten in slow-pitch softball. Each player has a special job to do. In the infield, there are positions for the pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman. The outfield has positions for a left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. In slow-pitch softball, there is sometimes an extra outfielder called a roamer or rover.

Pitcher

The pitcher throws the ball from the middle of the diamond. They must have both feet on a special spot called the rubber at the start of their throw, but neither foot is on it when the ball is released. Pitchers throw the ball using an underarm motion towards the strike zone. They are usually tall, flexible, and have strong upper body muscles. Pitchers can be right-handed or left-handed.

Catcher

The catcher stands behind home plate and catches the pitches. They are responsible for keeping mis-pitched balls in front of the plate, calling pitches, and picking off runners. Catchers need to be strong, smart, and quick on their feet. They also need to have strong legs to squat for long periods.

First baseman

The first baseman is positioned to the left side of the diamond when facing home plate. Their main job is to receive throws from other players to get a force play at first base. They also field balls hit towards first base and are usually taller and often throw with their left hand.

Second baseman

The second baseman plays between the first baseman and second base. They cover second base if the ball is hit to the left side of the field and become a cut-off for the center or right fielder if the ball is hit to right or center field. They also cover first base if the ball is hit to the first baseman.

Shortstop

The shortstop fields balls hit between second and third bases. They help cover second and third bases, are involved in force plays and double plays, and often throw the ball to the catcher to throw out runners at home plate. Shortstops need to be quick, agile, and think fast.

Third baseman

The third baseman is on the right side of the diamond when facing home plate. They field all balls hit their way, including bunts. Third basemen need great reflexes, quick feet, and a strong arm to throw runners out from across the diamond.

Outfielders

The outfielders cover the grassy area behind the infield. There are three main positions: right fielder, center fielder, and left fielder. Each has specific jobs to back up the infielders and prevent base-runners from advancing.

Right fielder

The right fielder is on the right side of the field. They cover the area behind first base if the ball is thrown there and have the strongest arm of the outfielders because they are furthest from the bases.

Center fielder

The center fielder is in the middle of the outfield. They are usually the fastest outfielder and need a strong arm because of the distance to home plate. They also help communicate with other outfielders.

Left fielder

The left fielder is on the left side of the outfield. They cover the area behind third base if the ball is thrown there and need to be smart and aware of the field situation.

Designated player

In fastpitch softball, teams often use a designated player who hits instead of one of the position players but does not play defense. This player can sometimes substitute defensively and the original player can return later.

Pitch

In softball, a pitch is when a player throws a softball toward home plate to start a play. All pitches are thrown underhand, from below the waist.

The way a pitcher holds the ball and moves their arm can change how the ball moves, making it harder for the batter to hit.

The catcher usually decides which type of pitch to use by giving hand signals to the pitcher. Different pitches can travel at different speeds and move in different ways. This helps the defensive team get batters or runners out.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) recognizes three main pitching styles:

• fastpitch
• "modified" fastpitch
• slow-pitch

Recreational play

Softball is enjoyed by millions of Americans who play at least one game each spring. Both men and women play it for fun and competition.

Softball is popular for adult fun activities. Leagues can be "fun leagues", where enjoying the game and teamwork matter more than winning, or "serious leagues" where winning is more important. Teams often form from groups of friends or coworkers who play after work in the summer. In many cities, teams are organized by bars and clubs, often called beer league softball. Teams can be for men, women, or mixed, and skills can range from beginner to very good. These leagues usually play slow-pitch or modified games.

To make the game fair for everyone, especially in mixed teams, leagues often have special rules. For example, some require equal numbers of men and women on the team, or that batters alternate between men and women. Others need at least three women on the field at all times. These rules help keep the game balanced.

One reason softball is so popular is that its rules can be easily changed to suit different skill levels. For example, some leagues start each batter with one ball and one strike already counted. Others limit the number of home runs a team can hit, or stop players from stealing bases. Some rules make the game more defensive by requiring runners to advance to first base. These changes help keep scores even and give everyone a chance to enjoy the game.

Co-ed leagues often have extra rules to balance the game between men and women, since men might be stronger. For example, outfielders must stay behind a line until the ball is hit, or male batters might need to switch hit. Some leagues even use different balls for men and women. These changes help make the game fair for everyone.

Softball can be played by children, teens, and adults, even seniors over 60. For informal games where having fun is more important than winning, some leagues use an "offensive pitcher". The pitcher tries to give easy pitches to hit. Batters get a few tries to hit the ball, and if they miss all chances, they are out. The pitcher doesn’t field, and if the ball hits the pitcher, the batter is out.

Some leagues shorten games by changing the rules for walks and strikes. For example, one strike could mean an out, and two balls could mean a walk. This makes games faster, especially when there’s less light or when playing back-to-back games.

Indoor softball, sometimes called Arena Softball, follows most of the same rules as outdoor softball. The only difference is that the wall behind the batter is foul territory, while other walls are fair. Hitting the ball to a small spot on one outfield wall counts as a home run. Pitching might be slower indoors, or use a pitching machine for younger players. Some indoor fields don’t allow metal cleats, and games might have time limits.

Professional leagues

Further information: Women's Professional Fastpitch, Association of Fastpitch Professionals, and Men's professional softball in the United States

Women's Professional Fastpitch is a professional women's softball league in the United States. It started in June 2022. In 2024, a new league called the Association of Fastpitch Professionals began with 4 teams. Another league, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, started in 2025 and grew to 6 teams.

In the late 1970s to early 1980s, there was a short period of men's professional softball in the United States.

International competition

Softball is played in over a hundred countries. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the main group for the sport, with many countries joining. The WBSC holds world championships for different age groups.

The WBSC holds the Women's Softball World Cup every four years. The most recent tournament was in 2010. New Zealand became the Men's World Champions in 2013. Argentina won the Junior Men's World Championship in 2012.

Women's softball was at the 1996 Summer Olympics but was not played after the 2008 Summer Olympics. It returned for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, where Japan won the gold medal. Softball will not be part of the 2024 Summer Olympics but may return for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

New Zealand is very good at men's softball, winning many world titles. Australia, Japan, and China are also strong. In Europe, Italy and the Netherlands are top nations. The United States has many college and professional teams, with girls' competitive fastpitch softball becoming more popular.