![]() ![]() ![]() How many players per team depends on the league. ![]() The extra player in slow pitch can play “short outfield” (aka “rover”), behind second base at the edge of the infield (called a “pivot”), or as a fourth outfielder. Slow pitch teams are typically able to play with 10 players in the field, while fastpitch only allows for nine. There are a few other interesting distinctions between the two sets of rules. It was supposed to return to the Summer Olympics (along with baseball) this year. That’s not to say there are no competitive slow pitch softball tournaments, just that the game is more accommodating to those who may not have the time to dedicate to hardcore training.įastpitch, on the other hand, is a more taxing game that requires quick reflexes and a serious competitive streakThis is the version of the game that’s played at the highest level. The main difference is in the name: slow pitch requires pitchers to pitch a slow, looping ball to the batter, while fastpitch has pitchers windmill the ball underhand to the plate as hard as they can.įor this reason, slow pitch is generally regarded as the better version for beginners, and those who want to play a more leisurely game. There are two main codes of softball rules: slow pitch and fastpitch. There Are Two Versions of Softball: Slowpitch and Fastpitch A softball specific glove is built for the purpose of catching a softball– not a baseball. A baseball glove will work in a pinch, but they don’t have a big enough pocket to stand up to long-term softball use. A player should be able to control the glove, but have enough length to make catches more easily. The glove should fit a player’s hand should fit snugly, but not uncomfortably so. Just make sure the player can squeeze it shut, and a softball won’t pop out. There’s no need to shell out over 00 for an entry-level glove. – Made of soft or easily broken in leather. The Best Type of Softball Glove for Beginners Unless you’re playing by Chicago rules (which uses a 16-inch ball anyway), you’re going to need a glove. The current standard for a softball is 12 inches in circumference, with a figure eight stitching pattern. Still, a softball is bigger than a baseball because the larger circumference ensures it won’t travel as far as a baseball, making it ideal for playing in smaller (or even indoor) spaces. It was also fielded barehanded.Īs the game progressed, the balls got progressively harder. Legend has it the first ball was fashioned out of a boxing glove, making it soft and unable to travel far. Softball was invented by a group of men in Chicago in 1887 as an indoor alternative to playing baseball outside in the Illinois winter. The ball isn’t actually soft.Īt least, it isn’t in the modern version of the game. Baserunners in softball aren’t allowed to take a lead off the base prior to the ball leaving the pitcher’s hand. Pitchers throw underhand, as opposed to the overhand pitching found in baseball. There are a few other distinct details that separates softball from baseball. While baseball pitchers tend to throw with more raw power and speed, the combination of the shorter distance between the pitcher and home plate in softball poses its own The distance from the rubber to home plate is 43 feet, as compared to the 60 feet, 6 inch distance of professional baseball. Instead, the pitcher stands inside of a flat “pitcher’s circle” with a “rubber” in its center. Unlike baseball, there’s no pitcher’s mound in softball. The smaller dimensions make for a faster-paced, arguably more exciting game, in part because it enables techniques like slap hitting: Softball is played on a smaller field, with 60-foot basepaths (the path that runners use to get to each base. The team up to bat has to follow the batting order set by each team’s manager at the beginning of the game.īut that’s about where the similarities end. Players on each team have assigned positions. Three strikes and you’re out, four balls and you get to walk to first base. ![]() Yes, the game is played on a 4-base diamond. Before you have your first catch, get to know these essential things about the game of softball. Still, first-timers (and their parents) might want to get acclimated to the game before their first practice. And there’s really never a bad time to introduce yourself to the game. Everyone from kids to senior citizens can enjoy softball. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |