Softball

There are many differences between softball and baseball: 1 There are many differences between softball and baseball: 1. The pitcher pitches the ball underhand. 2. The ball is larger in softball. 3. The softball field is smaller (therefore, the distance between the bases is shorter) 4. There is no leading off the bases (players can steal only once the ball has left the pitcher’s hand) 5. Sometimes there are 10 players on the field Can you think of any other differences?

There are 3 different types of softball that can be played. 1 There are 3 different types of softball that can be played. 1. Slow pitch – the ball must be pitched high in the air and there are 10 players on the field (10th player is called a rover) 2. Orthodox – ball is pitched underhand but no whip 3. Fastpitch – ball is pitched by whipping the ball http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uypm0WW71Jw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5X86nD_WS4

Rules of the game - there are 9 or 10 players on the field (defensively) at a time - the playing field is divided into the infield (gravel part of the field) and the outfield (the grass part of the field) - infield players are: pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, shortstop - outfield players are: left field, center field, right field, rover - any ball going outside the 1st or 3rd baselines is considered a foul ball (and counts as a strike for the first two foul balls) - a softball game consists of 7 innings (an inning is when both teams have had their turn up at bat) - top of the inning = away team bats - bottom of the inning = home team bats

- the pitcher must have both feet on the pitching rubber and can only take one step forward when throwing the ball (in fastpitch they are allowed to hop) - the pitcher must pitch the ball underhand - the pitcher must pause before pitching the ball - batters must follow the batting order - a batter is out when: a) they have 3 strikes against them (strikeout); b) they do not stand in the batter’s box when they make contact with the ball; c) a fly ball is caught; d) the batter hits a ground ball and the fielder is able to throw the ball to the base before the batter arrives; e) the batter steps on homeplate when making contact with the ball

- runners may over run 1st base only (turn toward the dugout – to the right) - no leading off - you must tag up - a base runner cannot pass another base runner - you can steal after the ball has left the pitcher’s hand - a runner is out when: a) they are tagged with the ball; b) the ball gets to the base before the runner (force play); c) they run more than 3 feet off the baseline; d) the runner is hit by the ball immediately after it comes off the bat

Terminology Strike – when the batter swings at the pitch and misses it or when the ball enters the strike zone and the batter does not swing at it Strike zone – the ball passes the batter over the plate between their chest and their knees Strike out (K) – the batter is out as a result of 3 strikes Ball – a legally pitched ball that is outside the strike zone Walk (BB) – when a batter advances to 1st base as a result of 4 balls

Grounder or Ground ball – a ball that is hit on the ground Force out – a runner who has to advance to the next base to make room for the following base runner and is thrown out Fly ball – a ball that is hit in the air to the outfield Pop up – a ball hit up in the air to the infield Infield fly – the batter is automatically out when the ball is popped up to the infield and there are runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out (rule in place to avoid fielders dropping the ball on purpose to gain outs)

Dug out – the designated area where the players and coaches must stand while their team is up to bat Home plate – the square/diamond shaped white base Umpire – the person who regulates the game; usually there is a home plate umpire who calls the balls and strikes and a base umpire who rules whether the runners are safe or out Bull pen – where the pitchers warm-up before they enter the game Batter’s box – the designated area where batters must stand while they are at bat (if they step out of the batter’s box when they hit the ball they are called out)

First base line – the line that extends from the back of the plate along first base to the outfield fence (used to determine if a ball is fair or foul) Third base line - the line that extends from the back of the plate along third base to the outfield fence (used to determine if a ball is fair or foul) Foul ball – a ball that is outside the 1st or 3rd baseline (if the ball bounces on the line it is a fair ball) On deck circle – the next person up to bat may stand on the field in the on deck circle

Bunt – when a batter lets the ball hit the bat so the ball just barely rolls in the infield (a strategic move used to advance runners) Sacrifice – when a batter purposely hits a fly ball to the outfield so the runner (s) on base can tag up and advance to the next base Tag up – when a fly ball is hit the runner must stay on the base until the ball is caught before advancing to the next base