1. HS Softball Strike Zone
All definitions are from the NFHS Rule Book
The “Slot” is the recommended position
Every pitch has a verbal call, EXCEPT a swinging strike

2. Batter Longer than you thought!
Has 20 seconds to get ready to hit the ball
If the batter is NOT ready after 20 seconds
After the pitcher is ready to pitch
8 seconds
16 seconds
20 seconds
4 seconds
20 second clock starts
12 seconds
A strike is called on the batter Penalty
Longer than you thought!
Use the penalty only if required

3. Plate Dimensions Section 2 – BASES,PLATES
The Plate is 17” wide
1-2-2
17”
The black edging is NOT considered part of the plate
8 ½”
Black Edging is 1”
12”
8 ½”
The plate is 17” long, with ½ being at a 45° angle
The back of the plate is where the foul line connect

4. Softball Batters Box 1-1-43’ 4’
Batter's Box
3 feet x 7 feet 3’
10’
8’ 5”
Catcher’s Box
10 feet x 8 feet 5 inches

5. Strike Zone 27 inches wide Arm Pits Top of knees
NFHS Rules
STRIKE ZONE The strike zone is the space over home plate which is between the batter’s forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance.
Top of knees
Arm Pits
Official Strike Zone
Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight shall be constituted a strike.
Width of home plate is 17”.
Diameter of the ball is approximately 4”.
There is 1” of black edging.
The umpire shall determine the batter’s strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when swinging at a pitch.
27 inches wide
The effective width of the strike zone is 27”

6. CALL STRIKES The “Real” Strike Zone Rule of Thumb 27 inches wide
NFHS Rules
STRIKE ZONE The strike zone is the space over home plate which is between the batter’s forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance.
CALL STRIKES
Rule of Thumb
Strike Zone
Varsity – Top of belt
JV- Below the letters
The umpire shall determine the batter’s strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when swinging at a pitch.
27 inches wide

7. STRIKE ZONE …. assumes a natural batting stance
The “Real” Strike Zone
STRIKE ZONE …. assumes a natural batting stance
When the batter swings .. she moves but the strike zone stays the same.
The strike zone
did not
change …
the batter moved !

8. End