Softball

By: Natalia

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Table of contents

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Chapter 1 - History of Softball

Chapter 2 - The rules of playing

Chapter 3 - How to play on the field

Chapter 4 - Running the bases

Chapter 5 - Equipment for the catchers

Chapter 6 - Clothing

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Softball may not be the right sport for some people but it can be for many others. Softball is also a athletic sport that can be played in different ways everywhere. Considering that it has only been in the Olympics for a couple years it can be the right sport for anybody.

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Introduction

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Softball may not be the right sport for some people but it can be for many others. Softball is also a athletic sport that can be played in different ways everywhere. Considering that it has only been in the Olympics for a couple years it can be the right sport for anybody.

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History of softball

In Chicago November 24 1887, it was thought that the members of the Farragut Boat club used a boxing glove as a ball and a broom stick to hit the glove, in a new game based on a football game. In the cold winters they trained to become better, so the Farragut Boat club decided to make their own set of rules and train inside during the cold winter days. This spread quickly threw Chicago and eventually throughout the rest of the Mideastern U.S. Over the next decade they started to call it, indoor baseball, kitten baseball, diamond ball, mush ball, and pumpkin ball.

*Inning - were the teams alternate as offence to defense.

The rules of playing softball

Each team bats once in each inning* before they get 3 outs. The fielding team has a pitcher, catcher, a player on 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, 3 outfielders and a short stop. A batter must successfully hit the ball and run as many bases as possible. The player can get out by a tag with the ball in their hand, touching the base, and running out of the base line. Generally a team has 14 or more people on a team to play.

*Inning - were the teams alternate as offence to defense.

How to play on the field

A game of Softball involves team members taking turns as batters to play against the other team of fielders. The fielders have to have a pitcher, catcher, 3 basemen, a short stop, and 3 outfielders. There are 3 outfielders in competitive baseball & softball: left field, right field, and center field. Playing in the outfield requires speed, good judgement, and a strong throwing arm. When a batter takes their turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher.

One big difference between baseball & softball is when the base runner can leave the base, according to ASA Softball Rules. With fast pitch, a runner can't lead off or leave the base. When batting have your feet as wide as it is, comfortable bend your knees and get into a athletic stance. Your toes, hips and shoulders should all be facing the plate, your toes should also be lined up with the plate keeping your torso straight. The faster the pitcher is the farther back you stand in the batters box. If the faster is slower the closer you stand towards the pitcher in the batters bow.

Running the bases

One big difference between baseball & softball is when the base runner can leave the base, according to ASA Softball Rules. With fast pitch, a runner can't lead off or leave the base. When batting have your feet as wide as it is, comfortable bend your knees and get into a athletic stance. Your toes, hips and shoulders should all be facing the plate, your toes should also be lined up with the plate keeping your torso straight. The faster the pitcher is the farther back you stand in the batters box. If the faster is slower the closer you stand towards the pitcher in the batters bow.

Equipment for catchers

Slow pitch softball does not require any special equipment for catchers, although many choose to wear a face mask for safety precautions. Protection is needed more for fast-pitch catchers, which includes a helmet, shin guards and a chest protector.

Put on sliders* and then softball pants. Softball pants are stretchy so you could fit in them and they should only go down to your knees. You have to wear them in in games all the time but you don't have to wear them in practices. Some coaches allow you to wear shorts to practice but sometimes they make you wear softball pants.You wear your jersey to games only and a different shirt to practice. Some coaches give you practice jerseys while others don't. You should have socks on that go past your knees, some provide you with sock but not all the time. Cleats help when running in the dirt or fielding in the grass you can grip the floor so you don't slide and fall.