Softball

Softball

Basics of Softball

Open Ended

What are your thoughts on the game of softball? Is it similar to any other sports you can think of?

History of Softball

• George Hancock developed an indoor version of baseball in 1887.

• Utilized larger and softer balls with a smaller playing field

• Also known as kitten ball or diamond ball

• In 1926, it became known as softball

• First played in Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta

Objective of Softball

• Score more runs than the other team

• Similar to baseball, with smaller diamonds, longer bats, and bigger equipment utilized

• Played on the field of a diamond with shorter base paths

Softball Field

• Positions are similar as in baseball

• 60 feet base paths as opposed to 90 feet

• 43.5 inch pitching distance

• Fences are generally around 200-250 feet

Open Ended

List and describe two differences between baseball and softball.

Softball Positions

• 1 - Pitcher: delivers the pitches to the batters hitting on the opposing team

• 2 - Catcher: catches the pitcher's pitches and calls the game

• 3 - First Base: covers first base (which hitters run to when they get a hit)

• 4 - Second Base: field the ball on the ground and throw it to first base

• 5 - Third Base: field the ball on the ground and throw it to first base, considered the hot corner

Multiple Choice

what about this position?

• third

• second

• shortstop

• first

Multiple Choice

what is this position?

• pitcher

• catcher

• first

• third

Softball Positions Cont.

• 6 - Shortstop: field the ball on the ground and throw it to first base

• 7 - Left Field: catch any pop flies and throw the balls into the infield

• 8 - Center Field: catch any pop flies and throw the balls into the infield

• 9 - Right Field: catch any pop flies and throw the balls into the infield

• 9 total positions

• Find a spot near the bag to stand when fielding

Multiple Choice

how many players are allowed on the field?

• 7

• 10

• 9

• 12

Multiple Choice

When playing at infield positions, fielders should not stand on the bases, but off to the side of the base.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Left field is between second and third base in the outfield.

• True

• False

Softball Rules

• Ball is pitched underhand

• Seven inning games

• 3 outs per half inning, 6 outs per inning

• 3 strikes = out

• 4 balls = walk

• 3 outs = end of half inning

Multiple Choice

After the ______ strike, the batter is called out.

• 1st

• 2nd

• 3rd

• 4th

Multiple Choice

A team goes on defense after their ______ offensive out.

• 1st

• 2nd

• 3rd

• 4th

Multiple Choice

A batter earns a ‘walk’ and goes to 1st base if they are thrown ______ balls.

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

Softball Terms

• Ball - called by umpire - pitch that does not enter strike zone (don’t swing!)

• Strike zone - space over home plate between batter’s armpits and above their knees

• Fair ball - a ball hit into the field of play

• Foul ball - a ball that settles on foul territory - outside playing area

• Force out - an out made when a baserunner, forced to run because another teammate must run to the base being occupied, cannot reach the next base safely

Softball Terms Cont.

• On deck - waiting to bat next

• Fielder - any one of 9 players on defensive team

• Grand slam - homerun with a base runner on each base, scoring four runs

• Home run - batter reaches all 4 bases and scores with no errors or putout results

• Inning - portion of game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense - 3 putouts for each team

• Scoring position - when a runner reaches 2nd base safely 

Softball Terms Cont.

• Bunt - an attempt by the batter to tap the ball instead of swinging at it; the bat is lowered to approximately chest height, parallel to the ground

• Line drive - ball hit sharply in a straight line, roughly parallel to the ground

• Fly ball (pop up) - a ball that is hit into the air

• Grounder - a ball that is hit on the ground

• Force Out - when a fielder makes an out by tagging the base runner OR the base that the runner was advancing toward

Multiple Choice

How many bases are there?

• 10

• 6

• 4

• 9

Softball Terms Cont.

• Bases Loaded - There is a runner on 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd base at the same time.

• Double - When the batter hits the ball and gets to second base safely.

• Double Play - When the defense makes two outs during one “at bat”.

• Grounder - a ball that is hit on the ground

• Grand Slam - When the batter hits a home run with the bases loaded.

• RBI - Stands for run batted in.

Multiple Choice

The name of a hit when the batter reaches second base

• Triple

• Single

• Second

• Double

Multiple Choice

The first pitch is hit outside the playing field in foul territory and is counted as a foul ball. This is counted as strike one on the batter.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A ball is hit in the air and the runner at 1st base leaves before the ball is caught. The 1st baseman catches the ball and touches the base before the runner is able to return to the base.

• The runner is allowed to stay at 2nd base, but the batter is out.

• It results in a double-play where both players are out.

• The runner is out, but the batter is safe at 1st.

• Both players are safe.

Multiple Choice

First base is empty but there are runners on 2nd and 3rd. Where is there a force out besides at 1st base?

• Home

• Third

• Second and Third

• None of the above

Throwing a Softball

• When throwing a softball with your right hand, you should step with your left foot and then follow through.

• Your body forms a “T” and is “closed” to your target as you prepare to throw. You then take your step as you “open” to your target, snap the ball to the target, and then follow through

• Your throwing hand should follow through to your opposite hip with your shoulder pointing at at your target as you follow through.

Hitting a Softball

• When hitting a softball, you start in an athletic stance.

• LOAD more of your weight on your back foot, then STRIDE and transfer your energy by stepping with your front foot and pivoting on your back foot (squashing the bug).

• Your hips will open to the pitcher as you STRIKE. 

• If hitting right handed (standing on left side of plate) your right hand is over your left on the bat.

• Arms should be in an “A” position, swing level and all the way through.

Poll

I have a general understanding of the game of softball

• Yes

• No

• I need to review

Poll

I am able to explain at least two differences between baseball and softball

• Yes

• No

• I need to review