This early version of the game was quite different from today's game, however. For starter's, it was originally play with a _____ glove and a broom.

Eventually the official game used a softer ball, a smaller bat, and shorter base distances than are used today. The pitcher threw the ball _____ hand.

The game quickly moved outdoors and was referred to by such names as:

In 1933 the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was formed. It gave softball its official name and developed a format set of rules. A national tournament was held that year at the World's Fair in Chicago. Public interest in softball continued to grow before _____ _____ II; the game became even more popular after the war.

By the 1950's leagues had been established all over the country, and by the middle of that decade the _____ inch (30.5 centimeter) slow-pitch softball game had emerged. Today softball is one of the most popular games played in the United States, with more than 35 million Americans participating every year.

Equipment: Basic softball equipment includes a regulation softball bat, softball, fielding gloves, and a set of four bases. It is also recommended that for game play, a chest protector and protective mask be provided for the _____.

Social Skills and Etiquette: Because softball is a team sport, social skills can and should be developed throughout this unit. The game demands teamwork to be successful. There is a need for:

Rules: A variation of baseball, softball uses a softer and larger _____, a smaller and lighter _____, and a smaller playing field.

Softball does not demand a fast-pitch strikeout pitcher; instead it requires the pitcher to pitch the ball with a slow arc and travel from the pitcher to just behind _____ plate.

A team consists of _____ players.

When on offense, all players bat in a predetermined batting _____. When on defense, players play their field positions.

Play: The game is played for _____ innings, at which time the team with the most runs wins. If the score is tied after seven innings, teams play extra innings if time allows.

Offense: Each time a batter goes to the plate, one the following three situations may occur:

_____ : legal pitches (i.e., crossing home plate between the bottom of the batter's armpits to the top of the batter's knees). If the batter swings and misses the ball, it is also called this. Three of these equal an out.

Each time a batter goes to the plate, one the following three situations may occur:

_____: illegal pitches (i.e., crossing home plate above the batter's shoulders or below the batter's knees, and outside or inside the width of the plate). Four of these equal a walk for the batter to first base.

Each time a batter goes to the plate, one the following three situations may occur:

_____: a struck ball that does not stay in the playing field. This hit ball will be counted as a strike against the batter, but will never count as the third or final strike. These are unlimited balls allowed once a batter has two strikes.

Defense: Defensive players get batters (offensive) out by: