Beginner’s Guide to Softball

Basic Rules of Softball

1. Teams and Positions: Each team has ten players, including positions such as pitcher, catcher, infielders, and outfielders.
2. Objective: The aim is to score more runs than the opposing team. A run is scored when a player successfully reaches home plate after hitting the ball and running through a series of bases.
3. Gameplay: A softball game consists of seven innings. Each inning is divided into two halves – the top and the bottom. One team bats while the other fields, then they switch roles.
4. Pitching and Hitting: The pitcher throws the ball underhand to the batter, who tries to hit it. A hit ball that lands within the field of play allows the batter to run to first base.
5. Bases and Runs: The bases are arranged in a diamond shape. After hitting the ball, the batter runs to first base and can continue to second, third, and home plate to score a run. The objective is to complete the circuit of bases.
6. Strikes and Balls: A “strike” is when the batter swings and misses or doesn’t swing at a good pitch. A “ball” is when the pitcher throws outside the strike zone, and the batter doesn’t swing. Four balls allow the batter to walk to first base.
7. Fielding and Outs: The fielding team tries to get the batter or runners out. This can be done by catching a hit ball before it lands, throwing the ball to a base before the runner gets there, or tagging the runner with the ball. Each team has three outs per inning.
8. Fouls: A foul ball is when the ball is hit outside the field of play. Foul balls count as strikes unless the batter already has two strikes.