Softball in the Schools - International Softball Federation

The International Softball Federation
presents
A program to help teachers and administrators introduce the sport of softball into
their classrooms and school systems
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose of this Manual
What Is Softball?
Equipment
The Playing Field or “Pitch”
The Game of Softball –
The Skills of Softball
- Hitting
- Catching
- Throwing
- Baserunning
- Pitching
Ways to Make Softball More FUN for Children:
-
Shorten the distances for smaller children
-
Shorten the game length
-
Introduce different types of softball games just for children
Sample Skill Lessons –
Softball Terms & Words –
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PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL
The purpose of this manual is to help our International Softball Federation (ISF)
member federations/associations introduce softball into their school systems.
Within this manual you will learn about the type of equipment used in softball, the
type of field or pitch that softball’s played on, the basic concept of softball, how the
game is played, how you win and some simple rules. Toward the end of this manual,
and after you’ve learned about the game itself, you’ll be introduced to some
different methods for making softball fun for younger children to learn, and some
lesson plans for introducing softball into your school system. As with every sport,
there’s much more to it at the elite level than what will be covered in this manual,
but the goal is to introduce you to an exciting sport for children of all ages to play in
a recreational format. If you’re interested in learning more of the advanced skills
involved
with
the
game
of
softball,
contact
your
national
softball
federation/association, or the International Softball Federation. Now, let’s get
started!
WHAT IS SOFTBALL?
First, let’s talk about the game of SOFTBALL. What is Softball? Softball is a VERY
exciting game that’s played by more than 20 million women and men, girls and
boys all over the world.
There are two main versions of softball: FAST PITCH and SLOW PITCH. In both
versions the ball is pitched underhand by the player called “the pitcher”. In fast
pitch, the ball is pitched in a straight or flat line to the catcher as fast as
possible. Sometimes that’s not very fast if the players are young or just learning
the position, while at the top levels of softball, like in the Olympic Games,
pitched balls will travel over 112 km (70 mph) per hour! In Slow Pitch the ball is
pitched toward the batter in an arc that travels slowly – thus the name slow
pitch.
Fast Pitch
SlowPitch
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OBJECT OF THE GAME: The object of a softball game is to score the most
Slow
Pitch by the offensive
“runs” at the end of seven innings. A “run” can only be
scored
team, and occurs when a “runner” gets on base by hitting a pitched ball and
advancing safely around all three bases and then finally touching home plate.
An Inning is what you call it after both teams have been on offense and
each gotten 3 outs.. A softball game has 7 innings and the team with the
most runs after 7 innings wins!
Softball is similar in some ways to many different types of bat & ball sports
played around the world. Sports played throughout different regions of the
world such as Cricket, Rounders and Pesapallo are
similar in many ways to softball. If you or your students
know of one of these games, then teaching softball to
them will be easier if you can focus on the similarities of
the two games. Once the players understand they are
learning a “similar” game to one they already know it will
be easier for them to learn softball since it won’t seem
so completely different.
EQUIPMENT
Softball can be played with only two pieces of equipment; a ball and a bat,
although in most cases, the players will need to have gloves, bases, batting
helmets and catching gear. Let’s take a look at the different pieces of softball
equipment.
The Ball
The ball is probably the most important piece of equipment used
in a softball game, but unlike the name suggests, a regulation
softball is not soft. The ball is round with a circumference of
30.2cm (12 inches) and a weight of 166.5g (6 oz.). It’s also optic
yellow in color with red stitches to make it easier for the batter
to see.
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The Bat
The bat is by far the most exciting piece of softball
equipment because everyone loves hitting the ball
with it. Bats are usually made of very high grade
graphite, carbon, magnesium, ceramic, or some
combination. They can no be no longer than 34
inches (86.4cm) and weigh no more than 38 oz
(1077g). It’s OK for bats to be made of wood if they
are not used in ISF championship play.
The Glove
A glove is used by every player on the defensive team. These
players are called “fielders” since they play a position
someplace on the playing field. Gloves are made of leather
and have an area between the thumb and first finger that’s
called “the pocket”. This area allows for the ball to be caught
without hurting the fielder’s hand.
Catcher’s Gear
This equipment is only worn by the catcher and it’s to protect
that player from pitched or batted balls since pitched balls in
Fastpitch can travel at or near 100km an hour (70mph – at the
really good skill level. The mask is made of a strong, lightweight
metal with soft padding to cushion the player’s face. The chest
protector is made of padded cloth, and the leg (or shin) guards
are made of very strong plastic that bend at the knees and
ankles so the catcher can move around easily.
Batting Helmets
A batting helmet is used by the batter and all
base runners to protect themselves from any
stray balls that might either be thrown out of
bounds or pitched poorly.
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NOTE:
The ISF understands that finding softball equipment may be a
challenge for you so we have an Equipment Program available
to our member federations/associations. Please contact your
national softball federation/association to request ISF Softball
Starter Kits (that include all of the equipment listed on pages
4-5) to help introduce and develop softball in your school and area.
PLAYING FIELD or PITCH
Softball is played outside on a grass and dirt surface that is called a “softball
field” or “softball pitch”. A regulation softball field/pitch looks like this:
Outfield
Infield
On a regulation softball field/pitch, the outfield is usually grass and the infield
is usually a very smooth, firm dirt. But, the great thing about softball is that you
can usually play it on whatever surface you have available to you, like a
football/soccer field, a hockey pitch/field, an empty field, a park or any place
where you can find some room. The flatter the ground the better it will be for
the players so that the ball bounces evenly. If the ball hits a rock it can bounce
up and strike a player and that’s not fun for anyone.
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Positions The numbers that you see listed on the field diagram below show the positions
where the players on defense play:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
= Pitcher
= Catcher
= 1st Baseplayer
= 2nd Baseplayer
= 3rd Baseplayer
= Shortstop
= LeftFielder
= CenterFielder
= RightFielder
Bases -
A softball field/pitch has four bases on it located in the shape of a diamond
(which is why a softball field is often called a softball diamond). The bases are
equal distance apart. In addition to these four bases, there is also a pitcher’s
rubber or pitcher’s plate on the playing field. It’s located in the middle of the
bases as shown on the diagram on page 8.
The bases each have names and they are as follows:
Home Plate – this is the base where the batter stands, where the pitcher throws the
ball over, where the catcher/ and umpire stand behind and where the offensive team
tries to reach in order to score a run. It is also the only one of the four bases that is not
a square. Home Plate is a five sided base that is shaped as follows:
1st Base – this is located to the right of home plate and is always the firstbase that the
runner runs to – thus the name.
2nd Base – this is the next base the runner runs to and is located on the top of the
diamond directly across from home plate and in back of the pitcher’s plate/pitcher’s
rubber.
3rd Base – is the next base after 2nd base that a runner will run to and is the last base a
runner touches before running to home plate.
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Distances For a regulation softball field/pitch the distances are as follows:
BASES –
60 feet apart (18.29m)
PITCHING DISTANCE –
43 Feet (13.11m) from home plate for women
46 Feet (14.0m) from home plate for Men
OUTFIELD FENCES -
220 Feet (67.1m) from home plate for women
250 Feet (76.2m) from home plate for men
2nd Base
3rd Base
1st Base
Pitcher’s
Plate/Rubber
Batter’s Box
Home Plate
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THE GAME OF SOFTBALL
How Do You Play?
There are two teams in softball; one team is on offense and the other team is on
defense. This is common with most team sports where the attacking team is on
offense and the team defending the goal is on defense.
OFFENSE: In softball the offensive team sends one player at a time “up to bat”
with a piece of equipment called a bat. (see the Equipment Section for more
information on a bat). This player stands next to home plate (shown in the Field
Layout on page 7) and tries to hit the ball as it’s pitched by the defensive team’s
pitcher.
DEFENSE: The Defensive team has nine players on the field at a time, each one
playing one of the nine defensive positions that are spread around the field as
shown on page 7.
Offensive Team Objectives:
The offensive team sends one player at a time “up to bat”. This player stands next
to home plate and tries to hit the ball that the defensive player called “the pitcher”
is tossing underhanded to the catcher over home plate.
The batter’s objective is to hit the ball as far as possible.
Once the ball is hit the batter runs to 1st base (see page 7) or advances to as many
bases as possible without being put out. (see defensive section below regarding
“outs”).
A runner advances safely (another way of saying the runner is not “put out”) by not
being touched by a defensive player holding the ball or by getting to the next base
before the defense can get the ball to that same base.
Once an offensive player touches all three bases and home plate without the
defensive team putting them “out”, that team scores one “run”.
Only the offensive team, which is the one referred to as “up to bat”, is able to score
runs.
The team with the most runs in seven innings wins the game.
Each team’s part of the inning (which refers to the part of the inning when that team is on offense) ends
when three of its batters have been ruled out.
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Defensive Team Objectives:
The defending team’s objective is to get three outs and not allow the offensive team
to score.
The defense gets an offensive player OUT by the following:
a. A ball that is hit by the batter (offensive player) is caught in the air by any
defensive player before it bounces.
b. The ball bounces before it gets to a defensive player, and that player then
throws the ball to the base where a baserunner is going, before the
runner gets there.
c. A defensive player with the ball touches a baserunner with the ball while
the runner is not standing on any of the bases.
d. The batter gets three “strikes” without hitting a “fair ball” (a “fair ball” is
any ball hit in the portion of the field where the defense plays – the
infield or the outfield)
e. An offensive player is also “out” if a batted they are hit by a batted ball
while not standing on a base.
What’s a “Strike”?
A Strike is any of the following:
A pitch that goes through the “strike zone” without being
hit,
a pitch the batter swings at and completely misses, or,
A pitch that the batter swings at and hits into “foul”
territory.
The “Strike Zone” is the area shown in the box in the above picture – it is the
area between the batter’s knees and armpits directly over homeplate. The strike
zone is not anything that actually sits above homeplate, but rather an imagined
or envisioned rectangle, directly over homeplate between the knees and armpits
of the batter. It’s the umpire’s job (who is positioned directly behind the
catcher) to determine if the pitch passed through this imaginary area.
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Fair Balls and Foul Balls Foul lines
A “Fair Ball” is any ball hit into the playing field between the two white lines
along the sides of the field that are also known as “foul lines”.
A “Foul Ball” is any ball hit that:
Goes backwards
Stops moving outside the “fair ball” territory.
After being hit in the air (called a “fly ball”) does not land in “fair ball” territory or is
touched by the defense while outside of the “fair ball” area.
On a ground ball (a ball that’s hit on the ground) is either touched by the defense
while it’s in the “foul ball” area or stops rolling in the foul ball area.
THE SKILLS OF SOFTBALL
In order to play softball your students will need to learn the basic skills involved
with running and hitting as well as stopping a ball and throwing a ball.
The basic skills of softball include the following:
Hitting (also called Batting)
Catching
Throwing
Baserunning
Pitching
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HITTING
This skill is also called “batting” and it’s considered the most fun of all the skills
in softball. Once a player is able to hit a pitched ball, it’s a very exciting thing to
do. The skill does takes good hand-eye coordination and good timing but can
be made easier for younger children who have yet to fully develop such skills.
The batter hits with a bat (see Equipment page 7) that they hold with both
hands, placing their weakest hand closest to the small end (or knob) of the bat.
The batter stands in the batter’s box facing sideways to the pitcher with their
bellybutton facing and even with home plate. They turn their head to look at the
pitcher, since the pitcher is tossing the ball that the batter can try to hit it.
To hit the ball, the batter will:
Take a small step toward the pitcher with the foot closest to the
pitcher.
With both hands, swing the bat at the ball trying to make contact
with the ball just before it crosses homeplate.
The batter’s weight should shift forward as they hit the ball.
After they make contact the batter should drop the bat and run to 1st
Base..
CATCHING
Although there is a position in softball called “the catcher”, in this section we’re
talking about any player who “catches” a ball that has either been hit or thrown
to them by another player.
To get ready to catch a thrown ball a player should have her/his
feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent and relaxed.
The arms should be relaxed with the hands in front of their body
and their glove ready.
The player catches the ball with their glove, placing their body
behind the ball whenever possible. They also want to try and
catch with two hands whenever possible. Have the player bend
their elbows slightly when catching the ball to absorb some of
the speed of the ball.
If the ball is thrown to either side of the player they should move
their feet and try to get their body in front of the ball.
If the ball is above the player’s waist then their fingers should be
pointing upward when they catch the ball.
If the ball is below their waist when they catch it then their
fingers should be pointing down. On low throws, both hands
should go down for the catch and you should bend at your
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knees.
Catching and throwing should be practiced
everyday as they are the most important skills
in softball.
THROWING
Throwing is how defensive players get the ball from one player to another. They
“throw” the ball through the air to a teammate in order to try and get one of the
offensive players “out” (by getting the ball to the base before the runner gets to
that same base, or by getting the ball to a teammate in order to “tag” a
baserunner with the ball while she/he is off of one of the bases). Note –
defensive players DO NOT throw balls at the baserunners.
To “throw” a ball a player must:
Hold the ball firmly in their fingers without squeezing it too hard (or else it
won’t be easy to let go of).
The throwing motion involves two separate actions or movements:
1) The movement of the hand (and arm) with the ball in a circlular motion.
2) A step by the foot opposite of the hand the player uses to throw with. (for
instance, if the player is throwing the ball with her/his right hand, then
she/he will step using her left foot.)
The player starts the ball in front of her/his body at her/his waist,
then takes the ball back in a circular motion (shown by the dotted
line in the picture to the left).
At the same time they are taking the ball back, the player steps
forward toward their target with their opposite side foot as seen in
this picture.
To release the ball the player will complete the circular motion
of their hand and the ball (as seen in the picture to the right),
and let go of the ball when their hand is facing their target.
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Keep in mind – when throwing the ball will go in the direction
their hand was pointing when they let go of the ball.
BASERUNNING
Baserunning is what a player does after they’ve hit the ball and started to
“run” around the bases. Players always run in a counterclockwise direction
around the bases as shown here:
Baserunners should only run as far toward
the next base as they think they can go
before being tagged with the ball by the
defense.
And, baserunners should always
wear their helmets to protect their head in
case they are hit by a thrown or batted ball.
PITCHING
As we mentioned near the beginning of this manual, there are two
different types of ways to play the game of softball: fastpitch and
slowpitch.
Pitching is the skill that starts a softball game by the person playing the
pitching position “pitching” the ball underhanded to the catcher. The
object is to throw, or pitch, the ball over homeplate so
that it goes in an area between the batter’s knees and
armpits.
The steps involved in (FASTPITCH) pitching a ball
underhand are very similar to what’s required to throw
one overhand; the player makes a circle with their arm
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(and the ball) and takes a step toward the target with the opposite side
foot. The big difference between throwing and pitching being that players
will throw overhand and they will pitch underhand.
If (see photo at left) we look at a pitcher in
her/his motion we will see her/him in a position
that looks a lot like the one we saw earlier of the
player throwing the ball overhand.
.
In the second picture you can see what it looks like
when the pitcher lets go of the ball. While this is a
picture of a very elite softball pitcher who is using a
lot of force to release the ball very fast, a young
player won’t put this much power into their pitch.
It’s very common to see young pitchers, or pitchers that are new to the
skill of pitching, pitch very carefully trying not to make a mistake. In the
process they will usually throw it pretty slow and won’t have a lot of
control over where the ball goes. That’s common and is part of learning
the position. One thing that can help new pitchers learn this skill easier is
to tell them:
Try and let go of the ball at the same time that their stepping foot
hits the ground.
The ball will go where their hand points when they let go of it.
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If they get frustrated while learning then try to place them closer to a wall
or backstop or something that will limit how far they have to go to chase
a bad pitch.
SLOWPITCH pitching is easier to learn for young children and involves the
pitcher still pitching the ball underhand but
angling, or looping, the ball “up” into the air to
deliver it to the catcher. The ball will usually go
higher than the batter’s head on its way down to
the catcher, but it must still pass through the
strike zone (the area over homeplate and
between the batter’s knees and armpits) in order
to be called a strike.
NOTE:
You can find more details on the softball
skills by watching the ISF instructional videos
available either from your National Softball
Federation/Association, or from the ISF:
([email protected]). These videos
are available in both NTSC and PAL formats in
both English and Spanish.
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WAYS TO MAKE SOFTBALL MORE
FUN FOR CHILDREN
As teachers and coaches, we must do everything we can to make any
game, and in this case SOFTBALL, more fun for children. The type of
fastpitch softball played in the Olympic Games is fun for those elite level
athletes, but then, they have elite level skills. Children don’t yet have that
type of hand-eye coordination so we need to find creative ways to make
it easier for children to hit a pitched ball, catch a thrown ball and
understand what can be a complex game.
Here are some keys to making softball more FUN for children:
USE SMALLER BALLS – The size of a regulation softball is 12 inches
(or, 30.48 cm). This is usually too big for the hands of small
children. So when you’re teaching young children to throw and
catch try using tennis balls, or even baseballs.
USE LARGER BALLS – This might sound crazy since we just
recommended using smaller balls, but when teaching your young
players to hit a ball it can make this much easier the bigger the ball.
One thing to be careful about is making sure that a bigger ball is
not so hard that it causes the bat to rebound off the bat into the
child. This might happen if you use a
basketball. Try instead to use a softer
bouncy-type ball, or a volleyball, or a
blow-up beach ball if you can find such a
thing. A football/soccer ball might be a
little too hard for players that are eight
years old or younger. You might have to be
creative in finding ways to make the ball larger when teaching
children to hit, but the effort will be worthwhile.
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USE SMALLER DISTANCES – Instead of the regulation distances for
the bases and pitching rubber/plate, shorten the distances to make
it easier for children with smaller legs to run the bases and enjoy
the game. Don’t be afraid to scale the distances down to what you
feel is appropriate for the size of players you’re dealing with. To
help get you started here are some suggestions:
Ages:
8 and Under
10 and Under
12 and Under
14 and Under
16 and Under
Pitching Distance:
30 feet (9.144 m)
35 feet (10.66 m)
35feet (10.66 m)
40 feet (12.19 m)
40 feet (12.19 m)
Bases Distance:
50 feet (15.24 m)
55 feet (16.764 m)
60 feet (18.28 m)
60 feet (18.28 m)
60 feet (18.28 m)
Regulation Ball Size:
9 inches (22.86 cm)
11 inches (27.94 cm)
11 inches (27.94 cm)
12 inches (30.48 cm)
12 inches (30.48 cm)
Please keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not anything that
must be followed. You might find that a shorter pitching distance but the
listed bases distance works best for the age group you’re working with –
that’s OK. Don’t be afraid to try something different in regards to
distances.
USE SMALLER TIME FRAMES – A regulation softball game lasts seven
innings, but that’s far too long if you’re an eight or ten year old. So,
use shorter or smaller time frames for younger children. Instead of
seven innings try letting everyone bat once on each team and then
the game’s over. Or, only play three innings. Just know that young
children have a shorter attention span than adults, so shortening
the game length can help children with shorter attention spans.
USE EASIER VERSIONS OF THE REGULATION GAME – As young
children learn the game of softball their skills aren’t yet developed
enough to play the regulation version played in the Olympic Games.
So, instead of everyone getting frustrated trying to pitch a ball to
the catcher, hit a ball off a pitcher, field a ball that’s been hit by a
batter and throw out a runner going to 1st base, this manual offers
different types of “Lead Up Game” versions of softball. These “lead
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up games” will help your players “lead up” to the regulation game,
and do so in a fun and helpful way. Different examples of “Lead Up
Games” follow in this manual, and will make it FUN for your young
children to learn this great game of SOFTBALL!
SAMPLE SKILL LESSONS
What follows are lessons to help you teach the different skills of softball
to your students. You will also find many varieties of “Lead Up Games” –
those versions of softball that involve throwing, hitting, catching and
running, but that do so in a manner that’s altered to make the game
easier and more fun for young children to learn.
The best way to use these different lessons would be to pick one or two
different skills and a lead up game to try and teach each time you meet
with your students. Doing so would take about an hour, so if you have
more time you could use more lessons, and if you have less time you can
eliminate a few to allow for the shorter teaching time.
The key to your students learning softball is for them to have FUN in the
process. It’s not important that they perform all the skills correctly or
play the elite-level version of the game right away. It IS important that
they enjoy learning the skills and look forward to coming back and
learning more.
Below are the different skill lessons that will help you work on some of
the different softball skills. You’ll notice that all of the softball skills are
not listed, because hitting is best practiced during the Lead Up Games
and it usually takes a lot of extra equipment and space to individually
practice this skill. Those are two things that teachers usually don’t have
much of.
Many of these Skill Lessons and Lead Up Games were taking from Softball Canada’s program “Learn to Play”. This is an excellent program that you can learn more about by visiting Softball
Canada’s website: http://www.softball.ca/softballincanada/news.aspx
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SKILLS & LESSONS:
Baserunning
- Gimme 5
- 4,3,2,1
Hitting
- Dry Swings
Pitching
- Walk & Pitch (without a ball)
- Walk & Pitch (with a ball)
- Big Ball Pitch
- High, Low
Throwing & Catching
NOTE:
Within some of these Skill Lessons you
will notice that a piece of equipment is
mentioned that is not listed in the
“EQUIPMENT” section of this manual.
That item is a BATTING T. It’s not
mentioned in EQUIPMENT because it is a
training device and NOT something that is
used during a regulation softball game. A
Batting T is a hard rubber or plastic stick
that sets just in front of home plate. A ball
is placed on the T to make it easier to hit
since it’s just sitting there and not moving
toward them as it would be if it were being
pitched. This aids the learning process for
younger players. Below is a picture of a
child hitting off of a batting T.
- Power Ball
- Sky Ball
- Reach The Coach
- Spell Your Name
- Bigfoot
- Homerun
- 15 Up
- Hot Potato
- Goal Ball
Lead Up Games
- Diamond Orientation
- Scrub
- Dizzy Izzy
- Skip Ball
- Far Base
- Minnie Ball
- Field 3
- Semi Circle Softball
- RoadRunner
- Bucket Ball
- Freeze the Runner
- 10 Minute Softball
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BASERUNNING
ACTIVITY 1
GIMME 5
(5 minutes)
SKILLS:
running through 1B, speed development
EQUIPMENT:
4 bases
ORGANIZATION:
put bases down 30'- 40' from players. Form 4 groups of 3
ACTIVITY:
players (X), in turn, take a swing at an imaginary ball,
after the swing players drop the bat and run as fast as possible past their base, give
coach (C) a “high 5”
players then return to the base as if running to 2B, touch base
after retouching the base players shout “GREEN LIGHT” to next player in line
signaling them to leave
make sure players are running full speed across the bag, slowing down only after
touching it
X X X
C
X X X
C
X X X
C
X
X
X
C
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ACTIVITY 2
3,2,1
(5 minutes)
SKILLS
running through 1B, speed development
EQUIPMENT
4 bases
ORGANIZATION
put out all 4 bases at the correct distance and break your players up into
groups of 3
ACTIVITY
one group (of 3) will go at a time.
each player in the group of 3 is numbered; the 1st player is #3, 2nd player is #2, and the last player is
number 1.
the entire group of 3 begins running at the same time.
each player runs to the base corresponding to their number – for instance, player #3 runs to 3rd base,
player #2 runs to 2nd base, and player #1 runs to 1st base.
after one group is finished the players leave the bases and the next group goes.
after the group goes through once, then have the players take another position in the group so they run
to another base.
2
P
1
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
3
P
3
1
P
P
2
P
go through the activity with each group 3 times so that ever player can run to each base.
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THROWING & CATCHING
ACTIVITY 1
POWERBALL
(5 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing, catching, cooperation
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every 2 players
ORGANIZATION
players line up with one adult assigned to every 2 players a safe distance
apart
ACTIVITY
teach the steps for proper throwing skills.
players will start with no ball and practice the throwing motion
n.
they will then progress to throwing a ball to an adult.
ACTIVITY 2
SKYBALL
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
proper use of a glove and positioning when catching fly balls
EQUIPMENT
1 ball and glove for every player
ORGANIZATION
1 adult for every 2 players
ACTIVITY
players will practice catching high tosses from an adult.
see if players can catch a higher toss each time
see how many consecutive catches they can make
once the players have tried this activity for awhile, then try tossing the
ball a little farther away from each player to help them practice moving to
get underneath the ball.
23
ACTIVITY 3
REACH THE COACH
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
proper use of a glove and positioning for fielding ground balls
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every player
ORGANIZATION
1 adult for every 2 players. Each group draws a series of parallel lines 5
to 10 feet apart (1.52 m – 3.04m)
ACTIVITY
each pair of players will start at the line farthest from the coach. The
objective is to get to the coach in the least number of throws.
a ground ball is thrown to each player in turn, if the player catches the
ball they advance to the next line.
the first player to the coach wins
you can also do this drill with fly balls
ACTIVITY 4
BIGFOOT
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing and catching
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every 2 players
ORGANIZATION
partners start on lines, facing each other, approximately 10 feet (3.04m)
apart. One adult per 2 players.
ACTIVITY
players throw to each other or to adult throwers if the skill level is too
low for accurate throws.
every time a player makes a catch they move back one giant step.
the pair that gets the farthest apart, still able to catch the ball, gets the
BIG FOOT award.
24
ACTIVITY 6
HOMERUN
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing accuracy
EQUIPMENT
2 targets and 4 balls
ORGANIZATION
4 groups of 3 players, with 2 groups of 3 at each target. The targets are
hung on any fencing or wall. Mark out 4 lines at various
distances from the target. Distances can be according to the ability
abi
level
of the group. A high success rate is what you are after.
ACTIVITY
players choose which distance they throw from in order to hit the
target points are awarded as follows: single = 1 point; double = 2 points;
triple = 3 points; homerun = 4 points.
objective can be to see if each player can get more points on each
consecutive throw or it can be made competitive with other groups by
totaling each group’s points.
Single
Double Triple
Homerun
Target
ACTIVITY 5
SPELL YOUR NAME
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing and catching
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every 2 players
ORGANIZATION
partners should be selected by ability and spaced accordingly – the
better the players the farther apart they should go.
ACTIVITY
partners throw the ball back and forth overhand.
they get a letter in their name every time they make a catch.
when they complete their name, they move back 2 giant steps.
continue the process to the time limit or stop if the success rate is
low.
NOTE: Adult may have to be the thrower if skill level is too low.
25
ACTIVITY 7
15 UP (5 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing and catching
EQUIPMENT
2 balls
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6 players in each group. Each group plays separately.
Players stand in large circle. Make sure that teams are spaced so
players don’t get hit by missed balls from the other team.
ACTIVITY
players try to complete 15 consecutive catches by throwing to a
teammate across from them.
see which team can complete 15 catches first.
throw to same player each time to establish a pattern.
NOTE: The number of throws may have to be adjusted. It can be
made more challenging by having to start over if a ball is dropped or misthrown.
26
ACTIVITY 8
HOT POTATO (5 minutes)
SKILLS
relaying ball from one player to another, catching and throwing
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every 3 players
ORGANIZATION
4 teams of 3 players lined up as shown
ACTIVITY
in groups of 3, the ball is relayed from 1 to 2 to 3 and back.
go slowly at first to concentrate on a proper turn by player 2 in the
center.
rotate players in all 3 positions, so each one gets the experience as a
relay player in the center.
Start
Finish
1
ACTIVITY 9
2
3
GOALBALL (10 minutes)
SKILLS
fielding ground balls
EQUIPMENT
1 ball for every 2 players
ORGANIZATION
mark off a “goal” area for each player opposite a partner. The
distance depends on skill level (up to 10 feet – 3.04m – apart)
ACTIVITY
each player tries to score a goal by throwing a ground ball by their
partner through the marked goal posts.
score a point for each goal
switch partners occasionally
27
PITCHING
ACTIVITY 1
WALK & PITCH – WITHOUT THE BALL
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
learning the pitching motion
EQUIPMENT
no equipment needed
ORGANIZATION
all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in one
long line facing you, or if too many players, then break the group up into
2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet (3.04 m) apart.
ACTIVITY
All players pretend they have a ball in the hand they would use to
throw with.
when you say “Go”, each player takes a step with the foot opposite
their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball.
Help your players by having them think about – “take a step and make
a circle with your hand”.
it will help some players if they try to pretend they are letting go of the
ball at the same time their foot hits the ground.
NOTE: the circle starts with the hands going forward (in front of them)
and finishing behind them – all staying on the same side of their body).
ACTIVITY 2
WALK & PITCH – WITH THE BALL
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
learning the pitching motion
EQUIPMENT
all players have a ball (if possible)
ORGANIZATION
all players will try this activity at the same time. Have your players in one
long line facing a fence or a wall. If there are too many players, then
break the group up into 2 lines facing you and each line at least 10 feet
(3.04 m) apart.
ACTIVITY
All players have a ball in the hand they would use to throw with.
when you say “Go”, each player takes a step with the foot opposite
their throwing hand side, while making a circle with the ball and pitch the
ball into the wall or fence.
Help your players by having them think about – “take a step and make
a circle with your hand”.
it will help some players if they try to pretend they are letting go of the
ball at the same time their foot hits the ground.
NOTE: make sure players don’t pitch the ball unless nobody is in front
of them.
28
ACTIVITY 3
BIG BALL (10 minutes)
SKILLS
the pitching motion
EQUIPMENT
1 soccer/football or volleyball for every 2 players
ORGANIZATION
players get into pairs with a larger ball per pair. Each partner faces each
other about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2
lines
ACTIVITY
one partner in each pair starts with the larger ball and works on
pitching it to their partner.
NOTE: the players WILL NOT go over their heads when pitching.
Instead, they will just bounce the ball once beside them and then place
their hand behind the ball and push it forward to their partner.
ACTIVITY 4
SKILLS
HIGH LOW
(10 minutes)
the pitching motion
EQUIPMENT
1 softball for every 2 players, each player with a glove.
ORGANIZATION
players get into pairs with a ball per pair. Each partner faces each
other about 10 (3.04m) to 15 (4.57m) apart. All pairs line up evenly in 2
lines
ACTIVITY
partner take turns pitching for 6 pitches, then switch and let the other
partner practice.
the object of this activity is to help your players work on controlling
their pitches by alternating pitching 3 pitches to a “High” target, and 3
pitches to a “Low” target.
the partners that are catching the ball and placing the targets should
work on making their targets extra “High” and extra “Low” for their
partners.
Have each player do about 4 -5 sets of 6 pitches.
29
LEAD UP GAMES
ACTIVITY 1
SKILLS
DIAMOND ORIENTATION
(5 minutes)
becoming familiar with the layout of a softball playing field or
“diamond”and some of the softball words or terms.
EQUIPMENT
The 4 bases set up like a regulation game.
ORGANIZATION
put 1 adult in charge of 2 players. Make sure players know the name of
their partner and the adult in charge of their group as well as the coaches
name.
ACTIVITY
familiarize players with the diamond layout and some of the simple
terms.
start the players at Homeplate making them familiar with the name
(Home) and that this is where the Batter stands to Hit the ball.
let players pretend to hit and run to 1st base, then run to 2nd base, then
run on to 3rd base, and finally run all the way around the bases to Home.
players then return to the base as if running to 2B, touch base
30
ACTIVITY 2
SCRUB
(20 minutes)
SKILLS
all softball skills
EQUIPMENT
bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases.
ORGANIZATION
12 players – 9 on the playing field on defense. Each position is
numbered as shown below:
ACTIVITY
one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in position
wearing catching equipment.
Use regular softball rules with the following modifications:
- when a batter is put out all players rotate one position
with the Batter (#1) going to Rightfield (#12), Rightfield
going to Centerfield (#11), Centerfield going to Leftfield
(#10), Leftfield going to Shortstop (#9), Shortstop going
to 3rd Base (#8), 3rd Base going to 2nd Base (#7), 2nd
Base going to 1st Base (#6), and 1st Base going to
Pitcher (#5), Pitcher going to Catcher (#4), Catcher
going to on-deck batter (#2), and on-deck batter going to
Batter (#1).
If after the
3rd
batter up hits the ball and the other 2 players are
still on base, then the lead runner comes home but no run scores.
NO WALKS are given (allow 3-6 strikes depending on skill level).
if the hitting skill level is very low then allow a maximum of 6
pitched balls, then have the player to go 1st base even if they didn’t
hit it (as long as 3 balls were swung at).
if a fielder catches a fly ball that player exchanges with the batter.
maximum 2 times batting per player, if player is not out after 2
times at-bat, then rotate anyway.
31
ACTIVITY 3
DIZZY IZZY
(10 minutes)
SKILLS
hitting, fielding, catching and throwing
EQUIPMENT
1 bat and 1 ball
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense
ACTIVITY
one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher.
after hitting the ball, the player runs around and around THEIR OWN
TEAM, which is lined up a short, but safe, distance away from
homeplate.
every lap they do around their own team, before the ball gets back to
Homeplate, scores the offensive team 1 run. The count should be loud
as the batter circles their teammates.
the Defensive team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players on their team
before throwing the ball to homeplate. They can either throw or run the
ball to each of the 6 defensive players.
when the ball gets to homeplate the defense yells STOP, and the
number of laps around the offensive team at that point is the total runs
for the offense.
switch offense and defense when all 6 players have had a chance to
bat.
32
ACTIVITY 4
SKIP BALL
(25 minutes)
SKILLS
hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, skipping for quick feet development
EQUIPMENT
1 bat, 1 ball, homeplate, 1 base, batting helmet and catching equipment.
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. 1st base is
placed a distance from homeplate according to the ability level of your
players – usually between 30-55 feet (9.14m -16.76m)
ACTIVITY
one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher.
after hitting the ball, the batter runs to 1st base and SKIPS around it 5
times, then runs home.
the fielding team retrieves the ball and makes 8 throws before either
running or throwing the ball home.
the fielding team MUST throw the ball to all 6 players and can’t make
consecutive throws to the same player.
a RUN scores if the batter touches homeplate before the ball gets
there
all 6 players bat before switching to defense.
NOTE: the number of throws and skips can be adjusted to make the
competition closer if needed.
ACTIVITY 5
ROADRUNNER
(20 minutes)
SKILLS
hitting off a Batting T, throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and
teamwork.
EQUIPMENT
1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, and 1 Batting T.
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one on offense (the Roadrunners) and one on defense (the
Coyotes). The Coyotes have a catcher at homeplate and the other 5
defensive players are scattered around the field wherever they feel they
need to be to make the play. The Roadrunners have one player at
homeplate with a bat to hit the ball off of the Batting T and the other 5
players are off at a safe distance
distance.(at least 5m or 16 feet).
ACTIVITY
the Roadrunner hits the ball off the batting T and runs around all of the
bases before the Coyotes can get the ball back to the catcher at
homeplate.
if the ball is caught in the air the batter is OUT
fielders may not run with the ball, it must be thrown home.
count how many bases the batter/Roadrunner touches before the ball
gets to the catcher at home. Each base touched is a point.
All 6 batters hit or 3 outs, which ever is 1st, and then the teams switch.
33
ACTIVITY 6
SEMI CIRCLE SOFTBALL
(20 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing, catching, cooperation and teamwork
EQUIPMENT
1 ball, 4 bases and markers/cones
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense
ACTIVITY
place a semi-circle of markers or cones approximately at the edge of
the infield (about 21.3meters or 70 feet from home plate)
the defensive team has 1 player at home and the rest of the 5 players
position themselves around the infield at approximately the same
distance.
Both markers and players can be adjusted according to skill level and
size.
the offensive team tries to throw the ball over or through the markers
and then runs through 1st base.
The offensive player gets 1 point if the ball goes through the markers
or 2 points if the ball goes over the markers.
no point is awarded if the ball is caught or stopped at the markers.
the defense throws the ball home as quickly as possible.
change sides after each offensive player throws the ball.
team with the most points after the time limit wins.
ACTIVITY 7
BUCKETBALL
(25 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing, fielding, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork
EQUIPMENT
2 balls, 4 bases, 1 batting helmet, 1 bucket/pail or bag.
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensive
team has a catcher at homeplate with the other 5 players scattered in the
field. The bucket or pai or bag l is placed on homeplate.The offensive
team has 1 player to THROW the ball from homeplate and the other
offensive players waiting their turn a safe distance away.
ACTIVITY
the offensive “batter” throws out 2 balls in quick order and then
runs around the bases trying to make it home before the fielding
team gets both balls in the pail.
if the ball is caught in the air by the defense then the batter is
OUT.
Fielders may NOT run with the ball. It must be thrown home.
Relay the balls if necessary and remind players to make sure the
catcher is always looking to catch both balls and put them into the
bucket.
34
ACTIVITY 8
10 MINUTE SOFTBALL (20 total minutes, 10
per team at-bat)
SKILLS
throwing, fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, running and hustling
EQUIPMENT
1 bat, 1 ball, 4 bases, batting helmets and catching gear
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense. The defensive
team has a catcher, a 1st baseman, and the 4 other players in positions
where the offense is likely to hit the ball. Set up the bases on the
diamond for a regular game..
ACTIVITY
one batter at a time bats off a Batting T or an adult pitcher. Each
team will get 10 minutes each to score as many runs as possible.
players must hustle when they switch from offense to defense in
order to get the maximum number of bats in their time.
score 1 point for each base touched.
the fielding team gets an out for any ball caught in the air or if
they put out a runner on a base.
after 3 outs bases are cleared of any runner but the offensive
team remains at bat until their 10 minutes is up.
NOTE: you might have to play in the field to help direct the play.
Players should be moved around on defense to give them a chance
to play all of the positions.
The team with the most points after their 10 minutes wins.
35
ACTIVITY 9
FREEZE THE RUNNER
(20 minutes)
SKILLS
throwing, catching, baserunning, cooperation and teamwork
EQUIPMENT
2 bats, 1 ball, 4 bases, 4 batting helmets
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; one team on defense and one on offense.
ACTIVITY
the offensive batter THROWS the ball into the playing area and
runs around the bases until FREEZE is shouted – FREEZE may
have to be shouted more than once at a young age.
the defensive team fields the THROWN ball and then throws it so
EVERY fielder catches the ball – the last fielder to catch the ball
shouts FREEZE.
score points by counting the number of bases touched.
if the runner is between bases when FREEZE is shouted then the
last base touched counts.
after everyone has had a turn THROWING the ball on offense
then switch and let the offense play defense and let the defense be
on offense.
keep total bases touched for each team to see who wins.
NOTE: players on defense will likely need help from adults to
keep them from all running after the all at once and in knowing
where to throw it next. Lack of catching ability will mean there is
little actual catching going on but at least each player will get to
touch and throw the ball.
36
ACTIVITY 10
MINNIE BALL (25 minutes) NOTE: this is similar to
10 MINUTE SOFTBALL
SKILLS
all softball skills
EQUIPMENT
bats, balls, catching equipment and all 4 bases.
ORGANIZATION
divide players into 3 teams of 4.
ACTIVITY
1 team at a time will be on offense while the other 2 teams are
defense. Each team will bat for 7 minutes regardless of whether
they have 3 or more outs.
Can use an adult pitcher or let the players hit the ball off of a
Batting T.
Team 1 starts on Offense – Teams 2 and 3 on Defense.
Team 2 on Offense – Teams 1 and 3 on Defense
Team 3 on Offense – Teams 1 and 2 on Defense.
keep score and outs as in a regular softball game .
team scoring the most runs while on offense wins.
ACTIVITY 11
FIELD 3 (20 minutes)
SKILLS
hitting, fielding, catching, throwing
EQUIPMENT
2 bats, 2 balls, 2 sets of catching equipment (if you have it), 2 sets of
bases.
ORGANIZATION
2 teams of 6; 1 batter, 1 catcher, the rest are fielders. 2 separate activity
areas are set up a safe distance apart. 1 adult pitcher in each area for
each group of 6. Set up bases on each area.
ACTIVITY
one batter at a time bats off an adult pitcher, with a catcher in
catching equipment.
when the fielder has successfully fielded 3 groundballs or caught
1 fly ball that fielder becomes the batter.
players rotate positions on defense.
make sure that all players get an opportunity to bat and catch.
37
ACTIVITY 12
FAR BASE (25 minutes)
SKILLS
all softball skills except baserunning
EQUIPMENT
1 bat, 1 ball, 1 base, catching equipment, batting helmets, homeplate, 1
batting T.
ORGANIZATION
place a base directly out from home plate where 2nd base would usually
be. 2 teams; one team on defense with a catcher and the other team on
offense.
ACTIVITY
the members of the team at bat take turns hitting. A fair ball is
any ball hit in front of homeplate.
on a fair hit, the batter runs to the far base. He/she can either stay
there or return home immediately. When the next batter hits, th e
first runner is not required to leave the far base.
As many players as desired may occupy the far base at any one
time and may return home in any order, or even all at once.
a runner may be put out only by being tagged with the ball.
the runners do not have to go in a straight line, it’s OK to dodge
or run anywhere in the field to avoid being tagged out.
A batter is out on 2 strikes or if a ball is caught in the air.
3 balls (if pitched) or 3 missed using the batting T permit the
batter to advance to the far base.
each team bats until all players have had a turn at bat, then the
other team bats. Play may go on for as many innings as the coach
or teacher wishes.
38
SOFTBALL TERMS & WORDS
There are lots of different words or terms used in softball that may or may not
have been mentioned so far in this manual. What follows is a pretty complete
listing of softball words and terms. Keep in mind that you probably won’t need
to know some of them if you are just introducing softball into your school for
the first time. But, in case you’re faced with the need to know more about this
great game, this list of words is a good start. Enjoy!
altered bat - when the physical structure of a legal softball bat has been
changed
assist – a defensive statistic credited to each fielder who throws or deflects a
batted or thrown ball in such a way that a putout results, or would have resulted
except for a subsequent error by any fielder
backstop – the fence behind the batter’s box (the umpire stands behind the
catcher with his/her back to the backstop)
ball – as called by the umpire, a pitch that does not enter the strike zone in
flight and is not struck at by the batter
base – one of four points on the infield that must be touched by a runner in
order to score a run. Also applies to the rubber or canvas bags comprising first,
second, and third base, as well as the hard plastic or rubber plate known as
home plate.
baseline – the area between each base along which the base runner must
generally run
base on balls (BB) – also called a “walk”; the award of first base to a batter
who, during his/her time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone;
pitchers may also issue an intentional walk without throwing those four pitches,
in which case the umpire is notified and he/she awards the batter first base
base runner – a batter who has reached base safely
39
bases loaded – referring to the offensive team when there are runners on first,
second, and third base
batter – also known as “hitter”; an offensive player who takes his/her position
in the batter’s box to try to hit the pitch
batter’s box – a rectangular area beside home plate where the batter must
stand to hit the pitch
batting average – an offensive statistic, it is the number of safe hits divided by
the number of at-bats
batting order – the official list giving the sequence in which members of the
(offensive) team must come to bat
box score – the summary of a game which lists the line-up for each team,
including substitutions, such offensive statistics as at-bats, runs, hits, and runs
batted in. The box score also lists such defensive statistics as winning pitcher,
losing pitcher, (pitcher credited with) save, errors, wild pitches, and passed
balls.
bullpen – the area in foul territory adjacent to the outfield where pitchers wait
and warm-up during the game, except the pitcher currently being used in the
game
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
catcher – defensive player who normally positions him/herself behind home
plate and receives pitches
center fielder – the defensive player positioned near the middle of the outfield
change-up – a pitch thrown deceptively slow to surprise the batter
complete game – a pitcher’s statistic recorded when he/she has thrown every
pitch for his/her team during a game
curveball – a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve
40
defensive team – the nine players in the field (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
basemen, shortstop, and left, center, and right fielders)
designated hitter (DH) – a player who bats in place of a designated teammate
in the batting lineup
designated player (DP) – a player designated to bat for any starting player,
without otherwise affecting the status of player(s) in the game. Unlike the DH,
this player may play a fielding position for any player in the game.
double – a scoring statistic credited to a batter when he/she has hit a ball
safely into fair territory and can advance to second base without the aid of
defensive errors.
double play – a defensive play in which two offensive players are put out as a
result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts
dugout – the semi-enclosed area beside the playing field where players sit
when they are not actively involved in the game
earned run – a run for which the pitcher is held accountable
earned run average (ERA) – the number of runs charged to a pitcher
averaged over a seven-inning span; determined by multiplying the total earned
runs charged against a pitcher by seven and dividing the result by the total
number of innings he/she pitched. (Example: if a pitcher gives up one earned
run in one inning of play, his/her ERA would be 7.0. If the same pitcher had
been charged with 20 runs in 60 innings, his/her ERA would be 2.33, or, an
average of 2.33 runs given up for each seven innings pitched.)
error – a defensive statistic charged for each misplay (fumble, muff or wild
throw) which prolongs the time at-bat of a batter or which prolongs the life of a
runner, or which permits a runner to advance to one or more bases
fair ball – a ball hit into the field of play
fastball – a pitcher’s fastest pitch
fielder - any one of the nine players on the defensive team (pitcher, catcher,
1st, 2nd, & 3rd basemen, shortstop, and left, center, and right fielders)
41
fielder’s choice – the act of a defensive player who handles a fair ground ball
and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter, throws to another
base in an attempt to put out the preceding runner.
fielding percentage – a defensive statistic also called fielding average, it is the
sum of putouts and assists divided by the sum of putouts, assists, and errors in
each fielding position played by a player.
first baseman – the defensive player in the portion of the infield near the bag
that the batter will initially run to (invisible line goes from catcher to first
baseman to right fielder)
fly ball – a ball hit in the air
forceout – 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
foul ball – a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first
base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on
or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third
base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or
player, or any foreign object to the natural ground; A foul fly shall be judged
according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul
pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time
he/she touches the ball.
foul lines – the two straight lines extending from home plate past the outside
edges of first and third bases to the outfield fence.
foul tip – a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the
catcher’s hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught, and any
foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a
rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand.
grand slam – a home run with a baserunner on each base, scoring four runs.
hit – when a batter reaches first base (or any succeeding base) safely on a fair
ball which settles on the ground or touches a fence before being touched by a
42
fielder, or which clears a fence; when a batter reaches first base safely on a fair
ball hit with such force, or so slowly, that any fielder attempting to make a play
with it has no opportunity to do so; when a batter reaches first base safely on a
fair ball which takes an unusual bounce so that a fielder cannot handle it with
ordinary effort, or which touches the pitcher’s plate or any base (including home
plate) before being touched by a fielder and bounces so that a fielder cannot
handle it with ordinary effort; when a batter reaches first base safely on a fair
ball which has not been touched by a fielder and which is in fair territory when it
reaches the outfield unless in the scorer’s judgment it could have been handled
with ordinary effort; when a fair ball that has not been touched by a fielder
touches a runner or an umpire, when a fielder unsuccessfully attempts to put
out a preceding runner, and in the scorer’s judgment the batter would not have
been put out at first base by ordinary effort.
hit batsman – also known as “hit by pitch” (HBP); a batter who has been hit by a
legally pitched ball (the batter is awarded first base)
home plate – the five-sided piece of whitened rubber that the batter stands
beside to hit the pitch
home run – a safe hit, when no error or putout results, which allows the batter
to reach all four bases and score a run; usually a fly ball in fair territory which
goes over the outfield fence
illegal pitch – an act by the pitcher not allowed by rule, with or without a
runner on base; if there are runners on base, each advances one base. In every
case the batter is credited with one ball.
infield – the diamond-shaped area in fair territory formed by the three bases
and home plate that is normally covered by defensive players (known as
infielders)
inning – that portion of the game within which the teams alternate on offense
and defense and in which there are three putouts for each team. Each team’s atbat comprises a half-inning.
intentional walk – a base on balls intentionally issued by the pitcher; the
pitcher may notify the umpire of the desire to intentionally walk a batter, in
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which case four balls do not need to be thrown, and the umpire will immediately
award the batter first base
interference – an act by a catcher that hinders or prevents a batter from hitting
a pitch. On any such interference, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first
base.
left fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the third base foul
line
left on base – those runners who have not scored and have not been put out
but who remain on base at the time of the third out in the half-inning.
line drive – a ball hit sharply in a straight line, roughly parallel to the ground
live ball – a ball in play
no-hitter – a pitching statistic credited when the pitcher completes a game and
allows the opposing team no hits
offensive team – the team that is at bat
on-base percentage – offensive statistic; for any player, divide the total of
hits, all bases on balls, and hit by pitch, by the total of at bats, all bases on
balls, hit by pitch, and sacrifice flies.
on deck – (offensive player) waiting to bat next
passed ball – a pitch that should have been held or controlled by the catcher
perfect game – a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she completes a game
and allows the opposing team no one reaching first base
pinch hitter – a player who bats in place of a teammate
pinch runner – a player who enters the game at a base to run for another
player
pitcher – the player who throws the ball to the batter (43 feet away)
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putout – credited to each fielder who: catches a fly ball or a line drive, whether
fair or foul; catches a thrown ball which puts out a batter or runner; or, tags out
a runner when the runner is off the base to which the runner is legally entitled
right fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the first base foul
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rise ball – a technique used by the pitcher so that the ball goes up as it reaches the
batter
run – the point scored when a batter or baserunner advances to home plate
run batted in (RBI) – an offensive statistic credited to a batter for every run
which reaches home plate because of the batter’s safe hit, sacrifice bunt,
sacrifice fly, infield out or fielder’s choice; or which is forced over home plate by
reason of the batter becoming a runner with the bases loaded (on a base on
balls, or an award of first base for being touched by a pitched ball, or for
interference or obstruction)
rundown – a baserunner who finds themself in the baseline between the base
they were on and the subsequent base that they’re trying to advance to or
retreat back from in an effort to not be put out
run rule – also called international run rule, run difference rule, and mercy rule;
if one team is losing by 20 runs after three innings, 15 runs after four innings,
or seven runs after five innings the game is ended at that point.
sacrifice fly – an offensive statistic scored when, before two are out, the batter
hits a fly ball or a line drive which is handled by a defensive player in the
outfield which: is caught, and a runner scores after the catch; or, is dropped,
and a runner scores, if in the scorer’s judgment the runner could have scored
after the catch had the fly ball been caught.
sacrifice hit – an offensive statistic; a sacrifice bunt is scored when: before two
are out, the batter advances one or more runners with a bunt and is put out at
first base, or would have been put out at first base except for a fielding error;
or, before two are out, the fielders handle a bunted ball without error in an
unsuccessful attempt to put out a preceding runner
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save – a statistic credited to a pitcher when he/she meets all three of the
following conditions: is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his/her team, is
not the winning pitcher, and qualifies under one of the following conditions:
enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least
one inning; or, enters the game with the potential tying run either on base, or at
bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is
one of first two batsmen he/she faces); or, pitches effectively for at least three
innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.
scoring position – a good position for scoring a run on most hits, referring
specifically to a baserunner standing on second base or third base
second baseman – the defensive player in the infield, stationed near the bag
behind the pitcher (invisible line goes from catcher to pitcher to second
baseman to center fielder)
shortstop – a defensive player who normally positions him/herself in fair
territory between second base and the third baseman
single – a hit that allows a batter to reach first base safely
slap – performed by mostly left-handed hitters, it is an attempt to hit a ground
ball with a controlled short, chopping motion (rather than with a full swing). A
slap is not considered a bunt.
slugging percentage – a batting statistic; the total number of bases reached
by safe hits, divided by the total times at bat (or total at-bats)
steal – a baserunner’s successful advance from one base to the next during a
pitch that is not hit
strikeout – scored when: a batter is put out by a third strike caught by the
catcher; a batter is put out by a third strike not caught when there is a runner
on first before two are out; a batter becomes a runner because a third strike is
not caught; a batter bunts a ball into foul territory after two strikes (unless such
a bunt results in a fly ball, which is caught by any fielder. This is not considered
a strikeout, but a putout by the fielder).
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strike zone – the space over any part of home plate between the batter’s
armpits and the top of his/her knees when he/she assumes a natural batting
stance
substitute – any member of a team’s roster who is not listed as a starting
player, or a starting player who re-enters the game
third baseman – the defensive player in the infield stationed near the last bag
that a baserunner would touch before heading for home plate (invisible line
goes from catcher to third baseman to left fielder)
time – term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play
triple play – a continuous action play by the defense on which three offensive
players are put out
utility player – a player that may appear at more than one fielding position or
strictly as a designated hitter
walk – also called base on balls (BB); an automatic advance to first base for the
batter after the pitcher delivers four “balls” as called by the umpire, based on
their being outside the strike zone
wild pitch – a pitch so high, so low, or so wide of home plate that it cannot be
handled with ordinary effort by the catcher
REMINDER FOR MORE HELP:
If you are in need of more information on softball, more equipment or additional help in
any way, please contact your National Softball Federation/Association – or contact the
International Softball Federation.
To locate your National Softball Federation go to:
www.internationalsoftball.com and click on MEMBERS.
Thank you for your interest in SOFTBALL, and ENJOY this great game!!
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