Module 4

SOFTBAL
L
 Module 4

Lesson 1: Brief History and Development

Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students will be able
to:

1. Discuss the brief history and development of softball.

2. Identify the facilities and equipment used in playing
softball

Overview

Softball is a game similar

to baseball played with a larger ball (11 to 16
in. circumference) on a field that has base
lengths of 60 feet, a pitcher's mound that ranges
from 43–50 feet away from home plate, and a
home run fence that is 220–300 feet away from
home plate, depending on the type of softball
being played. It was invented in 1887
in Chicago, Illinois, United States as an indoor
game. The game moves at a faster pace than
traditional baseball. There is less time for the
base runner to get to first while the opponent
fields the ball; yet, the fielder has less time to
field the ball while the opponent is running
down to first base. The name "softball" was
given to the game in 1926, because the ball
used to be soft; however, in modern-day usage,
the balls are hard.
Softball is an outdoor game that demands robust physical strength and stamina in
addition to good strategy. The ball used in this game is larger as compared to baseball but
the game is played in a smaller ground. That’s the reason it is often termed as indoor
baseball. It is also known as kitten ball, mush ball, softbund ball, etc.
As a team, you can either do pitching or batting. If your turn is to bat then your
objective is to hit the ball as soon as the pitcher pitches it. After hitting the ball, you have to
run around the bases and return home safely without getting out. Similarly, if your team is
pitching, then your aim is to get the other team out so that your team will get the chance to
bat.

History
 The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois
on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. It took place at the Farragut Boat Club at a gathering to hear the
outcome of the Yale University and Harvard University football game. When the score was
announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard
supporter. The Harvard fan grabbed a stick and swung at the rolled up glove. George
Hancock, a reporter there, called out "Play ball!" and the game began, with the boxing glove
tightened into a ball, a broom handle serving as a bat. This first contest ended with a score of
41–40. The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded.
George Hancock is credited as the game's inventor for his development of a 17" ball
and an undersized bat in the next week. The Farragut Club soon set rules for the game, which
spread quickly to outsiders. Envisioned as a way for baseball players to maintain their skills
during the winter, the sport was called "Indoor Baseball". Under the name of "Indoor-
Outdoor", the game moved outside in the next year, and the first rules were published in
1889.
In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. of Minneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise
for firefighters; this game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball,
or diamond ball. Rober's version of the game used a ball 12 inches (30 cm) in circumference,
rather than the 16-inch (41 cm) ball used by the Farragut club, and eventually the
Minneapolis ball prevailed, although the dimensions of the Minneapolis diamond were
passed over in favor of the dimensions of the Chicago one. Rober may not have been familiar
with the Farragut Club rules. Fire Station No. 19 in Minneapolis, Rober's post from 1896 to
1906, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part for its association with the
sport's development. The first softball league outside the United States was organized
in Toronto in 1897.
The name "softball" dates back to 1926. The name was coined by Walter Hakanson of
the YMCA at a meeting of the National Recreation Congress. (In addition to "indoor
baseball", "kitten ball", and "diamond ball", names for the game included "mush ball", and
"pumpkin ball".) The name softball had spread across the United States by 1930. By the
1930s, similar sports with different rules and names were being played all over the United
States and Canada. By 1936, the Joint Rules Committee on Softball had standardized the
rules and naming throughout the United States.

Facilities and Equipment

A number of equipment is required for playing softball. A helmet, chest protector,
and shin guards are the main equipment required for safety and to play softball, we require a
ball, a bat, gloves, and uniforms.

Bat The batsmen use bat to hit

the ball and score runs for team. The bat is made up of wood,
aluminum or from metals. The shape of the bat is like a
cylinder and its diameter is 6 inches. The length of the bat
varies but it cannot be greater than 86 cm.

The diameter of the barrel is 2¼ inches. Normally,

players prefer smaller barrel bat because they can swing the bat
easily. Bats having smaller barrel also reduces weight. The
weight of the bat is 1.2 kilograms.
Ball

As the name of the sport is softball, a ball is the center of

the game. But despite its name, the ball which is used is not soft.
Softball is derived from the famous American sport baseball
which is mainly played by men. But softball is meant for
women. As this sport is mainly dominated by women, the name
of the game is softball.

Gloves

In American Softball Association, the size of the gloves

cannot exceed 36 centimeters. In softball matches, all defensive
players wear fielding gloves. But there are normally different
size of gloves available for players at different positions on the
field.

Uniform

To increase bond among a players in a team, uniforms

are provided. Each team wears different uniforms. Uniforms
include helmets, head bands, visors, caps, shoes, shocks, shirt
and pant, tight sliding undershorts etc.
For female players, uniforms like headbands and caps
are optional. These are mandatory for male players but those
who wear a helmet are not required to wear headbands or
caps.
Softball Field

Softball is a variant of baseball

in which the ball is comparatively
larger and the ground is
smaller. This game is mostly
played by female players. The
game has three variants
namely fast-pitch softball,
slow-pitch softball, and
Chicago ball.
The field of softball is smaller
in size in comparison to baseball.
The details of the field is as
follows −
 The two parts of a
softball field are foul
territory and fair
territory.
 This fair territory is divided into infield, outfield, and territory beyond outfield fence.
The field that meets at a right angle at home plate is defined as foul territory.
 To indicate the limits of the field, a fence runs between the baselines.
 The backstop, which is behind home plate, must be between 25 and 30 feet.
 The home plate has bases at each corner and it is on one corner of a diamond.
 Other than home plate, the bases are 38 cm square of canvas and is not more than 13
cm thick.

 The numbering of the bases is in counter clockwise as first base, second base and
third base. These bases are normally fastened to the ground.
 To prevent collision among the players, there is a contrast colored double
base or safety base. It is mainly intended to lessen collision between the first
baseman and the runner.
 Softball has some similarities with baseball. The runner runs after hitting the ball to
the foul portion of the double base and at the same time the fielding team tries to
collect the ball and throw it to the regular first base accurately before the runner
reaches the safety base.
 Women’s softball usually have safety bases. But in case of men, softball diamonds
don’t have these safety bases.
 The infield consists of infielders and the diamond. The remaining space between the
baselines and between the outfield fence and infield is called as the outfield.
  A pitching plate is positioned near the centre of the diamond. Normally, a circle of 16
feet diameter is known as the pitching circle in fast-pitch softball. This is drawn
around the pitching plate.

Softball – Basics

Softball was invented in Chicago in 1887. It is also called as ladies’ baseball, indoor
baseball, mush ball, kitten ball and softbund ball. Currently, World Baseball Softball
Confederation (WBSC) is the highest governing authority of softball. It was formed in 2013.
It regulates the rules of softball in more than 100 countries including the United States of
America.
Softball is derived from a famous American sport baseball. The basic difference
between baseball and softball is that in softball, the size of the ball is bigger. Another major
difference is that the field of softball is smaller.
Before WBSC, International Softball Federation was the highest governing authority.
In America, Amateur Softball Association (ASA) is the highest authority which was formed
in 1933. Softball was introduced in Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996 but it was later
dropped from Olympics.

Softball is of three types which include −

  Slow Pitch − In slow pitch softball, the circumference of the ball is 11 or 12 inches.
This ball will arch on its path to the batsman. There are 10 players in a team.
 Fast Pitch − In fast pitch matches, the pitch is fast and there are nine players on the
ground at a time. In fast-pitch matches bunting and stealing are permitted.
 Chicago Ball − In Chicago Ball, the size of the ball is 16 inch. Each team has five
players.
In all the three types of softball, there are seven innings to be played.
Despite its name softball, the ball which is used is not soft. In fast pitch, the
circumference of the ball is 12 inches and the mass is in between 178 gram and 194 gram.
The circumference of the ball may increase or decrease by 0.125 inches. In slow pitch,
the circumference of the ball is 11 inches and mass varies between 166.5 gram and 173.6
gram. The ball is pitched underhand in softball and it must be pitched from 13.1 m for
women and from 14m for men.
 Lesson 2: Rules and Regulations of the Game

Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students will be able
to:

1. Familiarize the rules and regulations and terminologies of

softball.
2. Master the basic skills of the game.

Softball is a variation of the

sport baseball. It’s more commonly
played at a recreational level and
played on a pitch smaller than that of
baseball. Whilst the rules are very
similar there are some that differ. The
sport is widely played throughout
North America but there are also
professional leagues played in Asia,
Europe and South America.

 Each team consists of 9

players and teams can be of
mixed gender
 A game lasts for 7 innings and is split into two sections; the top and bottom of the
innings.
 Each team bats once in each innings before the sides switch.
 The fielding team has a pitcher, catcher, a player on first base, second base, third base,
three deep fielders and short stop.
 A batter must successfully strike the ball and run around as many bases as possible.
Once they get all the way around and back to home plate without being given out a
run is scored.
 The fielding team can prevent the batsmen by making them miss the ball, catching the
ball, tagging one of the bases before they reach it or tagging the batsmen whilst they
are running with the ball in hand.
 Down the first and third base line is a foul area. Once the ball crosses this line before
it bounces the ball is deemed ‘dead’ and play restarts with a new pitch.
  A home run can be scored by hitting the ball over the outfield and into a dead ball
area. The batsmen can then stroll around the bases to score along with any additional
batsmen on base.

Objective of the Game

The objective of softball is to hit the ball with a bat before the player tries to run
around an infield with four bases. Once a player manages to get right round without being
given out a run is scored. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is deemed the
winner.

Players

Each softball team has 9 players. The game takes place over 7 innings and within each
innings the team will bat then field. An innings is split into two sections called the top and the
bottom of the innings. The away team bats first at the top of the innings whilst the home team
field, then teams switch so the home team bats at the bottom of the innings.

Pitch sizes vary in softball and are often just whatever size can be found or used at the
time. The in- filed has four bases in a diamond shape. The bases are home base (where the
batter stands), first base, second base and third base. Home plate can be found in the centre of
the field where the pitcher must stand to throw the ball. The pitcher must throw the ball
underarm and must have at least one foot on the plate at the point of delivery.

Once a batting order is set at the start of the game it cannot be changed throughout. A
batsman can be given out by being caught by a fielder without the ball bouncing, missing the
ball three times in which a strike is called or by being tagged by a fielder holding the ball
whilst running between bases. A batsman can be walked to first base if the pitcher fails to get
the ball within the strike zone 4 times without a stroke being made. The strike zone in softball
is larger than that of baseball.

Teams can be mixed with men and women or with just a single sex on each team.
Once a team have completed their innings then the teams switch to do the opposite role. An
innings is complete when the fielding team manage to get three players out from the bating
team.

Scoring

To score a run the batsman must successfully first hit the ball and make it around the bases
without being given out. One run is scored for every batsmen they manage to get round. A
run can be scored even if the batsmen who hit the ball doesn’t make it round to home plate
but manages to get a player that’s already on one of the bases home.

Winning the Game

The winners of the game will be decided after the 7 innings have all been completed. The
team with most runs after 7 innings will be declared the winner. If after 7 innings the game is
tied, then an extra innings will be played until a winner is found.

Rules and Regulations of the Game

The rules related to the game of softball are as follows −

 Before pitching the pitcher shall stand firmly on the ground and one or both feet
should touch the pitcher plate.
 The pitcher is not allowed to stop or bounce the ball in pitching position as it may
prevent the batsman from hitting the ball.
 The pitcher cannot use any kind of tape on the ball. To dry hands he can use powder
resin under umpire’s supervision.
 The pitch delivery shall be in an arc of six to ten feet.
 No Pitch is declared in the following cases
o The ball is pitched during suspension of the game.
o The runner leaves the base soon
o The return pitch is made quickly
o The ball slips from pitcher’s hand
o The pitching arc is less than six or more than ten feet
 The batting team has to bat in the order given in the scoresheet.
 The batsman is not allowed to prevent the catcher from catching the ball.
 A player is suspended for the current season if he or she is involved in a fight.
 If a player misbehaves with an umpire or pushes, he is ejected from the game.
 A full match consists of seven innings.
 A game is completed before seven innings in the following cases
o A team is ahead by 20 runs in the third innings
o A team is ahead by 15 runs in the fourth innings
o A team is ahead by 10 runs in the fifth innings
o If the home team is ahead and one of the above conditions is met
 The full duration of the game is 50 minutes.
 Each team has to provide a scorekeeper.
 Bats and balls are provided to the customers but they have to bring their gloves.
 The runners can leave the base after the batsman has hit the ball.
 Artificial noise makers are not allowed.
Safety Rules

 Among all the uniforms that players wear, helmets and sliding shorts are very
important. Helmets provide security to the head and sliding shorts to the upper thigh.
These sliding shorts are basically shin guards that extend usually from the ankle to
the knee of the player and it covers all the way around the leg.
 It protects ankle, knee, shin, calf and thigh from getting hurt or bruised while sliding.
In fact, after wearing sliding shorts, players can slide on the ground easily.
 Those players, who don’t wear caps, have to wear a helmet. The ball used in softball
is not as hard as a cricket ball but still it is mandatory to use helmet.
 As softball is an outdoor sport played under sun and also gives severe physical stress,
players have to take sufficient rest before a match day.

Terminologies

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 runner – a batter who has reached base safely

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 order – the official list giving the sequence in which members of the (offensive)
team must come to bat

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
Defensive team – the nine players in the field (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd basemen,
shortstop, and left, center, and right fielders)

Fair ball – a ball hit into the field of play

Fielder – any one of the nine players on the defensive team (pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
basemen, shortstop, and left, center, and right fielders)
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)

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

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 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

Home plate – the five-sided piece of whitened rubber that the batter stands beside to hit the
pitch

Homerun – 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

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 at-bat comprises a half-
inning

Left fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the third base foul line
Offensive team – the team that is at bat
Pitcher – the player who throws the ball to the batter

Right fielder – the defensive player in the outfield closest to the first base foul line

Run – the point scored when a batter or base runner advances to home plate

Rover – a tenth (10th) defensive player used in some recreational leagues. The Rover plays
exclusively in the outfield, and while he or she can move around the outfield the Rover
generally plays either between Right Field and Centre Field, or between Left Field and
Centre Field depending on the Batter

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

Strikeout – 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)

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

Strike – as called by the umpire, a pitch that enters the strike zone in flight and is not struck
at by the batter; a pitch that a batter swings at and misses; a foul ball

Third baseman – the defensive player in the infield stationed near the last bag that a base
runner would touch before heading for home plate (invisible line goes from catcher to third
baseman to left fielder)

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