How to Set the Play Fences

Softball is a sport that is often played on baseball fields. While it is nice to be able to use an existing field for multiple uses, softball and baseball fields are not the same size and play fences must be placed to mark the end of the outfield in a softball game. Play fences can also be used to modify a full-size baseball field for youth games where the back of the outfield is brought forward to make the field size-appropriate for younger children.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Distance tables from the International Softball Federation
  • A couple of assistants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble the play fences according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 2

      Stand on home base and use the tape measure to measure to the back of the right field. The distance required changes with the type of softball being played. For example, the play fences should be 300 feet from home base for men's slow-pitch softball and a distance of 275 feet for women's slow-pitch. Refer to the distance tables used by the International Softball Federation.

    • 3

      With one assistant holding the end of the tape at the required distance, have the other assistant place the play fences in an arc -- starting from right field and working over to left field. Have the assistant at the end of the tape walk the arc while you pivot at home base.

    • 4

      Do not stake the play fences into the ground. Play fences are made to tip over if a player runs into them so the player is not injured from the impact.