What Are the Different Types of Softballs?

The game of softball is played with a glove, a bat and a softball. Today, softball is played with a few different softballs. There are balls for practice and training, balls that limit homer runs and balls for use with different bats. Before swinging a bat on any softball, you should know which ball you have and what type of bat will work the best with it.

  1. Lowest Compression Balls

    • The diameter of low compression balls is 12 inches. The balls have .47 polycore centers with durable synthetic stitched leather covers. The low compression balls have a rating of 375 pounds of compression and are used in league games for kids 14 and younger. The ball has a somewhat restricted speed and flight when hit dead on by the bat. Bats that have no flex should be used with a low compression softball.

    Medium Compression Balls

    • Medium compression balls have 425 pounds of compression, but can have 375 to 530 pounds of compression with a .44 polycore center and synthetic stitched leather covering. Their diameter is 11 inches and they are used for practice and training. These are the preferred balls in league games, whereas the high compression balls were once regarded as the preferred balls to restrict the number of home runs made by a team in one game. Medium compression balls can be used with any style or type of bat.

    Highest Compression Balls

    • High compression balls are used for professional, college and high school games. The balls are 12 inches in diameter with a 530 pound compression rating. The core is made of polyurethane and cork, with a cover of synthetic stitched leather. The balls can be hard and will travel at a high speed for a long distance. The best bat to use with the high compression softball is a bat that flexes a little on contact. Aluminum and wood bats can be damaged when hitting high compression balls.