10 Commandments of Softball

Learning how to play softball can be easy, particularly for those who already have an interest in baseball. The premise is essentially the same, with only a few minor rules differences. Becoming a good softball player requires the same basic skill set. A working knowledge of the sport's rules and strategies can make the difference between an average player and a star.

  1. Pitched Balls Can Rise

    • Unlike baseball, where most pitches drop as they approach the hitter, fastpitch softball pitches can rise as they make their way to the batter. This is due to the windmill motion a softball pitcher uses, which "lifts" the ball as it leaves the pitcher's hand. A hitter must be aware of this and adjust accordingly, looking for the possibility of a rise pitch.

    Touch the Orange Base

    • In most softball games, the first base bag is actually a double base, with a white and an orange portion. The white portion is in play, the orange portion connected to it is in foul territory. Runners must touch the orange base when running to first base, or they will be called out. The placement of the orange base is designed to keep runners out of the field of play where they might interfere with a ball that is hit or thrown.

    No Leading Off

    • Softball base runners are not allowed to lead off. They may attempt to steal, but not until the pitched ball has crossed the plate. If a batter leaves a base early, she will be called out.

    Grounders Are Good

    • A well-placed ground ball is a valuable weapon in softball since the field is so much smaller than a baseball diamond. Fielders have less reaction time when a grounder is hit, increasing the batter's chances of reaching first base.

    Pitchers Beware

    • The pitcher's mound is closer to the plate in softball than in baseball, so pitchers must pay attention to the batter at all times. Pitchers should finish their windups in a set position, ready to field the ball if it's hit back at them.

    Beware the Extra Outfielder

    • Softball teams are permitted to field an extra player. This player is stationed in the outfield, giving teams a total of four outfielders. Batters need to be aware of the extra fielder when they're figuring out where they want to hit the ball.

    Home Runs Are Limited

    • In some leagues, teams have a cap on how many home runs they are permitted to hit in a game. This amount depends on the quality of the league, and whether it is men's, women's, or co-ed.

    Walks Are Costly

    • In co-ed slow-pitch softball, a walk allows a hitter to advance two bases instead of just one in standard softball and baseball formats. Pitchers need to be more careful about throwing strikes in this instance.

    Games Are Short

    • Most softball games run between 60 and 90 minutes, or until six or seven innings have been completed. Teams that fall behind early should be aware of the time and inning so they don't run out of either unexpectedly.

    Games Can End Early

    • Most leagues feature a mercy rule, which states that if one team has a double-digit lead after four or more innings, the game is called. Scoring runs becomes even more important when a team faces the prospect of losing after the game is only four innings old.