Girls Fastpitch Softball Rules for Base Running

Fastpitch is considered the most competitive form of softball. Pitchers throw the ball underhanded at speeds up to 75 miles per hour. The sport has become so popular that it was a Summer Olympic event in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. The game has several rules related to running the bases.

  1. Legal Base Running

    • Batters must touch each base from first base to home plate in order for a run to count. The player is automatically out if she fails to touch every base before entering the dugout. This rule also applies for home runs. The only exception to this rule is if a base has been knocked out of its proper position. Runners are not required to run to the misplaced base, but need to touch the ground where the base should be.

    Stealing

    • Stealing is allowed in fastpitch softball. However, leading off - moving off the base before the pitcher has released the ball - is not permitted. The runner is free to try and steal a base as soon as the ball is released from the pitcher's hands.

    Dropped Strike

    • The batter becomes a runner if the third strike is dropped by the catcher. The batter must successfully reach first base before being tagged or thrown out. This rule only applies if there are fewer than two outs and no player was occupying first base when the play occurred. The batter is automatically out if she interferes and prevents the catcher from catching the third strike.

    Running on a Fly Ball

    • Runners must wait until a fly ball is caught before attempting to advance to the next base. A runner who prematurely leaves a base is out if she is tagged with the ball before going back and retouching the previous base.