Coach Pitch Softball Rules

Coach pitch softball is traditionally the level of softball more advanced than tee ball, but less competitive than fast-pitch. Coach pitch softball leagues are for girls under the age of 8 to 10. In coach pitch, a coach from each team pitches to the players, but does not participate in any defensive plays or offer offensive instructions. The rules of coach pitch are different from league to league, but a few are considered universal.

  1. Number of Players

    • In coach pitch softball, a minimum of nine players and a maximum of 10 defensive players can be on the field at a time. Each player on the team should receive equal playing time. A batting lineup with all participating team members must be provided. Players are expected to wear a full uniform and soft rubber cleats. When batting or warming up to bat, players must wear helmets. Fielders must wear a glove at all times, and catchers must wear any and all provided protective equipment, including a helmet, face mask and chest protectors and shin guards.

    Coaches

    • While the coach is responsible for pitching during his team's at-bat, he is not, under any circumstances allowed to participate in defensive plays or give instructions to base runners. In some cases, a defensive coach may give directions in the field, but this is not true in all leagues. Offensive coaches are stationed at first and third base to assist the runners.

    In the Field

    • The field requirements for coach pitch softball are similar to those in slow or fast-pitch softball. The bases are 60 feet apart, with the pitcher's mound in the center, 35 to 40 feet from home plate. Coaches are required to pitch underhanded using an 11-inch softball.

    The Game

    • Games last five or six innings, or end by a set time limit if the innings last too long. Five to seven underhand pitches are allowed per batter, and if the batter does not hit the ball she is considered out. When the ball is hit, runners advance the bases until the ball returns to the player pitcher (the coach only throws the pitches, and does not field the ball). Once on the bases, the runners are not allowed to steal or run on an infield fly. If a ball is "over thrown," or too fast from the pitcher, runners advance only one base. Bunting is generally not allowed. A team is done at bat when they have scored five runs, made it through the entire line-up or the opponent has recorded three outs.