Softball Scorekeeping Rules

Keeping a clear and concise scorebook in softball is very important. In order to do this, you have to have intimate knowledge of scorekeeping rules. A well-kept scorebook will help a coach on who to put in the lineup, who to take out, when to make a pitching change and when to use other pieces of strategy (stolen base or sacrifice).

  1. Know the positions

    • When keeping a scorebook, you have to know the numbers that correspond with the positions. If the batter hits a ground ball to shortstop and the shortstop throws the runner out at first base, you write down "6-3" in the scorebook because shortstop corresponds to the No. 6 position and first base corresponds to No. 3.
      P -- No. 1
      C -- No. 2
      1b -- No. 3
      2b -- No. 4
      3b -- No. 5
      SS -- No. 6
      LF -- No. 7
      CF -- No. 8
      RF -- No. 9
      SCF -- No. 10

    Strikeouts

    • The universal symbol for indicating that a batter has struck out is the letter "K." The reason for that is the makeup of the letter with three lines comprising the K and three strikes making an out. For a swinging strikeout, write down the letter K. For a called third strike, write the K but do it backwards. Another way to indicate swinging or called is to put a small "s" at the bottom leg of the K on a swinging strike three and a small "c" on the bottom leg of the K for a called third strike.

    Hits and runs

    • If a player gets a hit, indicated it in the square of the scorebook next to his name in the inning it occurred. If a player hit a triple in the thrid inning, find that player's name and in the bottom right box next to the small infield diagram, draw three horizontal lines on top of each other. If that player goes on to score a run, you fill in the diamond with your pencil to show that he has come around to score.