Softball Game Rules

Softball is the cousin of America's favorite pastime, baseball, in which the ball is larger and pitchers throw overhand rather than underhand. The rules of the game are much like that of baseball, and are easy to learn.

  1. Gameplay

    • The game consists of seven innings; each inning consists of both teams having a turn to bat. A team's turn at batting ends when three players of the batting team are called out. A player is out when they have received three strikes at bat or are forced out or tagged out while running the bases. Points are scored when a player of the batting team has crossed home plate. In order to get to home plate, a player must make it past the first, second and third bases. Each team consists of nine to 10 fielders and an unlimited number of batters. Fielders may switch out from inning to inning or when the coach calls for a substitute in between batters.

    The Field and Equipment

    • The field for softball consists of an outfield and an infield, and bases are aligned in the shape of a diamond. Each base is spaced 60 feet apart, and the line from one base to the next is called the baseline. The infield is the area within the baselines, comprising the area of the diamond; the outfield is all of the outer playing area. Specifications on equipment used in softball depend on the governing organization of the league; however, all games are played with bases, balls, gloves, bats and protective gear.

    Pitching and Batting

    • There is a precise way that a pitcher must deliver the pitch. First, both hands must be placed on the ball, and both feet must be positioned on the pitcher's rubber. When giving the pitch, which must be underhand, the pitcher may take only one step off of the pitcher's mound. Batting order cannot change throughout a game. A batter is out when there have been three strikes called against her. Strikes can be called, depending on the organization, from not swinging at or swinging at but not hitting the ball, or a foul ball. In fast pitch, if there less than two outs and the catcher drops the third strike, the batter may attempt to make it to first base, if it is open, without being tagged. If the pitcher pitches the ball into an area outside the strike zone, as determined by the umpire, then a ball will be called. After a set amount of balls, depending on the league and governing organization, a player is awarded a walk, meaning she may advance to first base. If the pitcher hits the batter with the ball, the batter may advance to first base.

    Base Running

    • All players must keep at least one foot on base until the pitch is thrown or the ball passes over home plate, depending on the governing organization's rules. Stealing bases was at one time illegal in slow-pitch softball but is now becoming more accepted. Just like running a normal base, a player must wait until the pitch is thrown or over the plate before he can attempt to steal a base. A player is called out when the player or the only base they are able to run to is tagged by a fielder possessing the ball.