NCAA Softball Rules

Softball is one of the two most high-profile sports for women in the NCAA. The game features pitches that are often well over 70 mph from a mound that is 43 feet away. That's the equivalent of a 100 mph fastball in baseball. Softball rules ensure that the game's integrity is preserved.

  1. Field Measurements

    • The distance from home to base is 60 feet. That should also be the distance between all the bases. The minimum distance of the fence is 190 feet for left and right fields and 200 feet for centerfield. The maximum distance is 225 feet. All fences must be at least six feet high.

    Bats

    • Softball bats can be made of metal or wood. That is up to the batter or the team. The bat must meet certain size specifications. The bat may not be longer than 34 inches nor more than 34 ounces. The maximum diameter is 2 1/4 inches.

    Flex player

    • A team may play with nine or 10 players. If the team uses nine players, every fielder will bat and there will be no designated hitter. However, a team may choose to use a designated hitter who will hit in place of any of the fielders---not just the pitcher---at the head coach's choice. If a team starts a game without a designated hitter, it may not choose to add that position as the game progresses.