Types of Softballs

Softball can be an enjoyable game played at the family picnic by individuals of all ages. It can also be a very competitive professional sport played by superior athletes. As a result of the wide variety of athletes who play the game, there are several different types of softballs used, based on the type of game being played.

  1. 12-inch Softball -- Low Compression

    • This type of softball is typically used by competitive players who compete in leagues for those who are 14 and under. This ball will have a somewhat restricted flight and speed when it is hit squarely off the bat. That makes it ideal for younger players whose reactions are still developing. This ball can be hit hard and can result in injury if a player is hit with a line drive, but the athlete will have the time to react and make a play on a hard-hit ball. Low-compression softballs have a maximum compression rating of 375 pounds

    12-inch Softball -- High Compression

    • These ball are used in competitive high school, college and professional games. They have a maximum compression rating of 530 pounds and can be hit very hard and fly long distances. These balls are generally used by players at a very high level who can make plays and protect themselves at all times. These balls can travel well over 350 feet when hit squarely by top softball players.

    12-inch Softball -- Mid Compression

    • This type of softball is often used in competitive recreational leagues. It has a somewhat restricted flight and usually has a compression rating of about 425 pounds, although technically the range is from 375 pounds to 530 pounds. With the improvement in today's equipment technology--particularly in softball bats--many leagues that once used high-compression softball have gone to the mid-compression ball to restrict the number of home runs. There are some leagues that will not allow more than three home runs to be hit by a team in a game; if a fourth ball goes over the fence an out is called.

    14-inch Softball

    • This is the type of ball that is often used in more "friendly" recreational leagues, including those that involve co-ed competition. This ball is quite soft and does not even have a measurable compression rating. In many leagues with this 14-inch softball--often called a "rag ball" by its players--men play bare-handed while women play with gloves. This ball must be hit very squarely in order to get it to fly for long distance. Balls typically come off the bat with significant sidespin, making them very difficult to catch.

    16-inch Chicago-style Softball

    • This is one of the most unique softballs, as Chicago-style softball is rarely played outside the Windy City unless a group of Chicago expatriates have gotten together. A 16-inch softball starts off the game with a very hard exterior and generally stays that way for about two innings. However, the process of hitting the ball softens it up by the third or fourth inning. Players participate in the game without gloves and there can be jammed fingers and hand injuries suffered in the early innings before the ball softens up.