Modified Softball Rules

There are three main types of softball played in recreational leagues: slow-pitch, fast-pitch, and modified. A modified softball game uses a mix of the rules from the other two to allow for more speed on the ball without approaching the high speeds in a typical fast-pitch game. The following modified softball rules are issued by the National Softball Association (NSA).

  1. Gloves and Bats

    • All fielders must wear a glove that is a solid color other than white, gray or optic yellow. No circles may be drawn or printed on the glove in these colors because of their resemblance to the softball. Bats may be made out of aluminum or wood, so long as the specific model of bat is included on the NSA's approved bat list. The bat cannot be cracked or severely dented. The umpire may deem that a slightly dented bat is safe to use during play, but it is entirely up to his or her discretion. The bat must be less than 34 inches long and weigh under 38 ounces.

    Lineups

    • Only nine fielders are allowed to play defense in an official modified softball game. If the teams choose to use the Extra Players (EPs), then up to 11 players may bat in the order. One or two optional EPs are permitted under NSA rules. There is also an optional Designated Hitter (DH) that may be used if the teams agree to it. The DH may bat in the order in the place of one of the fielders, usually the pitcher. A player may be taken out for a substitute at any point in the game. The removed player is eligible to re-enter the lineup once per game.

    Playing Field Dimensions

    • The size of the playing field for modified pitch softball depends on whether it is a men's or women's league game. The bases are spaced out 60 feet apart for both genders, but the pitching rubber is only 43 feet away from home plate for women's leagues, while it is 46 feet away in men's leagues. This distance should be measured from the back edge of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber. For men, the back fence must be between 225 and 250 feet away from the plate at the location of the foul lines. Women's leagues play with a fence that is between 200 and 225 feet from the plate.

    Pitching Rules

    • As in baseball or fast-pitch softball, the pitcher must begin his or her delivery by coming to a full stop for at least one second while standing with both feet contacting the pitching rubber. There are limitations on the pitcher's windup to keep the speed of the pitch lower than it would be in a typical fast-pitch softball game. The pitcher cannot rotate his or her arm in a windmill motion to generate speed or rock back and forth before starting the windup.