Softball is a bat and ball game. It is played on a field that is set up in the shape of a diamond, see the diagram below. Note: we refer to the catcher as a back stop.

Positions

Pitcher

• The pitcher is also known as the bowler.
• They must pitch the ball with an underarm throw
• Their pitch must reach the batter between the shoulders and the knees otherwise it is called a ball.
• The pitcher is allowed 3 balls and on the 4 th ball, the batter will walk a base.

Fielders

• The bases have to have a fielder who takes responsibility for that base.
• The fielders that are on the bases have to stand behind the base, so they are not standing inside the diamond and also so that the batter can have a clear run at the base.
• If the fielder on the base does not have an immediate threat of someone running at their base, they can stand to the side to help fill another gap in the field.

(see number 4 on the diagram above, they are on 2 nd base as well.)

• The fielders in the diagram above are positioned so that there are no big gaps in the field.

Back Stop/ Catcher

• The back stop’s glove provides a good target for the pitcher to aim at.
• Back stop should be in a crouched position ready to catch the ball from a ball, a strike or a foul.
• If a back stop catches the ball off a foul hit, they can get the batter out.

The skills required to play an effective game of softball include:

Throwing

Under arm throw

• This throw is used for pitching the game to the batter and also for fielding over short distances.
• Stand with feet together then take a step forward with the opposite leg to your throwing arm and at the same time swing your arm forward to release the ball at 90 degrees to the ground.
• The step and swing at the same time allow you to place some power into your pitch.
• You should aim to pitch the ball between the batter’s shoulders and knees.
• If you pitch it too high or too low and the batter doesn’t swing, it will be counted as a ball.
• 3 balls against the pitcher means that the batter can walk a base.

Over arm throw

• This throw is used when the ball needs to cover a large distance such as when a batter has hit the ball far out into the field.
• Stand with feet together, arm drawn back and use other arm to aim to where you are throwing the ball. Take a step and turn your body side on. Bring your elbow through first followed by your forearm and wrist.
• Release the ball when it is straight in line with your target and aim to keep the ball traveling flat through the air ie. Not in a rainbow shape.
• If a batter hits really big and you think the fielder that is chasing the ball might struggle to throw the distance, place yourself so that the person can throw half way, to you, and then you can throw into the diamond.

Catching

Is an essential skill to good fielding. The mit/ glove is a useful piece of equipment to catch with. It gives your hand a bigger surface area which makes it easier to catch the ball with.

Things to remember:

• Right handed throwers need left handed mits and vice versa for left handers.
• Place the mit at a low level at bend your knees to be in a good catching position, especially if you are a backstop or on bases. (see the picture above)
• If the ball is a high ball then place the mit above your head to catch it. (see picture above) Make sure your other hand traps the ball in the glove so it doesn’t fall out.
• When the ball goes into your glove, close your fingers together so it traps the ball in the glove. This will keep the ball in a little but to make sure it definitely doesn’t drop out, place your other hand over the glove. This way the ball won’t bounce out or fall out.
• When catching without a glove, cup your hands in the shape of a bowl, either above your head or at chest height. Make sure you cush the ball into your body.
• Remember, the ball will rarely come straight to you, so make sure you are ready to move your feet to line yourself up with the ball!

Batting

Batting is a very important skill in a game of softball. If you can hit a good ball in a good position on the field then your team will have a great advantage.

Things to remember:

• Stand with your feet a shoulder width apart and your feet pointing at the side of the home base.
• Hold the bat at the very end of the handle with your two hands touching (like in the song 1 potatoe, 2 potatoe, 3 potatoe 4… etc)
• Make sure you have your elbows out (chicken wings)
• Bend your knees.
• Your head must point forward at the pitcher and your eyes must remain on the ball
• If it is a ball that goes above your head or below your knees, then leave it.
• When the ball comes to you, if it is a good ball then go for it.
• Shift your weight to your front leg and follow through your hit all the way to your opposite shoulder.
• Once you have hit the ball, it is very important to just drop the bat rather than fling it, it becomes a safety hazard otherwise and you might take out one of your team mates in the batting line up.

Base Running

• After a successful hit, you must start running to first base. Any delay in doing this will give the fielders more time to throw the ball to first base.
• You must be in contact with the base before the fielder catches the ball and touches their base.
• If they catch and touch the base before the batter runner, then they are out.
• Slides are a good way of reaching the base before the fielders catches the ball. See the picture above.
• As you run the bases, make sure you keep an eye on what the fielders are doing
• Remember to communicate with your other team mates that are also on bases as you don’t want to run them out.