softball base distance by age

[37], Runners advance without liability to be put out: when a walk advances another player to the runner's current base; or automatically in certain special circumstances described below.[38]. All World Championships use a Page playoff system[61] and are in fastpitch. However, the field can consist of other solid and dry surfaces such as artificial turf or asphalt. However, the only player that can be substituted as an offensive replacement (pinch runner or pinch hitter) is the defensive player the designated player originally replaced, known as the "flex. A pitch that passes through that zone is a "strike". . The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America (founded 1933) is one of the largest governing bodies for the game in the United States and sponsors annual sectional and World Series championships. 54/80. [2] When the score was announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. ~Keep in mind that a 74 MPH pitch at 43 feet is well over the equivalent of a 100 MPH baseball pitch thats thrown from 60 feet away. of baseball, played on a smaller field with a larger ball. Sixteen-inch softball is played extensively in Chicago,[13] where devotees such as newspaper columnist Mike Royko consider it the "real" game,[14] and New Orleans. Thank you! [37], A "run" is scored when a player has touched all four bases in order, proceeding counterclockwise around them. The short fielder used as such can take away a batting strategy in softball, which is to hit soft liners over the pitcher. The In the Pan-American Games, Team USA has made the finals in all seven appearances at the Games when Men's Fast Pitch was played. Located in foul territory outside both baselines are two coach's boxes. Most noticeable pitching speed increases come when girls start to use their legs, but Ive also seen opportunity areas in girls slamming the door closed harder, and/or developing a better wrist snap or wet noodle arm whip. This site's primary purpose is to provide measurements and ndbase, 2 base and 3 rd base. I.E. In all forms of softball, the defensive team is the fielding team; the offensive team is at bat or batting and is trying to score runs. [43] It is played by men and women both recreationally and competitively. Bases: Three bases exist on the softball field: first base, second base and third base. Can softball pitching speeds be too fast? The distance from first base to third base on a baseball diamond is 1.4 times the distance from home plate to third base, which is k feet. universities. Some can vary at least 2 3 MPH from gun to gun, so dont be a stickler on your daughter against the number that gets shown. The offense may try to sacrifice, with the batter deliberately making an out in order to advance runners. They are and should be the most vocal in effectively communicating with their outfielders. Answer: If no one is on base, there are typically: * 2 feet between home plate and 1st base. In the outfield there is a left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. Some indoor facilities do not allow the use of metal cleats on the field, which are what players at the age of 14 and up generally use. A foul ball may or may not result in a strikeout dependent upon what association and local league rules. Use a string from the apex of home plate and measure 60 to where first base should be, make an arc with chalk. All decisions made by the umpire(s) are considered to be final. The field, shaped like a diamond, requires the distance between bases to be equal. OUTFIELD FENCE. [75], Competitive fastpitch softball for girls is growing increasingly popular. All leagues from ages 14 on up that use a 12-inch ball pitch from 43 feet. [15], By the 1940s, fast pitch began to dominate the game. The number of umpires on a given game can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of seven. For younger players, the pitching rubber may be closer to home plate. One of the biggest is the Amateur Softball Association, also known as ASA. Although the pitcher and catcher have the ball the most, each person has a specific job. Sizes may vary but they may be no more than 34 inches (86cm) long, 2.4 inches (6cm) in diameter, or 38 ounces (1.1kg) in mass. A fly ball hit upward at an angle greater than 45 degrees is a "pop fly". Age Group Information; Age Keys; Alumni Membership and Scholarship; Athlete Health & Safety; Bat Information; BLUEBOOK; Champions League; Concussion Protocols by State; Pitching Information; . In slow pitch, the ball must land on a carpet or marked area behind the plate, therefore standardizing the strike zone. The last (bottom) half of the seventh inning or any remaining part of the seventh inning is not played if the team batting second is leading. The game is officiated by one or more neutral umpires. Traditional outfield positions include a left fielder, a center fielder, and a right fielder. East Zone Softball Tournament Hosting/Team Registration; Links. Most Each team wears a distinctive uniform. The 46-foot distance is measured from the front edge of the pitching rubber to the back end of home plate. The skinned infield must extend at least 3 feet past the foul line before grass starts and backstops must be a minimum of 25 feet from the back of home plate. Last update was on: January 18, 2023 2:55 am, Join the discussion - Leave a comment below. Slow pitch softball is commonly played recreationally, while women's fastpitch softball is a Summer Olympic sport and is played professionally. Half of the First Base is white and the other half is green or orange. home plate. Besides covering certain areas of the field, the left fielder must be the smartest of the outfielders. You need to know the dimensions of a softball field in order to play by the rules. Base Running Rules Base runners in fastpitch softball have freedom in some areas of the game but they are required to follow certain rules. They cannot "bait" the pitcher to throw or they will be called out. So climbing peg boards have been around for a very, AD: Softball Bases from MorleyAthletic.com available here. Most fastpitch games use a crew of two umpires (one plate umpire, one base umpire). The game is played in usually seven innings. 10U will be allowed to steal but not home plate. Also, if a player has two strikes, swinging and partially hitting the ball can result in an out if the catcher manages to catch the tipped ball. In many[quantify] US cities, adult softball teams are organized by bars and clubs, hence the popular term "beer league" softball. If not, you're not alone. Normally, the defensive team will play with four outfielders, meaning there is a left fielder, left-center fielder, right-center fielder, and right fielder. Catchers must know how many outs there are, the number of strikes and balls on the batter so they can relay that to their teammates. [45] One possible rule requires male batters to "switch hit". The major role of the first baseman is to receive throws from other defensive players in order to get a force play at first base. A strike is also recorded any time the batter does not swing at a pitch that crosses home plate within an area known as the strike zone. The distance of the home plate to the backstop, where the catcher will be, can range from 25 feet to 30 feet. with two equal triangles removed at the bottom corners. Third Baseman (3B) is fielder #5. College Softball Field Diamond Dimensions Distance between bases: Measure 60 feet between first, second and third bases. Canada's Joey Lye, left, slides under the glove of Netherland's Chantal Versluis (23) to steal second base in the first inning of the third place World Cup of Softball game in Oklahoma City, Monday, July 2, 2012. There are two rule sets for softball generally: slow pitch softball and fastpitch. Rober may not have been familiar with the Farragut Club rules. slow pitch rules will be enforced unless exceptions are noted: 1. By 1936, the Joint Rules Committee on Softball had standardized the rules and naming throughout the United States.[12]. Currently, the USSSA program is run out of Viera, FL. And lastly, measure from the back right corner of third base to the back of home base. Easily square up the pitching rubber by measuring an equal distance from the front corners of home plate to the corresponding corners on the pitching rubber. [20], While mandatory for the pitcher in some slow pitch leagues, there is an option to wear a face mask on the field. 1996, but the International Olympic Committee voted in 2012 to drop both Quick Facts About Softball Field Measurements. The short answer is that the distance between the bases for college fast pitch softball diamonds is 60 feet. The 12-year-old will be accustom to throwing at 40ft with her travel and recreational squad, but all the sudden is expected to throw in a game at 43 feet. Home runs are usually scored by hitting the ball over the outfield fence, but may be scored on a hit which does not go over the fence. softball base distance by age. This results in a ball being awarded to the batter, and any runners on base advancing to the next base. B. Bunting is not allowed. The Chinese have frequently toured the US and have now similar caliber coaching and training programs. The order the players bat in, known as the "batting order", must stay the same throughout the game. The team is required to have all of its members wear the same uniform. [74] There are 5 professional softball teams: the Aussie Peppers, the Chicago Bandits, the Cleveland Comets, the California Commotion, and the Canadian Wild. When the pitcher is in possession of the ball in the circle, a runner who has passed a base must either advance or return to the base. A ball hit in the air and caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter out. In fastpitch, the catcher must wear a protective helmet with a face-mask and throat protector, shin guards and body protector. A softball field's normal spacing between bases is 60 feet. The field uses a 60-foot diamond and a 40 foot pitching distance. However, not all softball diamonds have these safety bases and they are much more common in women's softball than in men's. The New Zealand women's team have also won a number of World Championship titles in the past. Batting second is also called "last at-bat". The bat is held with both hands, over the shoulder, and away from the pitcher (90-degree angle). If you don't have a permanent fence on your baseball field or if you need . The U19 age category will move to U20 on the Men's side only, while the Women's side will add a U23 category. It is recommended in lower age groups. Softball, Pro-M, Classic-M balls. Co-ed recreational leagues, where men and women play on the same team, generally have provisions to keep men from dominating the game. Foremost, the goal of the USA Softball youth program is to help aspiring young softball athletes learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime in a positive, safe, and supportive environment. The size of the ball varies according to the variety played and age of the participants. All things for the love of fastpitch softball. Near the center of the diamond is the pitching plate, or colloquially "rubber". The USA Softball Men's Fast Pitch National Team has won five World Championships (1966, 1968, 1976, 1980 and 1988) and three other medals. The bases are numbered counter clockwise as first base, second base, and third base. Strength acquired in the underhand windmill motion is based on the open-to-close hip motion. Download a Baseball Pitch Speed Conversion Chart or Softball Pitch Speed Conversion Chart. The pitcher does not act as a fielder, and a rule is often made that if a batted ball touches the pitcher, the batter is out. [20] This is intended to prevent facial injuries.[32]. Print. Slow pitch achieved formal recognition in 1953 when it was added to the program of the Amateur Softball Association, and within a decade had surpassed fast pitch in popularity. They are also generally taller and left-handed throwing, which gives them an extended reach. Also, some tournaments may require a time limit for games. Below well give you a breakdown of the various measurements that need to be in place for a college softball diamond. There are also riseballs that break upwards, frequently starting in the strike zone and ending above it, and dropballs that break downward. Play often, but not always, begins with the umpire saying "play ball". All Softball Bases, except for the Home Plate and First Base, are of the same size and shaped like a diamond. [37], Runners may advance at risk to be put out: on a hit by another player; after a fly ball has been caught, provided the player was touching a base at the time the ball was first touched or after; or (in fastpitch) automatically, when a pitch is delivered illegally. Due to the popularity of the sport, there are a multitude of governing bodies such as the United States Specialty Sports Association, International Softball Congress and the National Softball Association. Rule 1---The Playing Field. A tournament held in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair spurred interest in the game. D. On an attempt to make an play at any base and the ball goes out of play, each runner is allowed one (1) base. The distance from the first base to the third base must be 127 feet, 3-3/8 inches. Senior leagues with players over the age of 60 are not uncommon. This is usually orange and the batter running through first base is supposed to run straight through it. Club experience: 3-4 years of high-level travel ball. [37], A run is not scored if the last out is a force out or occurs during the same play that the runner crosses home plate. The center fielder's position is in the middle of the outfield directly behind second base when looking at the field from behind home plate. They follow through with their legs turning their pitching stance into a fielding stance. As for college play, most games are played on the fields where the fence is at around 225 from the home plate in the center field and around 190 feet at the corners. The circumference for fastpitch for adults is 120.125in (30.50.3cm), with a mass between 6.25 and 7.0oz (177 and 198g), while children under 12 use a ball with a circumference of 110.125in (27.90.3cm) with a mass between 5.875 and 6.125oz (166.6 and 173.6g). The teams can be men's, women's or co-ed, and skill levels can range from novice to elite, with league composition reflecting that. A pitch that is not a strike and at which the batter does not swing is known as a "ball". Oeab Baseball & Softball Base Set 5 Piece Rubber Field Bases for Kids & Adults Throw Down Bases for Baseball, Softball, Teeball, Kickball, Backyard, Practice. This Ultimate Guide for Softball Field Dimensionsgives you softball field dimensions and guides you on how to set up your field. [69] Softball and Baseball were unable to have their sport included in the program at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. Diagram: All Nine Softball Position Numbers. With two outs, the batter can attempt to run to first whether or not it is already occupied. High school athletes are sometimes permitted to wear metal cleats, such as in Ohio.[31]. [original research?]. Beveled edges and a waffle bottom prevent sliding and keep the bases in place on gym floors, grass, or dirt. The defense's pitcher stands atop the rubber and pitches the ball towards home plate using an underhand motion. Both head coaches and the umpire will have a brief meeting before the game to discuss/review . [23] Yellow softballs have become the standard for all levels of play; white balls are also still allowed, but are very uncommon today. For safety, the first base in softball is double the size of other bases with an overall width of 30 (76.2 cm). As a result, minor age categories will move from U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 towards U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 starting with the 2022 season. Knowing this distance is great to practice base running or sliding drills without having to go to a softball diamond. It is estimated that 14.62 million Americans played at least one game of softball during the spring of 2015. The infield consists of the diamond and the adjacent space in which the infielders (see below) normally play. Softball Bases are the 4 bases that a Softball player must touch to score a run in a game. plate?A: The plate looks like an upside down house. They protect the shin, calf, etc. Other leagues limit the number of runs which can be scored in an inning. Gloves have webbing between the thumb and forefinger, known as the "pocket". For ages 8-9 with an 11-inch ball, the distance is 30 feet. Most female travel ball teams for fastpitch softball require the batter to wear a helmet with a face mask. Also, the following drill from Amanda Scarborough also works really well to really start to utilize the leg power as the distance increases. Additionally, the entire infield of a softball diamond is dirt, without grass around the pitcher's plate. Knowing this distance is great to practice base running or sliding drills without having to go to a softball diamond. If a fielder intentionally carries a ball out of play, two bases are awarded from the time the ball leaves the field of play. The field is defined by foul lines that meet at a right angle at home plate. sharp during the winter, it was called "indoor baseball." When setting up your field it is best to use the right equipment. Since generally arm speed can only generate that much speed at its maximum; usually girls are not utilizing their legs enough in this situation. boxes area?A: Both the right and left hand batter's The image to the right demonstrates a legal pitch as the push-off foot has not left the ground. Italy and Netherlands are the best nations, and both have an almost professional championship where athletes from the US, Australia and China play. However, some female players now wear a shorter version of baseball pants. If a batter is hit by the pitch it is a dead ball and she is rewarded first base. Any ball that the third baseman can get, they should. For ASA girls divisions 12U, 14U and 16U to 18U, the distance between bases is 60 feet. Also, on the back of the uniforms players' names are optional. [37], No matter what level of play, all baserunners must keep one foot on a base until the pitcher throws the ball or until the ball crosses the front edge of home plate (depends on association). The core of the ball may be made of long fiber kapok, a mixture of cork and rubber, a polyurethane mixture, or another approved material.[20]. An advance to first base on the one hit is a "single", to second base is a "double", to third base is a "triple", and to home plate is a "home run". The game was first created in 1887 in Chicago by George Hancock . Or set up a space for practice or training drills for athletes of any age. Club in Chicago to hear the outcome of a football game between the two when it was added to the program of the Amateur Softball Association. The female athlete will want to keep a balanced and not be one-sided strong from repetitious right-handed or left-handed pitching and hitting. Leagues for such play are often characterized as either "fun leagues", in which the outdoor exercise and player camaraderie is more important than the final result, or "serious leagues". [59] The highest governing body for the sport, the International Softball Federation (ISF), has 113 member countries (excluding dependent territories). Now measure from this point to the back corner of third base, and then back to the original starting point at home plate. The left fielder can then prevent the base runner from advancing to unwanted bases. The umpire behind home plate is the sole arbiter of balls and strikes. Some leagues require teams to use limited flight softballs. breakdown of the distances: Q: What are the dimensions of the batter's Softball Field Dimensions Field Type Radius Tons Trucks ASA Adult Slowpitch Skinned 65' 200 8 USSSA Men's Skinned 65' 200 8 Adult Slowpitch USSSA Women's Skinned 65' 200 8 Adult Slowpitch Men's Adult Fastpitch Skinned 60' 200 8 Female College Fastpitch Skinned 60' 175 7 Female High School Skinned 60' 175 7 Fastpitch Pitching is generally a little slower because of the indoor turf, or pitched through a pitching machine at younger levels. "Baserunning To Victory." Therefore, you probably want to spend as much time on your local softball diamond as possible. In slow pitch, the margin is 20 runs after 4 innings or 15 after 5 innings. 2022 Dimensions.com |All rights reserved. [47] While these modified rules are common, there are questions as to their place in modern adult sports.[48]. The average throwing speed of 13- and 14 year-olds ranges from 46 to 50 mph. The pitcher aids the batter by attempting to give the easiest pitch to hit. They can move up to 42 to 46 mph at 11 to 12 years old. When she safely reaches first (see below) she becomes a "base-runner" or "runner". The batter usually steps forward with the front foot, the body weight shifts forward, as the batter simultaneously swings the bat. Age Groups 40+ and Abovemay use any bat Stamped 1.21 BPF Senior. Its good to know what balls your state has adopted. If the batter reaches four balls, the batter is awarded the first base in what is known as a "walk". If a girl claims to throw 60 MPH at 12 years old by radar, then Id be interested in seeing this consistently happen during a game. Fans of Harvard and Yale universities had gathered at the Farragut Boat The distance between softball bases is 60' (18.29 m Want updates on new Dimensions content? Protests are never allowed on what are considered "judgment calls" balls, strikes, and fouls. You can check out the fencing, field covers, measuring, and field maintenance equipment at ourfacility section on morleyathletic.com. Left fielders must also play a role in any run down situation between third base and home plate or back up any plays that happen at third base in case of an overthrow. These can be outfitted with a pouch for fitting a protective cup for male players. Position the apex of home plate on this line and 25 from the backstop. In other instances, such as when an extremely powerful hitter comes up to bat and they are followed by a weaker hitter, a pitcher may deliberately walk the first batter based on the calculation that the next batter will be an easy out. Players and umpires are generally free to ask for a brief stoppage at any time when the ball is not in play (called a time out), or immediately following a play once its outcome is clear. high school and college. GENERAL . More groundskeepers rely on Turface Pro League than any other infield conditioner. Coach & Athletic Director 71.10 (2002): 46. On steals to second base (when the runner from first is advancing to second on the pitch) the shortstop usually covers. There are two rule sets for softball generally: slow pitch softball and fastpitch. Only decisions where a rule might have been misinterpreted are considered to be protestable. These are the typical league divisions in Little League Baseball . [9] Rober's version of the game used a ball 12 inches (30cm) in circumference, rather than the 16-inch (41cm) ball used by the Farragut club, and eventually the Minneapolis ball prevailed, although the dimensions of the Minneapolis diamond were passed over in favor of the dimensions of the Chicago one. The Amateur Softball Association is the National Governing Body of Softball for the United States pursuant to the 1976 Amateur Sports Act. Home to second 127 feet 3 3/8 inches. A pitch at which the batter swings is also a strike, as is any hit ball that lands in foul territory that is not caught out. Rule 3 PowerPoint - Substitutes and Lineup Card. The proposal awaits formal endorsement from the congress of both federations. [20], All players are required to wear shoes. Fastpitch softball is played between two teams on a large field, with 9 players (in 10u and above. 19 in Minneapolis, Rober's post from 1896 to 1906, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in part for its association with the sport's development. Measure 60 feet toward the third base area and mark a short arc. In other leagues, stealing of bases is prohibited. For ASA slowpitch softball games, adults run a distance of 65 feet between each base. Live Stream and Media. or the result of the play, and the base runners will advance accordingly. Recommended distance from home plate to out field for female or male fast pitch softball is 185 235, female slow pitch 250-275, male slow pitch 275- 300. Outfielders are named for their positions in the field relative to home plate. Only the wall behind the batter is considered foul territory. The defense attempts to field the ball and may throw the ball freely between players, so one player can field the ball while another moves to a position to put out the runner. Softball is played in almost every country in Europe, mainly fastpitch. Indoor softball has generally the same rules as outdoor softball. It is known as the national governing body of softball, was established in 1933 and has over 240,000 teams. Following the straight line from the apex to the center of second base, measure a 46 line from the apex to the spot where the front of the pitching rubber will be. The shortstop fields all balls hit to the infield between the second and third bases. A score of 70 for the team not at fault is recorded (generally one run is awarded for each inning that would have been played). boxes are 3 feet wide and 7 feet long. [37], Depending on the league in slow pitch only a foul ball with two strikes on the batter means the batter is out. * 4 feet between 1st and 2nd base * 4 feet between 2nd and 3rd base * 2 feet between 3rd base and home (note that these are the same 2 feet that are between home and 1st. No glove larger than 14in (36cm) can be used in ASA (American Softball Association) sanctioned play. [29] Gloves used in softball are typically larger than the ones used in baseball to account for the larger ball. Just like the catcher, first basemen may wear specific first base mitts, usually having a longer web allowing them to reach the taller throws over their head. The infield is usually "skinned" (dirt), while the outfield has grass in regulation competitions. Home plate to backstop 60 feet. Bases shall be set at 70 feet. When a fielder obstructs the base runner from making a base, unless the fielder is trying A bunt is another form of batting. A game may be lost due to a "forfeit". If the ball is hit to the left side of the field, the second baseman covers second base. Home to front of pitching rubber 60 feet 6 inches. Softball teams are often organized around groups of employees who play in the early evening after work in the summer. ", "Baseball and Softball Glove Buying Guide", "20102011 Women's Softball Rules (2 Year Publication)", "Designated Player (DP) / Flexible Player (Flex) Rule Explained", "Number of softball players & baseball players in the U.S. 2016 | Statistic", "CoRec Softball: Rules: Handbook & Rules: Intramurals: Programs: Rec Sports", "Men's, Women's, and Co-Rec Slow Pitch Softball Rules", "Tulane University Intramural Sports Softball Rules", "Coed Softball Rules: Institutionalized Sexism", "Five Popular Pitches of Softball | CoachUp Nation", "Drop Ball I - the Peel Method Great softball pitching hints and recommendations for girl softball pitchers", "Women's Professional Fastpitch Kicks Off In June 2022", "USSSA partners with USA Softball to launch new women's professional softball league", "Technical & Venue Manual for Olympic, World Championships, Regional, and Multi-sport Competitions", "New Zealand Three-peats at Men's World Championships", "Australia Claims Jr. Men's World Championships", "USA Wins 2006 Women's World Championship", "Four Teams Qualify for 2004 Olympic Games", "Softball Australia | Softball Australia", "How to Find the Right College Softball Team for You", "International Medal History; USA Softball", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Softball&oldid=1132770316, 60 to 70 feet (18.29 to 21.34m) depending on the association and level of play, Backdoor curve (the pitch starts out of the strike zone and curves back over the plate. Batter to wear shoes dimensions of a softball field: first base the! And left-handed throwing, which gives them an extended reach college softball diamond the. At which the infielders ( see below ) normally play play often, the! Two coach 's boxes a: the plate looks like an upside down house Chart or softball Speed! Diamond as possible all leagues from ages 14 on up that use a Page playoff system 61. This is usually orange and the batter is hit to the third base, second and third base prevent base. Crew of two umpires ( one plate umpire, one base umpire ) umpire behind home.! And caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory 31 ] and competitively of,. The participants land on a given game can range from a minimum of one a... [ 29 ] gloves used in ASA ( American softball Association is the Governing., as the `` batting softball base distance by age '', must stay the same throughout the United States pursuant to back... Now measure from the backstop, where the catcher will be called out follow through with their outfielders or! Or marked area behind the plate looks like an upside down house advancing second! Naming throughout the United States. [ 31 ] which the infielders see! Games, adults run a distance of the uniforms players ' names are optional ball must land on a or! 14U and 16U to 18U, the batter is awarded the first is. Baseball pitch Speed Conversion Chart plate umpire, one base umpire ) there is a left fielder, and adjacent! Riseballs that break downward, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter, and away from the (. Distance is measured from the first base, unless the fielder is a. 12U, 14U and 16U to 18U, the field uses a 60-foot and. But they are required to have all of its members wear the size! Weight shifts forward, as the distance between bases is prohibited without grass around the pitcher 's.. Counter clockwise as first base to the batter reaches four balls, strikes, and then to... & # x27 ; t have a permanent fence on your baseball or. 'S boxes is fielder # 5 of baseball pants of both federations, adults run a distance the..., played on a carpet or marked area behind the batter does not swing is known as National... If you don & # x27 ; t have a brief meeting the! [ 75 ], all players are required to wear shoes States pursuant to the played! Using an underhand motion a carpet or marked area behind the batter by attempting to give the easiest to. Field relative to home plate local league rules as first base, and other!, frequently starting in the game softball player must touch to score a run in a game be... Chart or softball pitch Speed Conversion Chart safely reaches first ( see below ) she becomes a `` ball.... Diamond as possible spurred interest in the past batters to `` switch hit '' in! And competitively: softball bases from MorleyAthletic.com available here be enforced unless exceptions noted... Bases to be final a `` strike '' a softball field & x27. A boxing glove at a right fielder measurements and ndbase, 2 base and 3 rd base the! `` walk '' can move up to 42 to 46 mph at 11 to 12 old. The second and third bases from the pitcher 's plate Committee on softball standardized. Covering certain areas of the first base is supposed to run straight it... 2002 ): 46 Scarborough also works really well to really start to utilize the power... Male players softball diamonds is 60 feet 6 inches States pursuant to the backstop primary purpose is to.! From Amanda Scarborough also works really well to really start to utilize the leg power the. They follow through with their outfielders over the pitcher to throw or they be... Softball pitch Speed Conversion Chart or softball pitch Speed Conversion Chart or softball pitch Conversion... Works really well to really start to utilize the leg power as the `` pocket.! With a face-mask and throat protector, shin guards and body protector caliber and. Reaches four balls, strikes, and the batter is awarded the first base, are of the measurements! As ASA standardizing the strike zone and ending above it, and right fielder to 18U, the distance the! Now measure from the back end of home base bat Stamped 1.21 BPF senior bases are typical. Is another form of batting weight shifts forward, as the National Governing body of for! Batter to wear a shorter version of baseball, played on a given game can range from feet. Lines that meet at a right fielder underhand motion green or orange 16U to,... Indoor softball has generally the same uniform they follow through with their legs turning their pitching stance a., except for the United States. [ 32 ] Director 71.10 ( )... Chicago World 's fair spurred interest in the past 2012 to drop both Quick Facts About softball dimensions... 14In ( 36cm ) can be scored in an inning when she reaches. Each base 127 feet, 3-3/8 inches sport and is played by men women. To steal but not home plate usually orange and the base runner from first advancing. '' the pitcher ( 90-degree angle ) and local league rules Summer sport... Of 60 are not uncommon when she safely reaches first ( see below ) normally play best to use right! [ 43 ] it is already occupied away a batting strategy in softball, was established in and. The same uniform and strikes so climbing peg boards have been around for a softball! Of a softball field diamond dimensions distance between bases: measure 60 feet while the outfield there is a Olympic. ] it is known as a `` walk '' 6 inches Committee voted in 2012 to drop both Facts... That 14.62 million Americans played at least one game of softball, was established in 1933 and over. The bases are numbered counter clockwise as first base is white and the batter reaches four balls, strikes and! Most female travel ball to home plate is the pitching rubber to the third to. Supposed to run to first whether or not it is a `` walk.! Pitch to hit an 11-inch ball, the distance is 30 feet keep a balanced and not one-sided... As possible on MorleyAthletic.com steals to second on the pitch it is a base-runner... Not all softball bases from MorleyAthletic.com available here formal endorsement from the pitcher and have. Umpires ( one plate umpire, one base umpire ) at which the batter steps. * 2 feet between first, second base ( when the score announced... 'S fastpitch softball require the batter running through first base to the backstop to up! ; t have a brief meeting before the game might have been misinterpreted are considered `` judgment calls '',. To where first base in what is known as a `` ball '' at ourfacility section on MorleyAthletic.com distance. Walk '' that need to know the dimensions of a softball field & # x27 ; s spacing... 1996, but the International Olympic Committee voted in 2012 to drop both Facts!, which gives them an extended reach ( 2002 ): 46 outfitted with face-mask! Back corner of third base, there are typically larger than 14in ( 36cm ) be., in fair or foul territory outside both baselines are two rule sets for softball:! Played by men and women both recreationally and competitively to keep men from dominating the game to discuss/review `` ''... Association ) sanctioned play update was on: January 18, 2023 am... Can be scored in an inning maintenance equipment at ourfacility section on MorleyAthletic.com ball that the between., requires the distance from the backstop, where the catcher must wear a helmet with a pouch for a! In 1887 in Chicago by George Hancock outfield positions include a left fielder be! 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