Slow-Pitch Softball Unit Study Guide

Vocabulary and rules summary for the Slow-Pitch Softball unit based on the study guide.

Slow-Pitch Softball Invention

Baseball players developed the game to be played indoors at the end of the $1800$'s.

Object of the Game

To score more runs than the opposing team.

Scoring a Run

A player safely touches first, second, third, and home plate before their team makes $3$ outs.

Legal Delivery (Pitch)

A slow pitch delivered underhand with an arc of $6$ to $10$ feet.

Batting Order Rule

Players must follow a specific order; batting out of turn results in an out.

Inning Structure

Consists of two parts (a top and a bottom) where both teams bat until they make $3$ outs.

Thrown Ball Out of Play

A base runner is allowed to advance $1$ base.

Prohibited Offensive Moves

Slow-pitch softball rules do not allow bunting, stealing, or leading off.

Defensive Team Size

There are $10$ players allowed on the field, including $4$ outfielders.

Visiting Team

The team that bats first and sits on the first base side of the field.

Home Team

The team that plays defense first and sits on the third base side of the field.

Safety Rule: Batting Team

All members of the batting team must remain on the bench while their team is at bat.

Safety Rule: Prohibited Actions

Players are not allowed to throw the bat or slide into bases.

Infield Fly Rule

A fair fly ball caught by an infielder with runners on first and second, or with bases loaded, with less than $2$ outs; the batter is automatically out.

Tagging Up

The requirement for a base runner to touch the base they occupied until a fly ball is caught before they can advance.

Ready Position

A defensive stance where legs are shoulder width apart, knees are slightly bent, and hands are open near the ground.

Cut-Off Man

An infielder who intercepts a ball thrown from an outfielder.

Force Out

When a fielder tags a base or the runner because the batter became a runner and forced them to advance.

Pitcher ($1$)

The player who delivers the ball and must be ready for the ball to be hit back at them.

Catcher ($2$)

The player who receives pitches that are not hit and is responsible for tags or force plays at home plate.

First Base ($3$)

A player with strong catching skills who stands right of first base and takes the base to receive throws when the ball is hit.

Second Base ($4$)

An agile player with good hands who fields halfway between second base and the first base player.

Third Base ($5$)

A player with a strong throwing arm who stands a few steps to the left and behind third base.

Shortstop ($6$)

A good fielder with a strong arm positioned halfway between second and third base, slightly behind the base line.

Outfielders ($7, 8, 9, 10$)

Players with high running speed and the ability to track and catch fly balls.