Softball Notes

How many players does a “fast pitch” game consist of?

9

Pitcher

The position that throws the ball to the catcher to start the play.

Catcher

Receives pitches from the pitcher, leads defensive play by their advantageous view, calls pitches, blocking the plate to block the runner “throwing runner out” of the base. Wears protective gear.

Baseman

“Fields” at a particular base by catching ball from infielders to force a runner out at the said base.

1st baseman

Fields area nearest first base

2nd baseman

Fields area between second and first base

3rd baseman

Fields area around 3rd base

Shortstop

Fields balls between second and third base

Right fielder

Plays defense in the outfield on the RIGHT side

Center fielder

Defends the MIDDLE of the outfield

Left fielder

Plays defense in the outfield on the LEFT side

Which team always bats first?

Whoever is visiting

How many innings does one game consist of?

7

How is the winner determined?

Whichever team, at the end of the 7th innings, leads by 1 run

What happens if the play is tied?

You will continue to play full innings until someone is ahead by 1 run.

What is allowed in fast pitch softball?

Stealing (bases) and bunting (a technique of batting)

How doo you steal bases?

Running them and TOUCHING each base.

What happens when the ball is pitched 4 times?

The batter goes to first base

What happens after three strikes?

The batter is out

How many “outs” is each team allowed before they change and go into the field?

3

Foul

A ball that goes out of bounds before reaching 1st or 3rd base.

Strike 1

The first foul ball

Strike 2

The second foul ball

Can players be called out on fouls?

No

What happens if a runner is hit by a teammate’s ball that they batted?

They are out

Forced play

The runner must run to the next base because there is not another runner behind them on a base.

T/F: You MUST tag the runner on a non-forced play.

True

If a fly ball is caught out of bounds in foul territory, is it still considered an out?

Yes

Clean-up batter

Usually your 4th batter; the strongest or best batter in the line-up.