Oberlin, Ohio
Softball Dedication To my loving Mother and Father, for helping me with my
project This book talks about the concepts of softball and
really, how to play. I hope you will like this book as much
as I liked writing it. This book will teach you the basics
of softball and will allow you to become a better
player. Many people began playing softball many years ago. George
W. Hancock in Chicago developed softball as an indoor game
in 1887. When George Hancock was first starting out the used
a seventeen-inch ball and the seams looked like ridges
because they were inside out. That is how softball all got
started. After a while many people began to play softball. In
1895, Lewis Robert of the Minneapolis Fire Department
adapted the game for outdoors. When Robert was first
starting out he had a cover like a baseball. A little bit
after the game softball became a sport that would be played
by firefighters indoors during their free time. That is how
softball became a popular game. Softball did not get an official name until many years
after it was invented. Softball used to be called Kitten
ball, Diamond ball, mush ball, indoor-outdoor, recreation
ball, and playground ball until 1926. In 1926 Softball
became the official name of the game by Walter Hatkanson of
Denver, Colorado YMCA. The game was not official until
1933. Many things had to happen before softball could become an
official sport. In 1908, NAPBA decided to design softball's
first set of rules. Then in 1933, the Amateur Softball
Association (ASA) was founded to govern and promote softball
in the United States. ASA set up a set of rules used by
teams all over the world. The international Softball
Federation founded in 1952 governs international softball
competitions. That is how softball grew and developed into a
game that is played all over the world. Rules about fast pitch, slow pitch, and softball many
years ago, are very different. Pitching is very different in
fast pitch, slow pitch, and softball many years ago because
most fast pitch teams use twelve inch balls and slow pitch
softball and softball many years ago use bigger balls.
Another difference in pitching between the two is that in
fast pitch the pitchers can pitch the ball up to one hundred
miles per hour, slow pitch, ten miles per hour, and softball
many years ago, also ten miles per hour. Those are only some
of the differences between fast pitch, slow pitch, and
softball many years ago. Rules today are different than they were many years ago
and from slow pitch. Teams in fast pitch have nine players
but many years ago and in slow pitch the amount of players
does not really matter. One more difference is that in fast
pitch you can bunt and the runners may steal bases after the
ball leaves the pitchers hand. In slow pitch and softball
many years ago you cannot bunt or steal. There are many
differences between fast pitch, slow pitch, and softball
many years ago. The glove is a very important weapon for defense in the
catching skill. The glove should fit the hand comfortably
and the player must be able to squeeze the pocket shut
around the ball so it will not pop out. The size of the
glove depends on the player's position. The infielders need
a small glove with a shallow pocket because that helps them
get the ball out quicker. Outfielders need a glove as big as
they control because it can help extend their reach.
Catchers and first basemen need gloves with deep pockets for
all of the hard balls that will be thrown at them. Only
catchers and first baseman can use a mitt. (A glove without
fingers). A first baseman's baseball mitt can work well in
softball. A glove made of quality leather that will bend
easily is the kind of glove a player should get because
comfort and workability are the keys to a good glove.
Throwing a ball repeatedly into the pocket of the glove or
catching balls from a pitching machine can help soften the
leather of your glove. For the use of oil, follow the
manufacturer's instruction. Putting a ball in the glove and
tying a string around it can help the glove form a nice
pocket. A player should never put the index finger in the
glove because that is right where the ball should hit and so
your finger will get all bruised up. To prevent bruising
your finger you should place your finger in the hole coming
out of the glove or you can share finger slots with other
fingers. When fielding balls below the waist you should
point the fingers of both hands down. If possible you should
catch waist line drives with the fingers pointed up. Also if
it is possible, players should bend their knees while
keeping the hands pointed up. Purpose: To practice adjusting the glove position
depending on the location of the ball. Procedure: The player starts with the glove above the
head at twelve o'clock with the fingers pointed up. If
the glove is on the left hand, the player makes a circle
clockwise to three o'clock, then six o'clock, and
continuing around while keeping the pocket open as if to
catch a ball. The player keeps the elbow bent and the
glove close to the body in a catching position. For
right-handers, at three o'clock the fingers are still
pointed up. As the hand drops below the waist, the
fingers gradually rotate down until they point directly
down at five o'clock. As the hand crosses the midline of
the body at six o'clock, the hand rotates over to a
backhand position. (Balls caught on the side of the body
opposite the glove are caught backhand) The player
rotates the thumb down toward the ground, keeping the
palm open to the ball. At nine o'clock, the fingers have
again rotated to an upward position. When the player is
familiar with proper positioning, a partner tosses her
balls to catch in various locations. Defense can be, but not always, one of the main purposes
for catching the ball. Defense begins with catching the
ball, whether it is a throw, a ground ball or a pop fly. A
good glove can make this task easier, but proper body
position and technique lead to consistency and success. It
is easier for players to catch balls that come directly to
them and when there is time to assume good body
positioning. To catch a throw a player must have concentration. Also,
to catch a throw, the receiver should wait in a ready
balanced position, facing the thrower and ready to move
quickly in any direction, incase the ball is thrown off
line. The feet are shoulder-length apart with the glove-side
foot slightly forward. The knees are slightly flexed with
weight on the balls of your feet. The arms extend toward the
thrower with the elbows slightly bent. The pocket is open
toward the thrower to provide a chest high target. The
throwing hand is beside the pocket with the fingers of both
hands pointed upward and the thumbs touching. The player
should always catch with two hands to secure the ball and
prepare for a quick release. As the reciever catches the
ball, she should move her feet to catch the ball just in
front of the throwing shoulder. Because the throwing hand is
already there to grip the ball, no effort is wasted in
bringing the ball to the throwing position thus reducing
release time. As the thrower hurls the ball, the reciever
should focus on the release point and then follow the ball
all the way into the glove. The reciever should flex her
arms as she catches the ball to lessen the impact. The goal
is to have what are called "soft hands," which will prevent
the ball from popping out of the glove. The player should
begin with nearly full extension of the arms so that a
greater distance is available to absorb the impact. As the
ball lands in the pocket of the glove, the throwing hand
closes over it and the fingers then grip the seams. Often,
the spectacular catch is the result of the not getting a
good jump on the ball and subsequently being in poor
position to make the easy catch. The grip is the same for all types of throws. A softball
is so much bigger than a baseball that you need to place all
fingers across the seams, using the finger print part of the
finger. The middle finger is placed in the middle of the
seam on the ball and the thumb you should try your best, to
put directly under the middle finger on the other side of
the ball. The ring finger and index finger are equally
spaced on the on the sides of the middle finger on the same
seam. Your little finger is curled up and rested on the side
of the ball. The player should take care NOT TO LOCK THE
WRIST. There should be some space between the ball, palm,
and webbing of the thumb. The player obtains proper grip by
rotating the ball in the glove with the throwing hand
fingers until she finds the seams and can grip correctly.
The ball is pressed down in to the glove to secure the grip
and then lifted out quickly with the ball pointed down and
the back of the hand pointed up as the hands separate. On a
slow roller or a dead ball you should pick it up with both
hands to get a firm and secure grip. By using the glove to
catch the ball first, there is also less chance of not
catching it. Pressing the ball against the glove can help
secure the grip, because of the large size of the ball. The
more firmly the player grips the ball the faster and more
accurately it can be thrown. The basic components of the overhand throw body position,
arm action, release, and follow-through. Before a throw is
made, the player must turn the shoulders and hips sideways
to the target. Throws cannot be made until the feet are in
place. To be sure you are in line with the target you draw a
line between the players feet pointing at the target. After
catching the ball the first step should be with the players
back foot, which is turned out at a forty-five degree angle
on line with the target. The players weight should be on the
back foot. The player then steps toward the target with the
glove-side foot, placing the arch of the stepping foot at a
forty-five degree angle on a line. The front knee should be
level and sideways to the target. Your front foot touching
the ground is timed with the forward motion of the arm. The
player should push off with the back foot and shifts the
weight forward. (The backside provides the power). The hips
should explode open. When fielding ground balls, the player
should follow the sequence, "right, left, pick up ball,
right, left, and throw." There are many infield positions to be played. One
position is first baseman. Characteristics desired for a first baseman are the
following: - Tall and left-handed - Quick hands and feet - Accurate arm to other bases The first baseman's position varies depending on whether
the person is going to hit, bunt, or slap. For certain hits
these are the coverage areas. Hitter - The first-baseman takes a position three to four
feet in front of the base and two to three feet inside the
line. One step gets her to the line. Bunter - The first-baseman plays in as close as necessary
to field the bunt and still have time to get back to cover
the base on a hit. The distance will be from half to
two-thirds the distance to home. Slapper - The first-baseman plays halfway between the two
previous positions while shading a little closer to the
pitcher. Second base is another infield position that needs to be
played. Desired characteristics for a second baseman include
the following: - Quick feet and good range - Ability to get a good jump - Snap throw and quick release - Good hands - plays a lot of first base - Ability to react to the situation - Quick release to turn double plays - Ability to go back on pop flies. The second baseman has many places to cover also. They
include the following: - Bunter - The second baseman moves several steps
closer to first to cut down the distance she must run to
cover the base on the bunt. She goes to first base on
every bunt attempt. - Slapper - The second baseman moves in several steps
and shades closer to first, just as she does when playing
the bunt. This is the basic slap defense. Other options
are available. Shortstop is a position that is very important to a
softball team. Desired characteristics for a shortstop
include the following: - Best fielder on the team - Consistent fielder on all types of balls - Exceptional fielding range in all directions - Good speed to cover both second and third - Leadership skills. The shortstop needs to cover many areas along with other
infield positions. The areas include the following: - Bunter - The shortstop moves several steps closer to
the base she will be covering so that she can get there
faster, ahead of the runner. - Slapper - The shortstop moves in front of the line
so that she can get to the ball more quickly. One of the last infield base positions is third base
which plays a big role. Desired characteristics for a third
baseman are the following: - Quick and agile - Sure hands and quick reactions - Height to help on high bouncers - Strong and accurate throwing arm - Ability to throw from set and off-balance
positions - Aggressive with the ability to charge - Good range to the left to cut off balls to
shortstop - Confident, cocky, and fearless. The third baseman also covers many areas on the field.
They include the following: - Bunter - The third baseman plays as close as
necessary to field the bunt and get the out, somewhere
from half to two-thirds the distance to home depending on
the player's quickness, ability to charge the ball, arm
strength, and quickness of release. - Slapper - The third baseman is in several steps
closer than the position used when assuming a hit. She
must move several steps towards the pitcher to help cut
off slaps to the shortstop. There are many more positions
that need played There are only three positions in the outfield. Although
some skills will vary by position, all three outfielders
should share the following characteristics: - Strong overhand throw - Sure-handed - Ability to anticipate and get a jump on the ball - Good judgment under pressure - A love of catching fly balls - Stay focused and alert. Even though there is not much to talk about the outfield,
it still plays a really big part in defense and in backing
up the bases. In softball it is said that pitching is 90% of the game.
The two major pitching styles in softball are the windmill
and the slingshot. Both have been successful in all levels
of softball. Pitchers should use the following progression when
learning a pitch: 2. Assume the stride and pitching position and spin
the ball into the glove using only the wrist. 3. Throw easily to a catcher 15 to 20 feet away,
concentrating on proper spin and release. Start without a
full wind up or stride. When successful add a complete
motion. If the pitcher has trouble seeing the spin, put a
stripe on the ball or color the seams. The catcher can
provide feedback about the spin. 4. Pitch at a normal distance. Four basic grips are used to pitch with: 2. Finger Curl - The index finger is curled with the
inside of the index finger on the ball. 3. Fingertip - The fingertip of the index finger is on
the ball. The pitcher must keep her fingernails
short. 4. Knuckle - The knuckle of the index finger is on the
ball. A total body warm-up is as important for a pitcher as it
is for any other player. The amount of time pitchers devote
to practice will depend on their age, goals, and
commitment. The catcher as the only person, who faces the entire
field of play, has a unique opportunity to direct the
defensive play of a team. Successful catchers will
demonstrate the following skills and characteristics: 2. Strong arms and soft hands 3. Quick reaction time and hustle 4. Exceptionally strong knees and legs 5. Size (bigger and taller) for blocking the plate and
catching high and wide pitches 6. Leader of both defense and pitching staff 7. Student of the game Catchers should understand the best location for each
pitch within the three zones and use and adjust to the zones
as necessary. When ahead in the count the catcher calls for pitches to
the pitchers strike zone, just outside the batters zone. The
goal is to make the batter swing at a pitch. When behind in the count the catcher calls for pitches to
the umpire's strike zone while trying to avoid the batter's
strength. The catcher can apply several general rules when calling
pitches: In tight situations she should rely on the pitcher's best
pitch, not on the batter's weakness. If the pitcher gets
beat, let it be with her best pitch. The pitcher should
challenge the hitter. The catcher should keep the pitcher ahead on the count.
On a 2-2 count the catcher doesn't ask the pitcher to do
anything she would not do on a 3-2 count. They need the
strike now! If the first two batters went down on the first pitch,
the catcher should know that the next batter is probably
taking and should go right after her with a sure strike. The catcher can use one pitch to set up another and
increase its effectiveness. She can move the batter off the
plate with an inside pitch and then use the outside
corner. The catcher should be careful not to get in a pattern
that the opponents can recognize and thus anticipate the
pitch. After two strikes or with two outs, the catcher must not
let up. The catcher should understand the probable outcome of
each pitch. Drops will produce ground balls, and rises will
likely result with pop flies. Outside pitches to a
right-hander will go to the right side, and inside pitches
are usually pulled to the left. The probable outcomes are
opposite with lefties. Every batter, regardless of her place in the order
deserves respect. As hitters develop and add power, catchers must urge
their pitchers to keep the ball low, use the corners, and
mix speeds. Softball is a team game. From the basic defensive setup,
individual adjustments are made for each pitch based on many
factors: - Base Runners - Number, position, speed, and
offensive philosophy of the opponent. - Pitcher - Speed, control, count, and pitch
location. - Opposing Pitcher and Team - The probability that a
team will score more runs than their opponents will
determine how aggressively they play each base
runner. - Abilities of the Defensive Players - Those of each
player and the players around her. - Game Situation - Score, number of outs, and inning.
Does the defense play aggressively or safe? - Environment - Field, outfield fence, wind,
temperature, wet or dry. Players must constantly talk and communicate. If the
outfielder is back, they must warn the infield that the
infield needs to cover more territory. Two minds are better
than one. Players should share information so that the
wisest decision can be made. The center fielder adjusts the
outfield because she is in the best position to communicate
with the other two. The shortstop is usually the team leader
on the infield. Her ability - she usually is the best
infielder - and central position work to her advantage. The
catcher has the entire defense in front of her, so she can
most easily see the defensive set-up and direct
adjustments. Inexperienced players sometimes think that they have
nothing to do on some plays. But fielders have the following
back-up responsibilities: - Pitcher - Backs up throws to first or home. - Outfield - Backs up the fielder on the ball; the
extra outfielder backs up the base for the anticipated
throw. - Right Fielder - Backs up first on all infield
plays. - Center Fielder - Covers second base when no
infielder can (for example, bunt with a runner on
second) - Left Fielder - Covers third base when no infielder
can (for example, on a bunt to the third baseman with a
runner on first) - Shortstop or Second Base - With runners on base,
backs up every return throw from the catcher. - First Baseman - Backs up the catcher on first and
third plays if the runner is going; backs up second
baseman on throws from left and center field. Slow pitch softball games account for 90% of United
States softball competition. Tennis shoes or rubber-cleated
shoes must be worn. Metal cleats are illegal in all leagues.
Shoes deemed to be unsafe by the intramural sport supervisor
would also be prohibited. In slow pitch softball bunting and
stealing are prohibited. Pitching is the biggest part of softball. In slow pitch
softball, a pitcher must pitch the ball underhand so that it
has a perceptible arc and reaches a height of at least 6
feet from the ground, while not exceeding a maximum of 12
feet. A pitch delivered legally with the proper arc
requirement that crosses the plate within the strike zone
will be declared a strike. The strike zone is the space over
any part of home plate between the batters back shoulder and
front knee, when he/she assumes a natural batting stance.
Once the pitcher has received the ball and assumes a stance
to address home plate, all outfielders, including the
"rover" when fielding ten players, must remain behind the
165' restraining arc until the pitcher's ball reaches home
plate. Teams must be ready to play at scheduled times with a
minimum of 8 players. Penalty: forfeit. Home team is
determined by a pre-game coin toss. During the regular
season there will be no extra innings. A team may place a
maximum of 11 (12 for co-ed) and minimum of 8 players in the
batting order. There are no restrictions concerning the
field substitution, but the batting order must remain the
same. Any of the starting players may be substituted or
replaced and re-entered once, provided players occupy the
original positions whenever in the line-up. The starting
player and his/her substitute may not be in the line-up at
the same time. Non-starting players may not re-enter. A team
leading by fifteen+ runs after three innings or ten+ after
five innings (four and a half innings if the home team is
ahead) or any complete inning thereafter will be declared
the winner and complete the game. No new inning will be
started after sixty minutes. Game time begins with the coin
toss. At the end of the time limit (upon completion of the
inning started), the game will be called, unless darkness,
rain, or run rule has been invoked. An official game will
last about seven innings, unless time limit, darkness, rain,
or run rule prevails. Five innings (four and a half if the
home team is ahead) is also an official game. If a game is
postponed while in progress, it will be resumed from which
the point it was stopped. Slow-pitch teams are made up of ten players - a pitcher,
a catcher, and eight fielders. Nine are the same as baseball
but there is one-fourth outfielder. Whenever a team is
playing with only nine players an out is taken whenever the
tenth position comes up in the batting order. If a team
begins with only eight people they may add to the batting
order up until all players in the order have batted once.
They will not be charged an out in the ninth and tenth
positions. All players in the field (maximum of ten, minimum
of eight) must appear in the batting order. Defense changes
are unlimited, provided that the game is not unduly delayed.
If the catcher obstructs the umpires view, the pitch will be
declared a ball. When the batter centers in the batters box
he/she will have the count of one ball on a strike. After
the batter has received a count of two strikes, he/she will
be declared out on the second foul. (The first foul will be
called a "courtesy foul"). There are many sexist things in softball. A male batter
who receives a walk (intentional or not) will be awarded
second base. Runners advance if forced. The next batter (A
female) will bat. Exception: With two outs the female has
the option to walk or bat. Courtesy runners will be allowed
for injured players. All courtesy runners must be the last
player to have made an out. In coed play, the courtesy
runner must be of the same gender. The batting order must
alternate between males and females (This is actually not a
sexist fact). In adult slow pitch the bases lie sixty-five
feet apart, sixty feet apart in fast pitch. Pitchers stand
forty-six feet apart from home in men's slow pitch but it is
only forty feet from home plate in woman's slow pitch. The
distance is fifty feet for men and women's slow pitch. Not
all facts are sexist but some really are. My name is Amelia and I am from Oberlin, Ohio. I have a
mom, a dad, and a sister. I chose to do my project on
softball. I chose to do softball because I play and I want
to encourage more people to play. My level in softball is B
but in one year I'll be in C. I enjoy playing softball and
hope you will enjoy my book. Appeal play - One on which an umpire cannot make a
decision until requested by a player or a coach. This appeal
must be made before the next pitch, legal or illegal. An
example of an appeal play might be when a person bats out of
order or does not touch a base. Assist - A fielding credit that goes to a player who
helped another make a putout. Backstop - The fence that is placed behind the
catcher. Bag/Base - Any of the three sand filled bags that you
have to reach to be safe. Balk - An illegal motion by the pitcher. Base Path - The bases between the bases. Base Runner - Any member of the batting team on base. Bases loaded - When there is a runner on every base. Batted ball - A ball that was hit by the bat that is
fair. Batter-base runner - This is a player who has finished
her turn at bat but has not yet touched first base or been
put out at first base yet. Batter's box - The area where the batter must stand while
in position to hit balls pitched by the opposing team's
pitcher. Battery - The name given to the pitcher and catcher of a
team. Batting average - Divide the total number of hits a
batter has achieved by the total number of times she has
been at bat. Batting order - The official order in which a team must
come to bat. Bean ball - A ball pitched to close to a batters
head. Beat out - To either bunt or hit a slow moving ball and
arrive at first base safely. Behind on the count - Either the batter or the pitcher
may be behind on the count. A batter is "behind" when she
has more strikes than balls and it is the opposite for the
pitcher. Blocked ball - A batted ball that is interfered with by
an object or person not in the game. Blooper - A batted ball that arches over the heads of the
infielders and lands in shallow outfield making it hard to
catch. Bobble - Fumbling with the ball while trying to make a
catch. Box score - Total number of hits, runs, and errors in a
game. Bunt - A legally hit ball that is not swung at but it
tapped slowly within the infield. Catch - A batted or thrown ball that is stopped when the
fielder catches the ball with her hands, glove, or mitt. Chopped ball - A ball that the batter purposely chops
down with the bat so the ball will bounce really high. It is
illegal. Cleanup - The fourth batter in the batting order. Coach - A man/woman who, at bat, stands in the coach's
box and directs the players around the bases. Two coaches
are allowed on the field one at third and one at first. Count - The number of balls and strikes. Crowd the plate - A better who stands close to home plate
is "crowding the plate." Cut - To swing at the ball. Dead ball - A ball not in play. Defensive team - The team on the field. Diamond - The area formed by the three bases and home
plate. Dislodged base - A base moved from its official
position. Double play - Two base runners called out on a batted
ball. Earned run - A run that was scored as a result of
offensive play rather than by an error of the defensive
team. Error - A defensive mistake. Home run - When a batter hits a ball and runs around all
the bases safely in one turn. Pitch - What the pitcher does to get the ball over the
plate. RBI - Runs batted in. Softball - A sport played by people. Throw - How to get the ball around the field with the
arm. Windmill - An arm motion for a pitcher. .
Introduction
Chapter 1 - History
Chapter 2 - Rules today
Chapter 3 - Catching (The glove)
Chapter 4 - Throwing
Chapter 5 - Infield
Chapter 6 - Outfield
Chapter 7 - Pitching
Chapter 8 - Catcher
Chapter 9 - Team defense
Chapter 10 - Slow-pitch softball
About the Author
GlossaryActivity - Positioning the Glove
- Agile, flexible, and mobile
- Right-handed thrower
- Hitter - The second baseman plays as far from
home as arm and quickness to first base allow. Playing
deeper increases the range by providing more time to get
to balls up the middle and to the left.
- Right-hander with the strongest arm
- Hitter - The shortstop plays behind the line
as deep as her arm permits.
- Right-handed thrower
- Hitter - The third baseman takes a position
three to four feet in front of the base and two or three
feet inside the line so that one step gets her to the
line. The deeper the third baseman can play, the more
time she has to react to the ball. But the third baseman
cannot let the bunt beat her. With a strong right-handed
hitter up and no chance of a bunt, the third baseman may
play even with the bag. Never in softball should the
third baseman play behind the bag because she will be too
deep to make the play on slow balls in front of her.
- Good speed and agility
1. Find a comfortable grip and experiment to
find a grip and finger pressure that creates the greatest
combination of spin, speed, and control. The pitcher, not
the coach, must choose the grip.
1. Flat - The index finger and middle finger are
flat on the ball. The fingers can be together or split.
If they are together, they should be on the inside of the
same seam.
1. Agility and quick feet
- Batter - power, speed, and tendencies.
- Catcher - Backs up first on an infield hit
unless there is a runner on second or third base.
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All Contents Copyrighted © 2005 Oberlin City School District - - - - All Rights Reserved