Rules of Softball for Kids
The objective in softball is to score greater number of runs than the opposing team. Runs are scored by running between the bases after hitting the ball. Let us know more about what are bases, scoring, and other softball rules for kids through following paragraphs.
Field Dimensions
The softball field is bound by foul lines. The batters cannot hit the ball outside the area marked by these foul lines. There are two sections/parts of the field i.e. infield and outfield. The infield is generally made of dirt or brick-dust. However, grass or artificial turf can also be used for the infield. Outfield is made of grass. The infield contains a diamond-shaped area (made up of 4 bases). The lines which connect these bases are called baselines. The length of these baselines ranges from 45 - 65 feet. Pitcher's circle is at the center of this diamond-shaped area bound by baselines. The ball is pitched from the point at the center of pitcher's circle. One can easily get the setup by referring to a softball field diagram.
Bat and Ball
The bat used in softball is made of metal, wood or even a composite material like carbon fiber. Length of the bat is variable however, it should not be more than 34 inches. The diameter of bat is around 2.25 inches and it weighs around 38 oz. The ball used for playing this game is around 12 inches in the circumference; the weight of this ball ranges from 6.25 - 7.0 oz. Material used for making the core of this ball is either a mixture of rubber and cork, kapok (fiber) or a polyurethrane mixture. Two pieces of leather are sewn together to cover the core; generally a red colored thread is used to sew these pieces.
Gameplay
Batters and pitchers play an important role in the game of softball. Pitcher has to throw the ball at the batter by means of an underarm action. Batter hit the ball, he and his teammates occupying the other bases run around them and come back to the home plate (first base) to score a 'run'. The objective of opposing team is to get the batters out before they can reach the home plate. It is necessary to get out 3 batters of the opposing team. A game of softball is divided into innings; seven innings are played in a single game. This number (innings) can be 6 for youth softball games.
Innings
The opposing teams play an offense and defense once in a single innings. The team on offense has to score maximum runs while, the opposing team (defense) has to get 3 players out as quickly as possible.
Pitching
The pitching action is made after the umpire says "Play Ball". A pitching plate (made of rubber) is where the pitcher has to stand and throw the ball. As stated earlier, an underarm action is used for pitching the ball. This action is often referred to as 'windmill' action. Release of the ball should be at a level/point below the hip and while doing so throwing the ball in the strike zone of the batter is necessary. Strike zone is the area which batters use to strike the ball. If the batter misses (upon swinging the bat) despite the ball pitched in the strike zone, then it is called a strike. The pitcher cannot step forward or sideways while pitching the ball; stepping forward at the time of pitching is allowed. Pitchers can bring about variations the manner of throwing the ball. The variations include curves, risers, drops, etc.
Batting
Batters have to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher. Upon hitting the ball, batters have to run around the bases to score runs. The ball after being hit is fielded by opponents in the outfield. One has to cover as many bases as possible (and reach back to the home plate) before the ball is returned by these outfield players. The condition in which the batter misses out on 3 consecutive balls bowled by the pitcher is referred to as strike out.
Score
Home Run is a condition in which the ball is hit by the batter over the fence. If the batter is able to run up to the first base before the ball is returned by the fielder, the run is called single. The condition is referred to as double when the player reaches the second base; if the player is able to reach the third base, it is referred to as triple.
Terms Used in Softball
Here are few commonly used terms in softball. One should understand the rules of this game in a better manner with the knowledge of these terms.
The objective in softball is to score greater number of runs than the opposing team. Runs are scored by running between the bases after hitting the ball. Let us know more about what are bases, scoring, and other softball rules for kids through following paragraphs.
Field Dimensions
The softball field is bound by foul lines. The batters cannot hit the ball outside the area marked by these foul lines. There are two sections/parts of the field i.e. infield and outfield. The infield is generally made of dirt or brick-dust. However, grass or artificial turf can also be used for the infield. Outfield is made of grass. The infield contains a diamond-shaped area (made up of 4 bases). The lines which connect these bases are called baselines. The length of these baselines ranges from 45 - 65 feet. Pitcher's circle is at the center of this diamond-shaped area bound by baselines. The ball is pitched from the point at the center of pitcher's circle. One can easily get the setup by referring to a softball field diagram.
Bat and Ball
The bat used in softball is made of metal, wood or even a composite material like carbon fiber. Length of the bat is variable however, it should not be more than 34 inches. The diameter of bat is around 2.25 inches and it weighs around 38 oz. The ball used for playing this game is around 12 inches in the circumference; the weight of this ball ranges from 6.25 - 7.0 oz. Material used for making the core of this ball is either a mixture of rubber and cork, kapok (fiber) or a polyurethrane mixture. Two pieces of leather are sewn together to cover the core; generally a red colored thread is used to sew these pieces.
Gameplay
Batters and pitchers play an important role in the game of softball. Pitcher has to throw the ball at the batter by means of an underarm action. Batter hit the ball, he and his teammates occupying the other bases run around them and come back to the home plate (first base) to score a 'run'. The objective of opposing team is to get the batters out before they can reach the home plate. It is necessary to get out 3 batters of the opposing team. A game of softball is divided into innings; seven innings are played in a single game. This number (innings) can be 6 for youth softball games.
Innings
The opposing teams play an offense and defense once in a single innings. The team on offense has to score maximum runs while, the opposing team (defense) has to get 3 players out as quickly as possible.
Pitching
The pitching action is made after the umpire says "Play Ball". A pitching plate (made of rubber) is where the pitcher has to stand and throw the ball. As stated earlier, an underarm action is used for pitching the ball. This action is often referred to as 'windmill' action. Release of the ball should be at a level/point below the hip and while doing so throwing the ball in the strike zone of the batter is necessary. Strike zone is the area which batters use to strike the ball. If the batter misses (upon swinging the bat) despite the ball pitched in the strike zone, then it is called a strike. The pitcher cannot step forward or sideways while pitching the ball; stepping forward at the time of pitching is allowed. Pitchers can bring about variations the manner of throwing the ball. The variations include curves, risers, drops, etc.
Batting
Batters have to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher. Upon hitting the ball, batters have to run around the bases to score runs. The ball after being hit is fielded by opponents in the outfield. One has to cover as many bases as possible (and reach back to the home plate) before the ball is returned by these outfield players. The condition in which the batter misses out on 3 consecutive balls bowled by the pitcher is referred to as strike out.
Score
Home Run is a condition in which the ball is hit by the batter over the fence. If the batter is able to run up to the first base before the ball is returned by the fielder, the run is called single. The condition is referred to as double when the player reaches the second base; if the player is able to reach the third base, it is referred to as triple.
Terms Used in Softball
Here are few commonly used terms in softball. One should understand the rules of this game in a better manner with the knowledge of these terms.
- Grounder: This term is used to describe a condition in which the ball is hit on the ground.
- Fly Ball: The term, fly ball is used when the ball is hit in the air in the infield area.
- Ball: A 'ball' is referred to as the condition in which the ball is pitched outside the strike zone
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