Australia has excellent softball teams which are a reflection of its coaching, education and training system. The pitch must be lofted in such a way that it falls onto the plate in order for it to be a called strike (the ball falls into the strike-zone instead of flying through). Pitchers strategize to pitch the ball with a high enough arc that the batter cannot hit a line-drive. The speed of the pitches ranges from 25 to 35 mph, resulting in plenty of reaction time. The responsibility for selecting the type of pitch is traditionally made by the catcher by relaying hand signals to the pitcher with the fingers.
In softball, a pitch is the act of throwing a softball toward home plate to start a play. The phases of throwing include the grip, stance, windup, stride, release and follow through. By allowing these and other modifications, softball can be enjoyed by children, teenagers, and adults. Senior leagues with players over the age of 60 are not uncommon. It is estimated that 14.62 million Americans played at least one game of softball during the spring of 2015. It is played by men and women both recreationally and competitively.
The bases must be reached in order counterclockwise, starting with first base. After hitting the ball the batter may advance as many bases as possible. 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”. 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.
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. Another role they play is to make fielding plays on all balls hit towards first base. The first baseman is usually involved in every play that occurs on the field. Individuals at first base have quick hands and good reach, and are always on the lookout to catch the player off base.
The count of balls and strikes indicates how aggressive the batter should be. The offense may try to sacrifice, with the batter deliberately making an out in order to advance runners. The defense may decide to allow a run if it can achieve one or multiple outs. Batting helmets must be worn whenever a player is at bat, waiting to bat, running the bases, or helping coaches at first or third base. Helmets should cover both ears and have an approved face guard attached that fits comfortably. If the helmet has a chin strap, it should be fastened securely.Catchers should always wear helmets with face masks, throat guards, full-length chest protectors, shinguards, and catchers’ mitts.
In the left field position, the player has full view of the field, the players, the base-runners, and the batter. The left fielder must constantly be aware of the situation on the field and know what must be done in different circumstances. More advanced levels require the left fielder to be able to field the ball during “slap hit” situations by playing shallow.
There are no walks, and a batter is normally given a fixed number of pitches to attempt to hit . The batter is considered to strike out if the batter fails to hit the ball into fair territory after the given number of pitches. 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. The second baseman plays in between the first baseman and second base itself, usually closer to second base. If the ball is hit to the left side of the field, the second baseman covers second base. If the ball is hit to right-field or center field, they become the cut-off for the center fielder or the right fielder depending who the ball was hit to.
Shortstop also takes the cut off for the left field when the play is at second base. When the ball is hit to the right side of the outfield, the shortstop then covers second base. If there is a runner on first base and there is a hit down the line or in the gap to right field, the shortstop will then go for the cut to third. Meaning the runner that is going from first to second will most likely be advancing to third, and in that case, the shortstop will be the cut off for the throw from right field to third base. Shortstop can be one of the most difficult positions to play due to the number of balls being hit in that direction.
For instance, one strike is an out, and two balls is a walk. This is common in leagues where doubleheaders are played, or in late season leagues when reduced daylight is an issue. It results in shorter games, as players are more apt difference between two seam and four seam fastball to swing, even at marginal pitches, rather than risk striking out on one pitch. In games where one team leads by a large margin, the run ahead rule may come into play in order to reduce any potential embarrassment of weaker teams.
A fence running between the baselines defines the limits of the field; distance from home plate to the fence varies by field. The widest part of the field is the distance between the foul poles, which are erected where the foul lines meet the fence, and are about 310 to 420 feet apart depending on the length of the foul lines. Let the referees handle the situation, and never start a fight with another player. Soft toss practice is key for improving each team member’s swing and hitting skills as well as for refining their hand-eye coordination whenever they step up to the plate. Reaction time is another reason why many pitchers don’t wear face masks.