Today the game of softball is played worldwide with standard sets of rules. There are still three sizes of balls in use: 12-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch . The 12-inch ball is the most popular. The first softball fast-pitch national tournament for both men and women was held in 1933 in Chicago.
What are the sizes of softballs?
Generally, competitive league softballs range from 10′′-12′′ , while some slow pitch city leagues can use softballs as large as 16′′. For youngsters, softballs are usually 11′′ or 12′′.
What are the three ball sizes used in softball?
- 11 inches. The 11-inch ball is used in fast-pitch softball. It is two inches larger than a baseball. ...
- 12 inches. The 12-inch ball is the standard for slow-pitch softball. ...
- 16 inches. The 16-inch softball is used when the game is played without gloves.
What are the three types of softballs?
Softball is a sport similar to baseball. Men, women, boys, or girls can play softball. There are three types of softball: fastpitch, modified and slow pitch . In both types of softball, pitchers throw underhand (with hand below shoulder level).
What is the most popular size of ball used in softball?
In the most common type, slow-pitch softball, the ball, which can measure either 11 inches , for a women’s league, or 12 inches, for a men’s league, in circumference, must arch on its path to the batter, and there are 10 players on the field at once.
How far can you hit a 16 inch softball?
Any softball rules not covered or found in this section will be covered or found in Part I of the current edition of the official NSA Rulebook. The official 16 inch diamond base lines will be sixty (60) feet . The pitching distance will be thirty-eight (38) feet. All batters start with 0-0 count ● No Extra foul balls!
How heavy is a 12 inch softball?
The size of a regulation softball is 12 and between 6.25 -7 oz. As you train, gradually increase the weight of the ball as you build strength in your throwing arm.
What size are 8U softballs?
1 Ball size: 6U is 10′′ diameter cushioned ball, 8U is 11” diameter ball (either a dimple ball or standard softball). .
What age uses 11 inch softballs?
47 COR with a compression rating of 375 lbs. maximum and is designed for Little League softball play. 11′′ is for ages 12 and below .
Are all softball fields the same size?
No two softball fields are exactly alike . The type of grass could be different from one field to another. ... Baseline — The baselines in softball are 60 feet. When measuring baselines, the proper way to do it is from the back of home plate to the back white corner of first base.
What are the 2 types of softball?
Softball is a variation of baseball that’s enjoyed by people of all ages. It features most of the fundamental basics and rules of baseball, only with a larger, softer and heavier ball. It’s important to note, however, that there are two different types of softball: fastpitch and slowpitch .
What’s the easiest position in softball?
What is the easiest position in softball? Right field , because young players don’t hit the ball very far in the air, and because 80% of athletes are right handed, fewer hard-hit fly balls will go to the opposite field (right field for a right-handed hitter).
What is 3 pitch in softball?
Each batter will have 3 pitches to hit the ball . If a pitched ball is hit foul on the 3rd pitch, the batter will receive one (only) additional pitch. A batted ball that hits a pitcher shall be ruled DEAD BALL and the pitch shall be nullified and a new pitch will be allowed.
Why is softball a girl sport?
When Title IX, the 1972 law that required equal funding to both male and female sports teams, finally appeared, women were given fair ground on nearly every sport. ... Instead, the law dictated that the school must provide an equivalent sport , and in that case, it was softball.
What size glove is best for softball?
Because the softball is 11′′, you will typically see fastpitch infielder gloves ranging between 10′′ and 11.5′′ for youth players and roughly 11.5′′ and 12.5′′ for players ages 13 and older. If you play slow pitch softball, your glove size will be bigger because the ball is 12′′.
What is the difference between slow pitch and fastpitch softball balls?
Fastpitch balls are typically thrown at an upwards angle and can exceed speeds of 50-60 mph. In slowpitch, the ball is thrown without the distinct windmill motion that’s commonly associated with fastpitch. ... Since there’s no windup in slowpitch softball, the balls are thrown at slower speeds .
