Equipments used in soft ball

1. Ball
a) Materials and Make up
Softballs are made up of a core and cover sewn together with stitching, but lack a
midsection of yarn that a baseball has. The softball’s core is made of a synthetic
mixture composed of either polyurethane or kapok, which is a combination or cork and
rubber. The softball’s outer cover, is made up of either a natural or synthetic leather.
These can come in either white or optic yellow. Yellow is the official color of the ball
for competitive play while white softballs are reserved for recreational leagues and
some slow pitch.
There are a number of different designs, stamps and measurements found on the
outer cover, but all of them are important to keep in mind. You will notice the brand
name and logo, but the next design that shares prominence is the league logo. Players
should pay attention to this, as each league, has specific standards set for ball size,
compression and COR (coefficient of restitution).
b) Sizing
The league you’re in will determine which size softball is appropriate for play.
Generally, competitive league softballs range from 10″-12″, while some slow pitch city
leagues can use softballs as large as 16″.
Youth Softball
For youngsters, softballs are usually 11″ or 12″. Occasionally, leagues will institute
a 10″ “soft” ball, which does not have a hard core and allows players to grip the
ball better with their smaller hands.
Slow pitch
Slow pitch softball leagues typically use 12″ softballs that will travel at slower
speeds and lesser distances than fast pitch softballs. League rules will dictate the
Compression and COR measurement used during gameplay.
Fast pitch
Softball players competing in fast pitch will regularly use a 11″ ball. Fast pitch balls
are meant to travel at high speeds and be very reactive, but similar to slow pitch,
league guidelines will determine the Compression and COR measurements for
play.

2. Softball Bat
 Softball bats are made out of wood, aluminum or composite materials. Adult softball
bats, however, are generally longer with a smaller diameter, and the barrels are less
stiff than their baseball counterparts. The National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) limits the weight to length ratio of the bat. A bat must be as long
(in inches) as it weighs (in pounds), and the weight cannot be any more than three
ounces less than the number of inches it is long. Softball bats have thinner, more
tapered handles than baseball bats.
3. Gloves
Softball gloves are often larger than those used in baseball because the ball is bigger.
Most players choose to wear gloves, which differ from mitts in that they have individual
fingers and less padding. First basemen and catchers usually wear mitts with extra
padding to catch balls thrown at higher speeds.
4. Batting Helmet
Made up of rigid durable plastic and foam, softball helmets help to distribute the forces
of any ball that strikes the batter's head. The helmet includes an optional wire face
guards and pony tail channels for female athletes.
5. Fielder’s Mask
It is usually worn by the pitcher, 1st basemen, short stop and third basemen. They are
meant to protect your eyes, mouth, teeth and nose from detrimental injuries.
6. Cleats
Prevents you from slipping by adding friction between your feet and the ground with
either metal or molded studs

Sources :
https://www.ripit.com/blogs/news/equipment-for-softball
https://www.momsteam.com/sports/softball-fast-pitch/equipment/basic-softball-
equipment-and-gear
https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/softball/complete-guide-
softballs