Softball

Brief History

Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 players. It is a direct

descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than
baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand. Softball is played
on a smaller diamond than in baseball.

Despite the game’s name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact, it is harder than a
baseball

Softball began in 1887 when George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade,
invented "indoor baseball". By the spring of 1888, the game had spread outdoors. It was
originally called either mushball, kittenball or indoor baseball, but by the 1920s it had
acquired the name of softball. The sport became organised in the United States in 1933
with the formation of the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA). The sport was
originally played by men and did not become popular with women until the formation of the
ASA.

Softball has a variation of baseball, the game started with different elements from other
sports of which were boxing and boating. A boating club and a boxing glove were the key
parts when playing a game of Softball. Throughout time softball was once known as Indoor
Baseball, kitten ball, mush ball and pumpkin ball. The game then adopted the name
Softball by the 1930s. Softball then grew a reputation across the United States and as a
result of its growth in popularity it became a well-recognised sport across the world.

Today, softball is one of the most popular sports in the country, and an estimated 40
million Americans engage in at least one softball game each year. Because it can be played
on either a field or an indoor arena, softball games are played year round and involve teams
with players as young as 8 years old and some players over 60 years in age

The history of softball is still unfolding, and the game has undergone numerous
modifications since its creation in 1887, but it is still one of the most preferred sports
games in the country and has developed a following in several countries throughout the
world, especially in Australia, China, and Japan

Basic skills

Softball is a team sport similar to baseball but played on a smaller field. Softball players
need to have basic skills that allow them to hit, throw, catch and field a ball, as well as the
ability to move from one base to another, according to Softball New South Wales.
Hitting

In order to hit a ball well, a batsman needs to have good hand-eye coordination and be
capable of responding quickly. Once players develop these skills, they can begin to choose
the area that they want the ball to land to avoid the fielders.

Throwing

Underarm pitching is mandatory in softball, but players still need to be capable of throwing
the ball with speed and accuracy. This helps to prevent the opposing team from scoring
runs.

Catching

Catching is an important defensive skill. Fielders can get a batsman out by catching the
ball, provided it does not bounce first.

Fielding

Good fielders support the pitcher and respond quickly whether the ball comes to them from
the air or rolling along the ground. They need to have an idea of what their next move is
after getting the ball, for example, knowing exactly which base to throw the ball to in order
to get the batsman out.

Moving between bases

Moving between bases swiftly is the only way the team can score runs. As the batsman
moves, he or she needs to be aware of what else is going on in the game and the location of
the other team's fielders.

Equipment

A number of equipment is required for playing softball. A helmet, chest protector, and shin
guards are the main equipment required for safety and to play softball, we require a ball, a
bat, gloves, and uniforms.

Bat

The batsmen use bat to hit the ball and score runs for team. The bat is made up of wood,
aluminium or from metals. The shape of the bat is like a cylinder and its diameter is 6
inches. The length of the bat varies but it cannot be greater than 86 cm.

The diameter of the barrel is 2¼ inches. Normally, players prefer smaller barrel bat because
they can swing the bat easily. Bats having smaller barrel also reduces weight. The weight of
the bat is 1.2 kilograms.

Ball
As the name of the sport is softball, a ball is the centre of the game. But despite its name,
the ball which is used is not soft. Softball is derived from the famous American sport
baseball which is mainly played by men. But softball is meant for women. As this sport is
mainly dominated by women, the name of the game is softball.

Gloves

In American Softball Association, the size of the gloves cannot exceed 36 centimetres. In
softball matches, all defensive players wear fielding gloves. But there are normally different
size of gloves available for players at different positions on the field.

Uniform

To increase bond among a players in a team, uniforms are provided. Each team wears
different uniforms. Uniforms include helmets, head bands, visors, caps, shoes, shocks,
shirt and pant, tight sliding undershorts etc.

For female players, uniforms like headbands and caps are optional. These are mandatory
for male players but those who wear a helmet are not required to wear headbands or caps.

Batting Helmet: The most important piece of safety equipment in softball is the batting
helmet.  Constructed of rigid durable plastic and foam, softball helmets help to distribute
the forces of any ball that strikes the batter's head.  Differences between baseball and
softball helmets include optional wire face guards and pony tail channels for female
athletes

Catcher’s Equipment

Chatcher’s equipment, which is also referred to as chatcher’s gear, are the essential pieces
of protective equipment that a catcher wears. Cathcer’s equipment includes the catcher’s
chest protector, glove, helmet and other stuff like wrist protector, and leg guards.

Rules of the game

The object of softball is to hit the ball with a bat before the player tries to run around an
infield with four bases. Once a player manages to get right round without being given out a
run is scored. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is deemed the winner.

Running the Bases

Within the sport of softball there are four bases (first base, second base, third base, and
home plate) and runners must step on each base as they advance from one to another. The
bases also must be advanced in numerical order and cannot be skipped around. Only when
the runner is deemed safe by the home plate official is the team awarded a run. Multiple
runs can be scored on the same play as long as all runners touch each base. Runners are
also able to advance multiple bases on a single hit.

3 outs per team per inning

Each team is allowed three outs while at bat each inning. An inning is made up of two
halfs, the top half of the inning is when the away team bats, and the bottom half of inning
is when the home team bats. An out is when the opposing team catches a flyball, strikes
out a batter, or throws out a runner. Each team wants to limit the amount of outs they get
while batting, and get three outs as fast as possible while in the field.

3 strikes and you;’re out

Each at bat, a batter is allowed three strikes before they are called out. This is what is
known as a strikeout, which is not the desired outcome for a batter. The umpire behind
home plate judges whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. To be determined a strike, a pitch
must fall within the strike zone, an imaginary area over home plate in between the batter's
knees and bottom part of the shoulders. If the batter swings at any pitch thrown and does
not make contact with the ball, that is automatically a strike as well. Players can strike out
swinging (miss the ball, swing) and strike out looking (umpire calls strike, don't swing).

4 balls is a walk

Softball Walk Each at bat, if the pitcher throws 4 balls before getting three strikes or having
the batter hit the softball into play, the batter is awarded first base. If there is another
runner already present at first base, they are allowed to advance as well. Balls are pitches
thrown outside of a batter's strike zone. For pitchers, walks are never preferred and they
usually mean longer at bats with more pitches. A walk is commonly also referred to as
"base on balls".

7 innings in a game

In each individual softball game there are seven full innings played, and whichever team
has the most runs at the end of the seven innings is deemed the winner. As stated earlier,
each inning has two parts consisting of three outs each, for a total of six outs in each
inning. If there is a tie at the end of the seven innings depending on the league type,
additional extra innings will be played to determine a winner.

9 players per team

Each team is allowed nine active players per game. There are nine positions within the
sport of softball and these nine players must take up these positions. There is also a set
batting order for these nine players. The order is set for each game and continuously cycles
throughout the innings. Teams may have additional reserve players which can be
substituted into the lineup in case players are injured or the team needs a fresh batter. In
slowpitch softball, a common variation of the sport, there are ten active players per game.

Players must throw underhand

Unlike in baseball, pitchers in softball must throw the ball in an underhand motion, with
their hand below their hip. The pitcher must with both feet make contact with the pitcher's
plate prior to throwing a pitch and no part of the wind-up can involve any stopping or
forward motion.

Foul balls are softballs hit out of play

Foul balls are any softballs hit out of the regulation field of play. On the right and left sides
of the field there is a foul line drawn in white chalk. Balls hit outside of this line are called
foul and runners cannot advance on these balls. If a batter hits a foul ball, they recieve one
strike, but cannot strike out on a foul ball. If the batter fouls a ball with two strikes, then
an additional pitch is thrown and the strike count remains the same. If a foul ball is caught
without hitting the ground the batter is out.

Runners must stay within the base path

While advancing around all four bases, runners must stay within the designated base path
or they will be called out. Between each base, an imaginary straight line is drawn and
runners are allowed to run up to three feet on either side of this line (base path). This gives
players some space to avoid potential tags by fielding players while still containing them
within the base path.

Getting hit by a pitch means a free base

When a batter is hit by a ball thrown by the pitcher outside of the strike zone, they are
awarded first base. It does not matter what the strike or ball count is, it's an automatic
base. Runners on bases are also able to advance a base if necessary. Hitting a batter with a
pitch is usually an accident on the side of the pitcher, but if it is repetitive it can be seen as
poor sportsmanship. The batter should always try to avoid being hit by a pitch, but in
many scenarios it is easier said than done.

Play area

The playing field

The playing field is divided into fair territory and foul territory. Fair territory is further
divided into the infield and the outfield and territory beyond the outfield fence.

Infield

The infield is a square called a diamond. There is a base at each corner:  first base, second
base, third base and home plate. The pitching distance is measured from the rear point of
the home plate to the front edge of the pitchers plate.

Outfield

The outfield is a grassed area beyond the infield and extends the entire width of the field
and to the outfield fence. The table below outlines the distances relevant to the competition.
Playing field layout and dimensions

Backstop

The backstop is the area behind the home plate.

Bases

At one corner of the diamond is the home plate with bases at each of the remaining
corners. The bases are numbered counter clockwise as 1st base, 2nd base and 3rd base
and securely fastened to the ground. Each base is a 38.1cm square and made of a white
material. First base is a double base—76.2cm x 38.1cm.

Home plate 

Home plate is a five-sided piece of white rubber located between the two batter’s boxes and
the catcher’s box.

Batters and catcher’s box

The batter’s boxes are the rectangular areas beside home plate and the catcher’s box is
behind home plate.

Coaches box

A coaches box is located in foul territory outside both baselines.

Foul lines

The two foul lines meet at a right angle at home plate. These lines and the fence running
between the baselines defines the limits of the field.

Pitching circle

The pitching circle surrounds the pitching rubber.

Pitching rubber

The pitching rubber is located at the centre of the diamond. It is 61cm wide and 15.3cm
deep.

Softball diamond
 How to Score

Scoring System Setup

In the scorebook, the official scorer records the names of players in the batting lineup for
each team. All players in the field are given a number that is used to record plays. Those
numbers are: 1 -- pitcher; 2 -- catcher; 3 -- 1st base; 4 -- 2nd base; 5 -- 3rd base; 6 --
shortstop; 7 -- left field; 8 -- center field; 9 -- right field; 10 -- extra outfielder.

Recording Actions

As players come to bat in each inning, the scorer records the batter's performance. For
instance, if the first batter hits a ground ball to shortstop and is thrown out at first, the
play in the score book would read "6-3." The hitter's progress around the bases is kept by
marking marks on a diamond shape in the scorebook. A single hit is designated with a
mark from the bottom of the diamond to the point on the right. If the batter hits a double, a
line is traced from the bottom point to the right point and then up to the top point. A triple
hit is designated by continuing the line to the left point. If the batter makes a run, the
diamond is colored in solid.

Scoring Decisions
The official scorer decides whether a ball hit by the batter or any play in the field is a hit or
an error. In many cases, it is a fairly straightforward decision. A player hits a ground ball to
third base, the ball hits the third baseman's glove and bounces away and the batter is safe
at first base. That's an error on the third baseman. If the batter hits a ball between the
shortstop and third baseman and the shortstop picks the ball up and the batter beats the
throw to first base, that's a hit. However, some plays can be more difficult. An outfielder
may run a long distance, dive for the ball and hit her glove as she lays out but not catch it.
The official scorer must decide whether that play is a hit or an error.

Changing Decisions

If the official scorer rules a specific play as a hit or an error and the team impacted by the
decision has a strong disagreement, the party impacted may appeal the decision and ask
that the play be reconsidered. The official scorer will have 24 hours to reconsider and make
changes in the scoring or keep the call the same. The official scorer must inform all parties
if the official call is changed following such an appeal.

Officiating officials

Softball officials are known as umpires, and each has a different responsibility depending
on where he covers the field. The umpires must ensure the rules of the game are followed,
and there is a decisive winner and loser based on fair play and accurate calls based upon
what happens in the game.

Home Plate Umpire

Umpires working home plate in a softball game have the most responsibility of any umpire
on the field. They must call every pitch a ball, strike or foul within a strike zone which
varies from batter to batter. This requires the umpire to pay close attention to each pitch
and the number of balls and strikes with each batter, as well as how the pitcher pitches the
ball and whether he is doing it legally or not. They must also pay attention to other rules
pertaining to batters and catchers, for example, making sure batters stay within the
batter's box when they are hitting, catchers don't interfere with a batter's swing and batters
don't interfere with a catcher trying to throw base runners out. The home plate umpire
must also call base runners out or safe at home plate, which are also often game-deciding
calls.

Base Umpires

Umpires are also assigned to watch each base, from first to third. These umpires have a
number of duties each inning, which entail watching each base and deciding whether
runners are safe or out on plays at that base. First base umpires usually have the most
challenging job of the three, as many close plays are made at first base. They must watch
the base to see if the runner beat an attempted out and is safe, or if the throw beat them
and they are out. These umpires must also watch baserunners who are stealing bases and
determine if they were tagged out, picked off, or if they made it to the bag before the tag
was made. These umpires must also watch the pitcher, to see if they are pitching illegally.

Line Umpires

While these umpires are not always needed in smaller league games, they are often hired to
simply watch balls hit down the lines of the outfield and decide whether the ball is fair or
foul. If the ball lands on or inside the white line, it is fair. If it lands outside the white line,
it is foul. These umpires also have the final call on whether home runs bounced off the top
of the wall are fair or not.

Chess

Basic Skills

The 7 Fundamental Chess Skills

1. Visualization

Visualization is the ability to see in your mind the positions reached when certain moves
are made – without making them on the board – and seeing them so clearly you can
accurately consider the implications of each new position. Imagine how it must be to
visualize any combination of moves in your mind and being able to “see” the outcome of it.

The skill to visualize moves long before they actually appear on the board gives you a
serious advantage over any opponent who can’t do it. VISUALWIZE is a revolutionary
visualization training software that can dramatically improve your visualization skill in a
matter of weeks.

2. Calculation

Calculation refers to your ability to calculate the consequences of your opponent’s move, as
well as the consequences of your intended move.

A well-developed calculation skill can have a big positive impact on your confidence. It is
humanly impossible to calculate all the moves in every position – you will quickly become
fatigued and start making blunders due to oversights. This means you need an effective
and efficient method to help you calculate the right moves.
3. Tactics

A chess tactic is a move (or a forced combination of moves) whereby you achieve an
objective. Such objectives mostly refer to winning material or giving checkmate, but can
also refer to strategic objectives, ie. using a tactic to secure a good square for your piece.

Many players train tactics by simply trying to solve hundreds of chess tactics puzzles. This
is not the best way to improve your chess tactics skill. On this site you will find the tools
and methods to really make a big difference in your results.

4. Evaluation / Analysis

Evaluation refers to your ability to tell who has a better position and to specify which
aspects of the position favors you, which aspect favours your opponent, and make a call to
say which side has favourable winning chances, drawing chances, or whether the position
is dynamic (evaluation can easily change) or unbalanced (factors are difficult to compare) or
unclear (difficult to say – things appear messy).

5. Strategy

So what is the plan? That is what strategy is all about. Bobby Fischer said “tactics flow
from a superior position.” If you cannot reach superior positions you won’t get the
opportunity to demonstrate your tactical powers! The purpose of your strategy is to achieve
a superior position.

6. Openings

All serious chess players have their favorite openings which they know in-depth.  That said,
you have probably heard many times that beginner or amateur players shouldn’t spend
much time memorizing opening variations and that you should just apply the opening
principles. This is only partly true, because even though you can do fairly well by applying
the basic strategic principles to your opening moves, you will get significant benefit from
knowing a few good openings. A good start to the game will have a huge impact on your
overall performance.

7. Endgames

The endgame starts when most of the pieces has been exchanged and it is safe for the kings
to join the action. The endgame is very different to the opening and middle-game mainly
because the issue of king-safety totally changes, pawns increase in value, weaknesses in
the pawn-structure become much more vulnerable.

Play Area

Chess board dimensions

The Chess board is made up of an 8x8 grid.  This grid results in 64 alternating colored
squares, 32 light squares and 32 dark.  The size of each individual square is identical, and
the board should measure the same on all 4 sides.

When the chess board is set up to start a game, half of the squares are occupied by the
pieces while the middle 32 squares are left open for play. The board will always be set up
properly on chess.com (see diagram below). 

Chess board and piece standards

For over the board (OTB) tournament play, there are different specifications to keep in
mind.  The United States Chess Federation (USCF) states that square size should be
anywhere from 2 inches to 2.5 inches, while the king's height should be 3.375 inches to
4.5 inches.  The standard USCF tournament set has 2.25 inch squares and a king's height
of 3.75 inches. 

The final measurement to discuss is the king's base diameter, which is the measurement of
the base (or bottom) of the king.  Both FIDE and USCF give the same guideline that the
king's base diameter should be between 40-50% of the king's height.

There is a special relationship between the king's base diameter and the square size: the
very important guideline that the base diameter should be roughly 75-80% of the size of the
square.  It is this ratio that dictates whether a board and set combination has the
proper piece spacing.

The king's height is 3.75 inches, the base diameter is 1.75 inches (47% of king's height)
and the square is 2.25 inches.  This results in a 77% ratio of base diameter to square size.

y following the 75-80% rule you attain a board that has nice space in between the pieces,
which is ideal for any type of OTB play (e.g. Tournaments, blitz, analysis, friendly play,
etc.).

Ignoring the 75-80% guideline can result in not having enough space.  If the king's base
diameter to square size ratio is too high the result is an overcrowded board. In the following
example we see a 3.75 inch king with a 1.75 inch base diameter on a smaller board with
1.875 inch squares.  This creates a 93% ratio of base diameter to square size.