SOFTBALL

Softball is an example of team sports that is played by ten players. It is a variant of baseball and a popular participant sport, particularly in
the United States. Despite its name, softball is far from a soft sport — for starters, the ball isn’t even soft. Players have to be quick in the outfield
and run between bases, and those who excel in the infield need lightning-fast reflexes to play successfully.
HISTORY
George Hancock in Chicago created softball in 1887. The game originated as an indoor variation of baseball and was eventually converted to
an outdoor game. The popularity of softball has grown considerably, both at the recreational and competitive levels. Women’s fast pitch softball
was a popular high school and college sport; it was recognized as an Olympic sport in 1996.
In 1923 a rules committee was appointed to publish and circulate a standard set of rules. The committee was later enlarged to form the
International Joint Rules Committee on Softball, which included representatives of a number of organizations that promote and sponsor softball.
The Amateur Softball Association of America, organized in 1933, came to be the recognized governing agency for promotion and control of the
organized national competition.
The Fédération Internationale de Softball (International Softball Federation), which was formed in 1952, acts as a liaison between more than
40 softball organizations of several countries. Headquarters are in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The federation coordinates international competition
and regular regional and world championship tournaments for men and women. In 1996 a women’s softball competition was added to the Olympic
Games. It was removed from the Games following the 2008 Summer Olympics. Still, it was added back to the program of the 2020 Summer
Olympics, which were postponed until 2021, owing to a worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

In softball, it is extremely important for players to protect themselves from the high speeds the ball travels at. Depending on which position
you play, you will have to wear protective gear that will allow to move comfortably and safely during games and practices.

FIELDERS
Two teams compete in each softball game. Nine players man the field, while nine batters hit in a predetermined order for each team,
known as the “batting order” or “lineup.” The players who have defensive positions often called “fielders,” are the same ones that bat during the
other half of the inning. The nine defensive positions can be grouped into two general categories: infielders and outfielders.

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Infielders
1. Pitcher: Pitches the ball from the pitcher’s mound to the catcher.
2. Catcher: Crouches behind home plate and receives pitches thrown by the pitcher. Also receives throws from fielders attempting to make
outs at home plate.
3. First baseman: “Fields,” or defends, balls hit near the 1st baseline. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 1st base.
4. Second baseman: Fields balls hit near 2nd base. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 2nd base. Often involved in a
double-play.
5. Third baseman: Fields balls hit near the 3rd base line. Receives throws from other fielders attempting to make outs at 3rd base.
6. Shortstop: Fields balls hit between the second baseman and third baseman. Covers 2nd base when the ball is hit to the second baseman.
Outfielders
Three outfielders — left fielder , center fielder and right fielder — attempt to catch balls hit into their portion of the outfield. Balls hit to the
outfield are generally ground balls or fly balls hit past the infield.
SOFTBALL BASIC EQUIPMENT
1. BALL - The official softball is a smooth-seam ball 12 inches (30.5 cm) in circumference, weighing between 6.25 and 7 ounces (177 and 198
grams).
2. BATS - Bats must be round, not more than 34 inches (86.4 cm) long, and not more than 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) in diameter at the largest part.
3. CLEATS - Cleats or studs are protrusions on the sole of a shoe or an external attachment to a shoe that provides additional traction on a soft
or slippery surface. They can be conical or blade-like in shape and can be made of plastic, rubber, or metal.
4. BATTING HELMET - Batters wear a batting helmet in the game of baseball or softball. It is meant to protect the batter's head from errant
pitches thrown by the pitcher.
5. BATTING GLOVES - Batting gloves are a component in bat-and-ball games sportswear. Typically consisting of a leather palm and back made
of nylon or another synthetic fabric, the glove covers one or both hands of a batter, providing comfort, preventing blisters, warmth,
improved grip, and shock absorption when hitting the ball.
6. CATCHING GLOVES - A Softball Glove is one of the most important things to have when playing the field. With a deeper pocket than a
baseball glove, it will help handle the bigger ball.
7. LEG GUARDS (SHIN GUARDS) - Baseball catcher's leg guards cover both legs from your knee down to the tops of your feet. Be sure leg
guards totally cover your knees and the tops of your feet to protect sensitive areas where a foul ball or wild pitch could do serious damage.
8. CHEST GUARDS -A protective pad worn over the chest by a catcher or umpire to shield the body from foul tips.