Softball slow pitch rules are not incredibly different from baseball rules. However, there are certain differences that one should be aware of before playing this sport. The normal rules are also important to understand. Slow pitch softball is played between two teams. These teams play on a field. On the field are the diamond, the bases, and an outfield.The traditional three bases and home plate are arranged in a square around the field and may be anywhere from forty-five to sixty-five feet away from one another. The pitcher’s circle is placed in the center of this square.
Each of two teams strive to achieve a greater number of runs than the other team. Runs are achieved when a player hits the ball into play, and runs around each base and back to home. The game is played in innings. Innings are divided into two halves. During each inning, the offense hits while the defense attempts to stop the offense from scoring runs. The batting order is decided before the game begins. Any ball that is hit and caught before touching the ground is immediately called an out. Offensive strategy involves hitting the ball and letting the batter reach bases safely while still allowing other base runners to make it safely home. Defensive strategy is a bit more complicated. Teams use different positioning techniques and must practice quick decision making.
Those are the rules of all methods of softball. Things are a bit different when it comes to softball slowpitch rules. In fast pitch softball, the baseline dimension is sixty feet. In slowpitch, the baseline dimensions may be between sixty feet and sixty-five feet. In some cases, even more may be allowed. This generally depends on the association playing the sport and the level at which the teams are playing.
Pitching distances also vary. In fast pitch softball, pitching distances range only from forty-three to forty-six feet. For slowpitch, different types of people have different rules. Adults and adolescents work with a distance of fifty feet. The only exception is for girls under the age of fifteen whose pitching distance is decreased to forty-six feet. Slowpitch softball may also be played by coed, wheelchair bound, or otherwise handicapped teams.
For some of these teams, generally decided upon a case by case basis, the distance may be decreased all the way down to twenty-eight feet. In some cases, depending on the severity of handicaps, this distance may be decreased even more. Perhaps one of the best things about slow pitch softball is its versatility. It is a sport that may be played by everyone from skilled male and female athletes to young children to the handicapped. No matter which category a player falls into, he or she must understand official softball slow pitch rules.