SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT
THE BALL
The ball is probably the most important piece of equipment used in softball. The ball is round with a circumference of 30.2cm (12 inches) and a weight of 166.5g (6 oz). It’s also optic yellow in colour with red stitches to make it easier for the batter to see.
THE BAT
The bat is probably the most fun piece of equipment because everyone loves hitting the ball with it. Bats are usually made of very high grade graphite, carbon, magnesium, ceramic, or some combination of other composite material approved by the International Softball Federation. They can be no longer than 86.4cm (34 inches) and weight no more than 1077g (38 oz).
THE GLOVE
A glove is used by every fielder in a defensive position. They are made of leather and have a pocket which is the area between the thumb and first fingers that allows for he ball to be caught. Gloves vary depending on the position for which they are used. Glove may be worn by any player, but mitts may be used only by the catcher and the 1st base player.
CATCHER’S GEAR
Catcher’s gear is only worn by the catcher and is to protect that player from pitched ot batted balls SINCE pitched balls can travel at or near 112km an hour (70 mph). The catcher’s protective gear includes a mask, helmet, chest protector and shin/leg protectors.
BATTING HELMETS
A batting helmet is used by the batter and all base runners to protect themselves from any stray balls that might be thrown or pitched poorly.
WHAT'S THE OBJECT OF THE GAME???
The game of softball is played on a softball field or, “pitch” that includes 3 bases and a home plate arranged in the shape of a diamond:
Softball involves two teams of 9 players – one team on defense and one team on offense.
The object of the game is to get a “runner” on base by hitting a pitched ball and o advance this runner safely around all the bases to home plate.
A runner advances safely by not being touched by a player holding the ball or by getting to the next base before the defense can get the ball to the same base.
This scores your team one “run”.
The team with the most runs in seven innings wins the game.
If the score is tied after seven innings, teams continue to play until one of them scores more runs at the end of any inning thereafter to win. The “tie-breaker” rule is put into effect at the eighth inning.
Each team’s half of the inning (counted when they are on offense) ends where three of its batters have been ruled out. (We talk about “outs” in the “How Do You Play the Game?” section.).
The position for the defensive teams are as follows:
