Softball is often confused with baseball. But, some distinguishable features and playing techniques make softball and baseball different from each other.
The rules vary from that of a baseball game in many ways. For instance, softball is played with a relatively bigger ball, the dimension of the playing field is different, and the softball positions or the field placements of the defending team are different.
Softball is altogether a faster-paced game. It is mainly because the field size is considerably smaller in this game. Hence, the players are always closer to the home plate.
If you want to know about this game in detail, here is the information.
What Are the Positions of Softball Players?
Positions of the players vary in a slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball game. There are nine players on the field compared to ten players in a slow-pitch game in a fast-pitch one. Most of the time, the pitcher and catcher have the ball in their hand.
There are other roles that players have in a game. Starting with the infield. The players who are always inside the infield are the catcher, pitcher, first base player, second base player, shortstop, and third base player.
The outfield section is usually grassy and has three players stationed in their respective positions. Known as the 'outfielders,' these three players are present in the left, center, and right field.
However, there is an exception in a slow-pitch match, where an additional outfielder can be seen.
According to the modern adaptation of softball rules in tournaments, there are five infield players instead of four outfield ones. The extra player gets a role to stand behind the pitcher on the second base.
How Is Softball Gear Different From Baseball?
The gear and equipment of the game are different in softball compared to baseball. The ones required in softball are a ball, bat, gloves, helmets, and cleats. What is also unique is how players can show their team spirit and value by utilizing trading pins for softball.
Besides that, players also wear protective gear like shin guards, chest protectors, face masks, knee sliders, etc.
The balls used in baseball are smaller in size and weigh less than what is used in a softball game. The ball used in softball is also slightly less dense.
Moreover, the pitching of the ball in a softball game is also significant. Unlike baseball matches, pitchers throw the ball underhand.
Softball bats are usually crafted from wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber. They vary in barrel diameters according to the choice of different players.
While some players prefer a smaller barrel, others prefer longer ones. The length, mass, and diameter of the bat decide the batter's swing speed.
However, there are rules to using bats in this game. For instance, some bats are banned from the game owing to their performance-boosting capabilities.
How Does a Team Win a Softball Match?
Both the teams get a chance to bat for seven innings. At the end of it, the team with the most number of runs is considered the winner.
However, if there is a tie, there are provisions for extra innings to decide the winner.
To score runs, batters need to hit the ball and make their way around the bases. However, they should complete taking the run without getting out while being out of the base.
The batter scores one successful run when they meet to get around.
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Softball can be challenging for new players, especially when considering the softball positions.
However, the roles of the fielding team are quite transparent because there is only one target to achieve, that is, to ensure that the batting team scores lesser runs.
