Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where and when was softball first played outdoors?
Where and when was softball first played outdoors?
Minneapolis in 1895.
How many players are there per team on the field?
How many players are there per team on the field?
10; 11 if using an extra player who bats but doesn't field.
How long is a typical game?
How long is a typical game?
7 innings.
How many outs are there for each team?
How many outs are there for each team?
Which team gets to bat first?
Which team gets to bat first?
What are the most common ways to record outs?
What are the most common ways to record outs?
A batter receives a ___ when the umpire calls 4 pitches 'balls'.
A batter receives a ___ when the umpire calls 4 pitches 'balls'.
The ___ extends 3 feet on either side of a direct line between bases.
The ___ extends 3 feet on either side of a direct line between bases.
A ___ occurs in slow-pitch when the batter strikes the ball downward.
A ___ occurs in slow-pitch when the batter strikes the ball downward.
An ___ is charged to a fielder who misplays a ball.
An ___ is charged to a fielder who misplays a ball.
___ are marked by two foul lines.
___ are marked by two foul lines.
A ___ is recorded when a batter hits a fair ball over the fence or circulates the bases.
A ___ is recorded when a batter hits a fair ball over the fence or circulates the bases.
The ___ refers to that portion of the field containing the 4 bases.
The ___ refers to that portion of the field containing the 4 bases.
A ___ is any ball hit into foul territory.
A ___ is any ball hit into foul territory.
___ occurs when an offensive player impedes or confuses a defensive player.
___ occurs when an offensive player impedes or confuses a defensive player.
A defensive player may be called for ___ if she hinders a batter.
A defensive player may be called for ___ if she hinders a batter.
The ___ is that portion of fair territory between the infield and the fence.
The ___ is that portion of fair territory between the infield and the fence.
A batter is credited with the appropriate number of ___ when his hit is responsible for one or more runners' scoring.
A batter is credited with the appropriate number of ___ when his hit is responsible for one or more runners' scoring.
A pitched ball is in a batter's ___ when it is over any part of home plate.
A pitched ball is in a batter's ___ when it is over any part of home plate.
How must the pitcher pitch for it to be legal?
How must the pitcher pitch for it to be legal?
What order do the players hit in?
What order do the players hit in?
What are the rules of the batter?
What are the rules of the batter?
What happens when someone is in a situation?
What happens when someone is in a situation?
When must a runner tag up?
When must a runner tag up?
What does an umpire do?
What does an umpire do?
The ___ stands behind the catcher and controls the game.
The ___ stands behind the catcher and controls the game.
Study Notes
Softball Overview
- Softball originated in Minneapolis, 1895.
- Standard outdoor play involves 10 players per team; teams can have an 11th player who bats but does not field.
Game Structure
- A typical softball game lasts for 7 innings.
- Each team has 3 outs per inning.
- The visiting team bats first in the top half of each inning; the home team bats last.
Outs and Scoring
- Common ways to record outs include strikeouts, force outs, tag outs, and fly outs.
- A batter receives a "base on balls" after the umpire calls 4 pitches as balls.
- A home run occurs when a batter hits a fair ball over the fence or circles the bases on an inside-the-park hit without being out.
Game Elements
- The base path extends 3 feet on either side of a direct line between bases.
- A "chopped ball" is an illegal hit in slow-pitch that bounces high in the air.
- An "error" is charged to a fielder who misplays a ball, prolonging a batter's at-bat or allowing a runner to advance.
Field and Players
- Fair and foul territories are marked by two foul lines extending from home plate.
- The infield contains the bases and is made up of the first, second, and third basemen, a shortstop, a pitcher, and a catcher.
- The outfield consists of the left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, and in slow-pitch, an additional fielder.
Rules of Play
- Interference occurs when an offensive player disrupts a defensive play, either physically or verbally.
- Obstruction is when a defensive player hinders a batter or base runner without possession of the ball.
- Players must hit in the order specified on their lineup card.
- A batter must remain within the batter's box; stepping outside can result in an out if a fair or foul ball is hit.
Pitching and Batting
- The pitcher must come to a complete stop for at least one second before releasing the ball, maintaining one foot on the pitcher's plate.
- A pitcher has 10 seconds to release the ball after coming to a stop.
- A runner must tag up before advancing on a caught fly ball.
Umpiring and Regulation
- Umpires govern softball games, with the home plate umpire responsible for calling balls, strikes, and plays around the plate.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the game of softball with these flashcards. Learn about the history, rules, and structure of the game. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of softball!
