Softball Basics
What is the main objective of softball?
To score more runs than the opposing team by hitting the ball and running around the bases.
How long is a typical softball game?
Usually 7 innings.
How must the ball be pitched in softball?
The pitch must be underhand.
Who invented softball and in what year?
George Hancock invented softball in 1887.
A variation played with ten players on the field where bunting and stealing bases are not allowed.
How many strikes does a batter get before they are out?
A batter gets 3 strikes before they are out.
What happens if the game is tied at the end of 7 innings?
Extra innings can take place until the tie is broken.
What occurs when a batter hits a foul ball with two strikes?
The foul ball does not count as a strike; the batter remains at two strikes.
What was softball originally intended to be?
An indoor sport.
How many players are on the field in fast pitch softball?
Nine players
What happens if a batter receives 4 balls?
The batter is awarded a "walk" to first base.
How many halves are there in each inning?
There are two halves: the top (visiting team bats) and the bottom (home team bats)
What are the two types of outs in softball?
Strikeouts and force outs.
What was the name of the first rule committee formed in softball?
The International Joint Rules Committee on Softball
Are bunting and stealing bases allowed in fast pitch softball?
Yes, bunting and stealing bases are permitted.
What does RBI stand for in softball?
Runs Batted In
What does it mean for a game to go into extra innings?
Each team has the opportunity to bat in each extra innings until a winner is determined.
How many outs does each team have per inning?
Each team has 3 outs per inning.
What governing body was formed in 1933 for softball in America?
The Amateur Softball Association of America
What is NOT allowed in fast pitch softball?
Leading off
Describe what a foul ball is.
A foul ball is a ball that lands outside of the designated foul lines, counts as a strike unless the batter has two strikes.
How is scoring determined in an inning?
Runs are scored by successfully hitting the ball and running around the bases.
Explain the difference between a strikeout and a fly out.
A strikeout occurs when a batter accumulates 3 strikes, while a fly out occurs when a hit ball is caught in the air by a fielder.
In what years was women's softball an Olympic Sport?
1996-2008 and at the 2020 Tokyo Games (these were played in 2021 due to COVID-19)
Usually left or right center fielder.