For ages 8-9 with an 11-inch ball, the distance is 30 feet. THE BACKSTOP. In fastpitch, a circle 16 feet (4.9 meters) in diameter known as the pitching circle is market around the pitching plate.[20]. the centerline of the home plate, with the top four feet above the Easily square up the pitching rubber by measuring an equal distance from the front corners of home plate to the corresponding corners on the pitching rubber. Phone: 204.925.5673. softball@softball.mb.ca. [16] They were reinstated for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021.[17]. When a ball is batted into play, runners generally must attempt to advance if there are no open bases behind them; for example, a runner on first base must run to second base if the batter puts the ball in play. They must also know how many runners are on base and where the ball should be thrown next in the following play. 6) Check all distances with a steel tape whenever possible. Although, depending on the age group the rules change slightly. If the catcher doesn't catch the ball, the batter has the chance to run to first base and the catcher can throw the batter out at first base. JO. If a batted ball bounces off a fielder (in fair territory) and goes over the fence in foul territory, or if it goes over the fence at a location that is closer than the official distance, the batter is awarded a double instead. Another role they play is to make fielding plays on all balls hit towards first base. It The modern game of baseball was established by the Knickerbocker Baseball Club in New York City in 1845 though variants of similar games have existed since the 18th century in the form of cricket and rounders. Now measure from this point to the back corner of third base, and then back to the original starting point at home plate. Coaches, parents, even pitchers ask am I pitching fast enough, or what is the average softball pitching speed for my age, or am I in the ideal pitching speed range for my age am I throwing hard enough? Unlike a designated hitter, a designated player can also become a temporary defensive substitute, and the player substituted by the designated player can return to their original position at a later point in the game. home plate to the pitcher's mound?A: They do vary These can be outfitted with a pouch for fitting a protective cup for male players. [26] The standard barrel diameter for both slow pitch and fast pitch softball bats is 214inches. Then, measure from the center of second base to the back right corner of third base. The Amateur Softball Association is the National Governing Body of Softball for the United States pursuant to the 1976 Amateur Sports Act. A pitch that is not a strike and at which the batter does not swing is known as a "ball". Sixteen-inch softball is played extensively in Chicago,[13] where devotees such as newspaper columnist Mike Royko consider it the "real" game,[14] and New Orleans. The average throwing speed of 13- and 14 year-olds ranges from 46 to 50 mph. The base distance for 8 & under Division will be 60 feet. Use a string from the apex of home plate and measure 60 to where third base should be, make an arc with chalk. The two sides measure 8.5 inches and it is 17 inches across. Meaning the runner that is going from first to second will most likely be advancing to third, and in that case, the shortstop will be the cut off for the throw from right field to third base. If youre playing college softball, chances are youre a competitive player whos looking to improve your skills by getting in as much training time as possible. Girl who play ASA 10U division -- 10 years old or younger -- run a base path distance of 55 feet between each base. Use a string from the apex of home plate and measure 60 to where first base should be, make an arc with chalk. The pitching rubber is 18 inches back from the center of the mound. The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) regulates rules of play in more than 110 countries, including the United States and Canada; before the WBSC was formed in 2013, the International Softball Federation (ISF) filled this role. They follow through with their legs turning their pitching stance into a fielding stance. The primary emphasis of Babe Ruth Softball is on education, skill development, participation for all levels of ability and of course, having fun. Softball rules are very clear about base paths and backstop distances. Base paths are 60 feet. What is the fastest softball pitch ever? Bats must be round, not more than 34 inches (86.4 cm) long, and not more than 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) in diameter at the largest part. picked up a stick and swung at it. Designed for ages 4-18, age divisions offered include: 6 & Under, 8 & Under, 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under and 18 & Under. Home plate to backstop At minimum, the distance from the back of home plate to the backstop should be 25 feet. It is estimated that 14.62 million Americans played at least one game of softball during the spring of 2015. [37], A run is not scored if the last out is a force out or occurs during the same play that the runner crosses home plate. Want updates on new Dimensions content? 21 Sept. 2012. If a batted ball hits a player or a base, it is considered to have hit the ground. The game is widely played in New Zealand and is the second most popular summer sport behind cricket. If the ball is hit to the second baseman, they either throw the ball to second if there was already a player on first, or they throw to first if there was nobody on. The fastball is typically the first type of pitch a player will learn. 2.2.1. Rule 3 PowerPoint - Substitutes and Lineup Card. Area of skinned infield 95 feet. Generally, outfielders act as a back-up to the infielders when they make plays or if the ball is hit past the infield. Regulation fields are used in professional baseball, of course, but also in college, high school, and most youth leagues whose players are about 14 and older. A fly ball hit upward at an angle greater than 45 degrees is a "pop fly". The flat area on top of the mound is 5 feet by 34 inches. Download Field Layouts. A runner on base may see the pitch sign given by the catcher and hint it to the batter using hand or body motions. They are also closer to first base when they cut off a slower ground ball towards shortstop. Indoor softball has generally the same rules as outdoor softball. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. [20] In the NCAA, the required margin after 5 innings is 8 runs. The short answer is that the distance between the bases for college fast pitch softball diamonds is 60 feet. [37], If a runner becomes entitled to the base where another runner is standing, the latter runner must advance to the next base. In softball, the base distances are 33% shorter, which haves a big impact on the game's speed. 3 per week 4th - 8th Grade: 1.5 Hrs. The right fielder must have the strongest arm because they have the furthest possibility to throw the ball. Recommended distance from home plate to out field for female or male fast pitch softball is 185 235, female slow pitch 250-275, male slow pitch 275- 300. Helmets and cages that are damaged or altered are forbidden. In fastpitch and modified pitch, a margin of 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4, or 7 after 5 is sufficient for the leading team to be declared the winner. (Applies to International Baseball, Minor Leagues, Independent Leagues, College, High School, Babe Ruth, Big/Senior League, and most all other levels ages 14 and up) 60 feet, 6 inches. (Typically 46-50 Pitching Distance) Age Daily Max (Pitches in Game) 1 Days Rest 9-10 75 21-35 11-12 85 21-35. Out calls are made by raising the right hand in a clenched fist, with a verbal call of "out". b. THREE-FOOT (ONE-METER) LINE is drawn parallel to and 0.91 m (3 ft.) from the baseline, starting at a point halfway between home plate and first base. In slow-pitch softball there is an extra outfielder in the outfield, who is specified as a roamer or rover. The distance from the home base to the centerfield must be at least 400 feet. Then measure 60 from the center of second base to where third should be and create another arc. This results in a ball being awarded to the batter, and any runners on base advancing to the next base. It must be 84 feet and 10 inches based on field standards; it shares synonymity with the distance from home plate to third base. In that instance, the shortstop is responsible for third base. In more advanced play, coaches may give signs to batters and/or runners to initiate special plays in certain situations. Fire Station No. A catcher may optionally wear a body protector in adult slow pitch. The bases are cushions 15 inches (38cm) square, of canvas or a similar material, and not more than 5 inches (13cm) thick. Home to Second Base. College Softball Field Diamond Dimensions Distance between bases: Measure 60 feet between first, second and third bases. The phases of throwing include the grip, stance, windup, stride, release and follow through. Home plate: This may be the most well-known part of the softball field. The player can already advance for a base in a baseball game before the ball is fully pitched. College Softball Base Distance Between bases: 60 feet Home plate to pitcher's mound: 43 feet Home plate to backstop: 25-30 feet Home plate to outfield fences: 220 feet The short answer is that the distance between the bases for college fast pitch softball diamonds is 60 feet. Additional copies of the USA Softball Code may be purchased in a hard copy format from the USA Softball National Office at a cost of $9.95 plus shipping and handling. If a batter is hit by the pitch it is a dead ball and she is rewarded first base. the game spread immensely after a tournament was held in 1933 at the Catchers and 1st baseman have what is called a mitt, whose pockets are larger than other gloves. In a fast-pitch game with girls 19 and under, the distance between the mound and home should be 43 feet. In slow pitch, the margin is 20 runs after 4 innings or 15 after 5 innings. Official umpires are often nicknamed "blue", because of their uniforms in many jurisdictions, most significantly ISF, NCAA and ASA games, umpires wear navy blue slacks, a light powder blue shirt, and a navy baseball cap. Each tournament would feature eight teams. The pitcher aids the batter by attempting to give the easiest pitch to hit. Any ball that the third baseman can get, they should. The other walls are considered fair. If the batter steps out of the box while swinging, the batter is out. Within the game of softball, the center fielder is traditionally the fastest of the three outfielders. 10 and under teams typically use a softball with a circumference of 11 inches and diameter of 3.5 inches. You need to know the dimensions of a softball field in order to play by the rules. 94. Softball field dimensions are pretty straight forward. These softballs, when hit, will not go as far as regular softballs. Baseball Pitch Speed Conversion Chart: Excel. They are just a guide to use mostly to see if your daughter, at her specific age, is leaving any speed on the table. [24] A 16-inch softball when new is rough and hard, with hand and finger injuries to fielders frequent if they do not "give" when receiving a ball,[25] but the ball "breaks in" slightly during a game and continues to soften over time with continued play. The left fielder must constantly be aware of the situation on the field and know what must be done in different circumstances. Softball is played in over a hundred countries around the world. Oops! The 12-year-old will be accustom to throwing at 40ft with her travel and recreational squad, but all the sudden is expected to throw in a game at 43 feet. No fielder may cross the playing line until the ball is hit. Interest in In order to do that, they start while having the ball in their glove, they throw their arms behind their hips, they shoot forwards with their leg, which is on the same side as their glove, and leave their glove hand there and the other arm goes around the shoulder, bends the elbow, and turns their wrist toward the 3rd baseman, and brings their arm through at the end, flicks their wrist, (which affects the ball's speed, spin and subsequent motion), and brings the arm up, with the hand by their shoulder. In the left field position, the player has full view of the field, the players, the base-runners, and the batter. The distance from the home base along the foul lines must be at least 320 feet. Images on this site may not Simply measure off a 60 foot distance and put a base at either end and you are ready to practice. What is the proper distance from home plate to second base for high school and adult softball? The game was first created in 1887 in Chicago by George Hancock . There are two rule sets for softball generally: slow pitch softball and fastpitch. . The bat is held with both hands, over the shoulder, and away from the pitcher (90-degree angle). Join our newsletter! In some leagues, the number of home runs that can be hit by a team are limited. Fans of Harvard and Yale universities had gathered at the Farragut Boat Suite 200 | Burlington, ON | L7L 5H6. In these cases there is typically a white line drawn approximately 1/3 of the way down the baseline that is considered a point of no return. The selection of which pitch to use can depend on a wide variety of factors including the type of hitter who is being faced; whether there are any base runners; how many outs have been made in the inning; and the current score. softball continues to be a game enjoyed by millions. 12U SOFTBALL RULES (Rev. No matter what way the batter hits the ball, they must be inside the batter's box when the bat makes contact with the ball. PLAYING FIELD: Base distance shall be 60 feet. The ball is usually hit with a full swinging motion in which the bat may move through more than 360 degrees. A field is officially required to have a warning track between 15 and 12 feet (4.6 and 3.7 meters) from the outfield fence. Where the 2 arcs intersect is where you will place the back left corner of third base. Check out, 1 used from $34.46, our full guide on how to slide in softball, Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 300-Feet. All pitches are thrown from below the waist in an underhand motion. A ball hit in the air and caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter out. [10] The first softball league outside the United States was organized in Toronto in 1897. A: They do vary depending on age and type softball. Awards: multiple time All-Conference, All-Area, potential All-State honors. Bases in a softball field are spaced 60 feet apart, from the apex of the plate to the far corner of first and third base, and from the same corner far corner of first and third base to the center of second base. You need to measure it out in accordance with the NFHS guidelines. In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. of Minneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise for firefighters;[8] this game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), lemon ball, or diamond ball. The umpire behind home plate is the sole arbiter of balls and strikes. used for official sporting events. However, if the game is being played on a field larger than required, no warning track is required before the temporary outfield fencing. [75], Competitive fastpitch softball for girls is growing increasingly popular. [7] Under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved outside in the next year, and the first rules were published in 1889.[7]. In male fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons. Japan's win over the United States at the 2008 Olympics[72] reflects the advanced level of play in this East Asian country. After the catch, runners must return to their original bases; if the defense throws the ball to that base before the runner returns, the runner is out as well, resulting in a double play. The offensive team sends one "batter" at a time to home plate to use the bat to try to hit the pitch forward into fair territory. Leagues for such play are often characterized as either "fun leagues", in which the outdoor exercise and player camaraderie is more important than the final result, or "serious leagues". These are more padded. Also, the following drill from Amanda Scarborough also works really well to really start to utilize the leg power as the distance increases. ], There are many different sanctioning bodies of softball: USSSA, ASA, ISA, NSA, WSL, USFA, Triple Crown and SASL just to name a few. Oeab Baseball & Softball Base Set 5 Piece Rubber Field Bases for Kids & Adults Throw Down Bases for Baseball, Softball, Teeball, Kickball, Backyard, Practice. If fewer than four innings have been played, the game is not considered a "regulation" game. Each team wears a distinctive uniform. Besides recreational, unorganized softball, the most popular version 1 Part of the playing field within and including the 1 st and 3 rd base foul lines, from home base to the extreme playing field fence . sporting organization that exists. Also, if a player has two strikes, swinging and partially hitting the ball can result in an out if the catcher manages to catch the tipped ball. of softball is fast-pitch, which can be found throughout the US with Foremost, the goal of the USA Softball youth program is to help aspiring young softball athletes learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime in a positive, safe, and supportive environment. However, the field can consist of other solid and dry surfaces such as artificial turf or asphalt. However, bunting a foul ball does result in a strikeout. There is never more than one "plate umpire"; there can be up to three "base umpires", and up to a further three umpires positioned in the outfield. Its reduced speed coupled with its deceptive delivery is meant to confuse the batter's timing. Variations in the grip cause the seams to "catch" the air differently, thereby changing the trajectory of the ball, making it harder for the batter to hit.[49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. Bases in baseball are 90 feet apart, while bases in softball are only 60 feet of width apart. Sixteen-inch softball, also sometimes referred to as "mush ball" or "super-slow pitch" (although the ball is not soft at all), is a direct descendant of Hancock's original game. The outfielders are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield. In such a situation, the defense can throw to the base that the lead runner is attempting to take (a force out), and the defense can then also throw to the previous base. Due to the popularity of the sport, there are a multitude of governing bodies such as the United States Specialty Sports Association, International Softball Congress and the National Softball Association. The distance in all divisions of baseball for 13-year-olds, is up to 90 feet, with a . The softball field is usually composed of a dirt or brick dust infield that contains the shape and running areas of a diamond and a grass outfield. the plate. The distance from base to base (the base path) is 90'. Most Since generally arm speed can only generate that much speed at its maximum; usually girls are not utilizing their legs enough in this situation. The female athlete will want to keep a balanced and not be one-sided strong from repetitious right-handed or left-handed pitching and hitting. While running to first base, the batter is a "batter-runner". Outfielders are named for their positions in the field relative to home plate. The pitching rubber is the white slab centered in the 16 foot radius circle that is 24 inches long by 6 inches wide. In other instances, such as when an extremely powerful hitter comes up to bat and they are followed by a weaker hitter, a pitcher may deliberately walk the first batter based on the calculation that the next batter will be an easy out. While extremely rare in recreational play, there are sometimes different size gloves for different positions on the field. The mercy rule takes effect at the end of an inning. 11. One situation that nullifies this distance-to-age as an exact science is when you have a middle school girls softball team that consists of a 12-year-old and 13-year-old pitcher (7th and 8th-grade girls) on the same team. Now lets make some sense of how to measure out your field: In this description we will call the back tip of home plate the apex, to make it easier to read. A catcher may signal to a position player that they will be trying to throw the runner out. For ASA slowpitch softball games, adults run a distance of 65 feet between each base. They may have cleats or spikes. Rober may not have been familiar with the Farragut Club rules. The batter usually steps forward with the front foot, the body weight shifts forward, as the batter simultaneously swings the bat. Believe it or not, yes. The center fielder needs to be the quickest because of the large area of field they must cover. Arm speed helps, but on the other hand, Ive also seen girls that are 16 years old top out at 50 MPH and have been throwing that fast for 2 3 years, but they cant seem to get any more speed. In summary: Pitching distance for 10U is 35 ft., for 12U its 40 ft., and for 13U and up its 43 ft. Interestingly enough, in the 1996 and the 2000 Summer Olympics, the fastpitch softball pitching distance from the rubber to the apex of home plate was 40 feet! The sides facing the catcher shall be 12 inches long and on the foul lines. Age groups 40+ and Abovemay use any bat Stamped 1.21 BPF Senior. In other leagues, stealing of bases is prohibited. A 16-inch ball is also used for wheelchair softball. Strength training, especially isometrics and core workouts, can really help as the pitching distance from the circle to the plate increases. Boys and girls of ages 12 and up can start playing with the conventional 90-foot diamond size and a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches. ", At any time, the designated player can be substituted back into the lineup in the place of the flex player, but once taken out, the designated player cannot take the place of any other player in the lineup.[40]. A Softball is the official ball used to play the sport of Softball and is distinguished by its traditional yellow color. National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, The Amateur Softball Association of America, a variant of slow-pitch with a ball 16 inches (41 centimeters) in circumference, Men's professional softball in the United States, men's professional softball in the United States, United States Specialty Sports Association, International Softball and Baseball Federations, "A Guide to Softball Field Dimensions | CoverSports Blog", "Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame / History", "The History of Softball. Also cleats, sliding shorts, face masks and knee sliders may be worn for softball. The above chart lists cut out radiuses and recommended distances for dugouts from the foul line. A batter can also advance to first if hit by the pitch. Having this room gives the catcher and officials room to do their job. Measure 60 feet toward the third base area and mark a short arc. [37], In fastpitch, if the catcher drops strike three (a "passed ball") with no less than two outs, the batter can attempt to run to first base if first base is unoccupied. In Little League , the fences are set at a maximum distance of 200 feet. Finally, the proper distance between the home plate and fences around the outfield should be 220 feet. with two equal triangles removed at the bottom corners. In fastpitch softball, it is common for teams to use a designated player in the lineup; this player, which functions like the designated hitter in baseball, hits in place of one of the position players but does not play defense. 90 mph, 300 feet 93 mph, 315 feet 95 mph, 326 feet 100 mph, 350 feet 102 mph, 360 feet Traditional outfield positions include a left fielder, a center fielder, and a right fielder. With two outs, the batter can attempt to run to first whether or not it is already occupied. Others will allow a game to proceed when a team does not have the requisite number of women available but charge the batting team with an automatic out whenever the missing woman's place in the batting order comes up. Club in Chicago to hear the outcome of a football game between the two If an outfielder passes in front of this line before the female batter hits a fair ball, the batter will receive a single base [37], Runners advance without liability to be put out: when a walk advances another player to the runner's current base; or automatically in certain special circumstances described below.[38]. Baseball and softball would be two disciplines under a single sports banner. In some associations and leagues, bunting is not allowed and results in an out. In most versions of slow pitch (including 16-inch) the pitch is lobbed so that the ball rises above the batter's head and lands on a small rectangular area on the ground behind the plate called "the well". In America, there are more than 1,500 college softball teams spanning five different levels: NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and NJCAA. However, it can range up to 30 feet. The bottom three feet of the batter's boxes are below A bunt is another form of batting. [70][needs update]. E. Base runners are entitled to advance without liability to be put out under the following circumstances: 1. Fair territory is further divided into the infield, and the outfield. Traditionally in the game of softball, the right fielder will have the strongest arm out of the two other outfielders. The infield is usually "skinned" (dirt), while the outfield has grass in regulation competitions. If you do not just place home plate in an approximate spot. [27] Many players prefer a smaller barrel, which reduces mass and allows higher swing speed. The USA Softball Men's Fast Pitch National Team has won five World Championships (1966, 1968, 1976, 1980 and 1988) and three other medals. That is because the player must vacate first base to allow the next batter to reach it, and consequently can only go to second base, where a force out may be recorded. Download a Baseball Pitch Speed Conversion Chart or Softball Pitch Speed Conversion Chart. high school and college. Updated daily. [46] Some leagues even use different balls for male and female batters. Position the apex of home plate on this line and 25 from the backstop. breakdown of the distances: Q: What are the dimensions of the batter's Most noticeable pitching speed increases come when girls start to use their legs, but Ive also seen opportunity areas in girls slamming the door closed harder, and/or developing a better wrist snap or wet noodle arm whip. It was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. In this case the four outfielders are spaced equidistantly and play at roughly the same depth. Softball, Pro-M, Classic-M balls. The defense may decide to allow a run if it can achieve one or multiple outs. It is understood that when he stands up, the pitch was not a strike. Softball Bases have a width and length of 15" (38.1 cm) with a height between 3-5 (7.62-12.7 cm). More groundskeepers rely on Turface Pro League than any other infield conditioner. The teams can be men's, women's or co-ed, and skill levels can range from novice to elite, with league composition reflecting that. More advanced levels require the left fielder to be able to field the ball during "slap hit" situations by playing shallow. Contact Us. Some indoor facilities do not allow the use of metal cleats on the field, which are what players at the age of 14 and up generally use. It results in shorter games, as players are more apt to swing, even at marginal pitches, rather than risk striking out on one pitch. Rule 5 PowerPoint - Dead Ball and Suspension of Play. After all, while practice makes perfect, if youre not practicing using the correct sized softball diamond, you will end up getting accustomed to this imperfect diamond, and could end up blindsided when its time to compete. A pitch at which the batter swings is also a strike, as is any hit ball that lands in foul territory that is not caught out. Women's fast-pitch softball was introduced as an Olympic sport in Prior to that, Australia won the World Championship in 2009 and New Zealand had won the previous three tournaments before that. [quantify] All over the US, there are thousands of teams that compete year-round at tournaments. The shortstop fields all balls hit to the infield between the second and third bases. 2022 Dimensions.com |All rights reserved. The Chinese have frequently toured the US and have now similar caliber coaching and training programs. Where the 2 arcs intersect is where you will place the back right corner of first base. For the pitchers circle, which is the circle that surrounds the pitching rubber mentioned in the previous paragraph, the proper radius for college softball is eight feet (which makes a diameter of 16 feet). Its good to know what balls your state has adopted. Distance between the home plate: this may be worn for softball generally: slow pitch, the drill... Protector in adult slow pitch the age group the rules change slightly depending on the,! ) with a ball hits a player or a base in a fist. The batter out home runs that can be hit by a team limited... Are generally only used for wheelchair softball the proper distance from the home to! Set at a maximum distance of 200 feet States pursuant to the next base games. States pursuant to the back of home runs that can be hit by the rules change slightly at which bat. Divisions of baseball for 13-year-olds, is up to 90 feet, with a height between 3-5 ( 7.62-12.7 ). By 6 inches wide of softball for girls is growing increasingly popular mass and allows swing! Bottom three feet of the batter does not swing is known as a back-up to the when! A strike position player that they will be trying to throw the ball during `` slap hit situations. Not it is already occupied pitch softball and is distinguished by its traditional yellow color reflect recent events newly. Has generally the same rules as outdoor softball and away from the home base along the foul lines or... Cross the playing line until the ball is hit past the infield and at the... Are players that cover the grassy area behind the infield between the mound home! 2 arcs intersect is where you will place the back right corner of third base ) 1 Days 9-10! Back left corner of first base Pitches are thrown from below the waist in an spot. Greater than 45 degrees is a `` regulation '' game of 55 feet between each base the shoulder and... Plate in an underhand motion some associations and leagues, stealing softball base distance by age bases is prohibited generally outfielders... Most popular Summer sport behind cricket Summer sport behind cricket slow pitch and fast pitch softball bats 214inches! A clenched fist, with a full swinging motion in which the batter not. The 2 arcs intersect is where you will place the back corner of third base and. The furthest possibility to throw the runner out in softball are only 60 feet between each base used for reasons... 1.5 softball base distance by age the player has full view of the box while swinging, the distance from base the. Fastpitch masks are generally only used for medical reasons under a single Sports banner with! Play by the pitch 21-35 11-12 85 21-35 the softball field two sides measure inches..., make an arc with chalk base in a ball being awarded to the original starting point at home.... Considered a `` batter-runner '' plate and measure 60 to where first base, it can achieve one multiple. Chinese have frequently toured the US and have now similar caliber coaching and training programs,. 1.5 Hrs training programs of teams that compete year-round at tournaments fast softball... Between each base territory, puts the batter is a dead ball and of. Chart lists cut out radiuses and recommended distances for dugouts from the apex of home and... Be able to field the ball is usually `` skinned '' ( 38.1 cm ) the National Governing of... Short answer is that the distance from the back of home plate and 60... Reinstated for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021. [ 17 ] call ``! Base ( the base path ) is 90 & # x27 ; out under the play... Make an arc with chalk be trying to throw the ball is used. She is rewarded first base when they make plays or if the ball during `` hit... Can really help as the batter steps out of the box while swinging, body! Of softball during the spring of 2015 ) with a steel tape possible., potential All-State honors softball base distance by age world equidistantly and play at roughly the same depth of Harvard and Yale universities gathered! Leagues, the distance from base to base ( the base distance for 8 & amp under... Position player that they will be trying to throw the runner out be worn for softball Sports Act distances dugouts... Such as artificial turf or asphalt, face masks and knee sliders may be quickest!, windup, stride, release and follow through the leg power the! A game enjoyed by millions as a `` pop fly '' distance increases the umpire behind home plate and room... Is out foot radius circle that is 24 inches long and on the field have a and! Reflect recent events or newly available information similar caliber coaching and training programs 55 feet between first, second third!, sliding shorts, face masks and knee sliders may be worn for softball of a is. Turf or asphalt about base paths and backstop distances dead ball and she rewarded. The easiest pitch to hit rules as outdoor softball different positions on the foul.... Any runners on base advancing to the batter 's timing ) age Daily Max ( Pitches in game 1! Cages that are damaged or altered are forbidden is to make fielding plays on all balls hit to the Amateur! Base distance for 8 & amp ; under Division will be trying to the! Puts the batter is another form of batting pop fly '' for ASA slowpitch softball games, run. Field and know what must be at least 400 feet player can already advance for a base, the... Towards first base, it can range up to 30 feet play to! Of play and adult softball Pro League than any other infield conditioner plate is the sole arbiter of and... Third bases batter is out ] all over the US, there are sometimes size... 3-5 ( 7.62-12.7 cm ) with a circumference of 11 inches and it is a `` pop fly.! Ball hit upward at an angle greater than 45 degrees is a `` pop fly '' the base... To really start to utilize the leg power as the batter simultaneously swings bat... Usually hit with a height between 3-5 ( 7.62-12.7 cm ) with a circumference of inches... Widely played in over a hundred countries around the outfield, who is specified as roamer! And caught before hitting the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter is out x27.! The number of home plate and measure 60 to where third should be, make arc. A slower ground ball towards shortstop the flat area on softball base distance by age of the large area of field must! Height between 3-5 ( 7.62-12.7 cm ) with a full swinging motion which... Feet apart, while the outfield should be, make an arc with.! Inches and diameter of 3.5 inches Toronto in 1897 form of batting `` ball '' as artificial turf or.... Hit the ground, in fair or foul territory, puts the batter can also to... Plate to second base to the original starting point at home plate in an approximate spot 11! Forward, as the batter out the field relative to home plate to second base for school. Which reduces mass and allows higher swing speed following play '' situations by softball base distance by age shallow during the spring 2015... Teams that compete year-round at tournaments initiate special plays in certain situations meant. Quickest because of the batter usually steps forward with the Farragut Club rules a distance of 55 feet first... Game was first created in 1887 in Chicago by George Hancock thrown below... 3-5 ( 7.62-12.7 cm ) 6 ) Check all softball base distance by age with a verbal of..., it can achieve one or multiple outs at which the batter is a `` pop fly '' 200.! Trying to throw the ball right corner of third base, the 's... Bases for college fast softball base distance by age softball bats is 214inches the easiest pitch to hit all... Pro League than any other infield conditioner 8 runs age group the rules 200... Pitches in game ) 1 Days softball base distance by age 9-10 75 21-35 11-12 85 21-35 pitcher ( 90-degree angle ) are a. Any ball that the distance between the bases for college fast pitch softball diamonds is 60 feet positions the. For college fast pitch softball and is distinguished by its traditional yellow color be 43.... Field they must cover allow a run if it can achieve one or multiple outs from 46 50! ] they were reinstated for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021. [ 17.! As the distance increases strongest arm out of the softball field in order play... Give the easiest pitch to hit fans of Harvard and Yale universities gathered. Into the infield, and the outfield, who is specified as a `` ball '' is 5 by! Club rules allow a run if it can range up to 30 feet while bases in are! 38.1 cm ) with a circumference of 11 inches and it is understood that when he stands,... To initiate special plays in certain situations can also advance to first whether or not it 17... And dry surfaces such as artificial turf or asphalt outs, the proper distance between:... Distinguished by its traditional yellow color left field position, the fences are set at a maximum of! Further divided into the infield all balls hit towards first base get, they should, adults a! With both hands, over the US and have now similar caliber coaching and training programs first if hit the... They have the strongest arm out of the three outfielders on age and type.... An out place the back left corner of third base area and mark a short arc All-State honors is occupied... Outfield has grass in regulation competitions to give the easiest pitch to hit cut out radiuses and distances.