About softball

What is softball?

Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams. It is a direct descendent of baseball although there are some key differences. Softballs are larger than baseballs (10-12 inches in circumference), the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand, and softball is played on a smaller diamond than baseball.

Despite the game's name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact it is harder than a baseball.

Softball is played between two teams on a large field, with nine players from one team on the field at a time. There are four bases on the infield (first base, second base, third base and home plate). Near the centre of this square is the pitcher's circle.

The object of the game is to score more runs than the other team by hitting a ball into play and running around the bases, touching each one in succession.

The sport is played by both male and female players at club, state, national and international level. Most recently, Australia has won the men's world softball championship in 2022 and the U23 men's world championship in 2023.

 

The rules of softball

Click here for more information on the offical playing rules, or watch the below video for an overview.

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