Softball is a team sport that has many similarities with baseball, but also some differences. Softball is considered a safer and more accessible sport that can be played by people of different ages, genders and physical abilities. In this article, we will tell you how softball was created, what are the rules of playing it, and why it is so popular in many countries around the world.
Table of Contents
How softball was created
Softball was created in the United States in 1887, when a group of students decided to have fun after watching a football game. They took a boxing ball, a baseball bat and started playing in an indoor space. At first, the game was called mushball (from the English word mush – nonsense) or kittenball (from the English word kitten – kitten), because it was considered silly and easy. In the 1920s, the game got its modern name – softball (from the English word softball – soft ball), because they started to use a special ball that was bigger and softer than a baseball.
In 1965, the International Softball Federation was founded, which brings together national softball federations from different countries. Softball became an Olympic sport in 1996 for women’s teams, and since then regular World and Continental Softball Championships have been held. In 2020, softball returned to the Olympic program, and men’s and women’s softball competitions took place in Tokyo.
What are the rules of playing softball
Softball is a team sport that is played by two teams of 9-10 players. The game takes place on a special field, which has the shape of a quarter of a circle and is divided into two parts: inner and outer. In the corners of the inner part of the field there are four bases, one of which is called home. In the center of the field there is a round platform where the player who throws the ball stands – the pitcher. Opposite him, behind the home base, stands the player who catches the ball – the catcher. The rest of the players of the defending team are placed on the field so that they can catch the balls hit by the attacking team.
The game consists of seven parts called innings. Each inning is divided into two halves: top and bottom. In the top half, the defending team throws the ball and the attacking team hits it. In the bottom half, the teams change roles. The goal of the attacking team is to hit the ball and run around all the bases, returning to the home. For each such round the team gets one point. The goal of the defending team is to prevent the attacking team from scoring points by catching the ball in the air or making an out on the base. An out is a situation when a player of the attacking team does not have time to reach the base or goes out of the field. When the defending team makes three outs, the half ends. The game continues until all innings are played or until one team scores more points than the other.
Softball has several types that differ in the way the ball is thrown. In a fast pitch, the pitcher throws the ball with high speed and different spins, making it hard to hit. In a slow pitch, the pitcher throws the ball slowly and with a high trajectory, making it easy to hit but hard to run around the bases. In a modified pitch, the pitcher throws the ball at medium speed and with little spin, making the game more balanced.
Who can participate in softball
Softball is a sport that is suitable for people of different ages, genders and physical abilities. Softball does not require special equipment or a court, just a ball, a bat, a glove and a helmet. Softball develops skills such as agility, alertness, endurance, team spirit and strategic thinking. Softball also improves health as it is a good cardio workout and improves coordination. Softball is a great way to spend time with friends, family or co-workers and enjoy the game and competition.
Read Also:
- Advantages of Engaging in Pickleball
- Sports Games Requiring Physical Strength and Intelligence
- Games that Contribute to the Development of Intelligence
