Chapter 1: The Fundamentals & Rules of Fastpitch Softball
Chapter 1, Section One: Before We Begin
If you are a new experience or have very little fastpitch experience, you're questions are probably basic ones. What's interesting is that the answers you first get to these basic questions influence your entire career in fastpitch softball. So, in many ways, the questions you are asking now are the most important questions you will ever ask.
This is the primary reason for this e-Manual. All too often, these basics questions are never asked. Many players think they will be showing how little they know about the game by asking questions; or they're too shy; or because they don't have someone to ask.
So, let's start with with one of those basic questions: What position should I play. If you are new to the sport the answer is easy. Play them all. Take your first year or two playing as many positions as you can. Learn softball by playing all the positions. It won't take long before you begin to have favorite positions. As you grow older in the sport, it is likely that you will specialize in one or two positions. The coach will recognize your skills and your position preferences. At some point, the position you work the hardest to master will become your permanent home.
Four important things to
remember: 
- The pitcher is NOT the most player on the field. It takes a whole team to win a game. In a game where pitching is about equal, the team that plays the best team defense will probably win.
- Take the time to play every position on the field. You'll find one you love.
- Never be timid about telling your coach what position(s) you would like to learn.
- Likewise, don't be afraid to try a position your coach suggest even if you never considered it before. He may have seen a skill you didn't even know you had.
Section 2: Rules of the Game
No attempt will be made here to cover all the rules of Fastpitch Softball. There are rules for the game published by ASA, NSA, Little League, and Babe Ruth national organizations. Depending upon the affilitation of the team you are associated with rule books can be purchased for exact details. In reality, many rules for Fastpitch Softball are regional or league specific. National rules are most strictly enforced when the games are national qualifiers. There are, however, many similarities that can be covered in this section. This generalization is being made to give the first time player and parent some idea of what to expect. Again, the following rules are generalizations. Talk to your coach for the specific rules your team follows.
- Games are normally 7 innings in length
- Extra innings are played to resolve ties occurring at the end of regulation play
- It is not unusual for games to have 90 or 120 minute time limits. No new inning is allowed to start after the time limit has been reached. The team ahead at that time is declared the winner.
- It is common for games to have mercy rules for ending a game (for example it is not unusual for games to be ended after 5 innings if one team has a lead of 10 or more runs.
- "Dropped Third Strike" - If the catcher drops a third strike pitch with no runner on 1st base, the batter can attempt to run to first before being tagged out or before the ball reaches 1st base.
- Pitching must be underhand in motion. Pitcher must begin her motion with both feet touching the pitching rubber. One foot must remain in contact with the rubber when the ball is pitched. Dragging the push off foot in continuous contact with the ground is considered to be in contact with the rubber.
- The pitcher's rubber is 35 feet from Home plate for teams younger that 14-and-under. For all other team ages, the distance from the pitcher's rubber and Home plate is 40 feet.
- Batter takes 1st base when struck by the pitch.
- A runner can leave her base to steal another base once the ball has left the pitcher's hand. (Little League softball requires that the runner wait until the ball has passed the plate.)
- On close plays at any base (except 1st base) the runner MUST slide to avoid collision.
- Bats used must be certified for Softball use.
These are only a brief overview of the rules that are unique to fastpitch softball. ASA, NSA, Little League and Babe Ruth League rules have specific differences. Each organization has an official rule book that you can purchase or view on-line. One such on-line rule book is provided by the National Softball Association at www.nsasoftball.com/rulebook.htm. For those new to the sport, take some time to look at this book to better understand the level of detail the rules cover and to find specific answers to your questions.
It is hoped that the other national organizations will follow the NSA example and place their rule books within easy player, coach and parent reach.
Chapter 1, Section Two: The Field of Play
Again, the Field of Play information below is generalized and may be slightly different than the fields your teams encounter.
- The infield is "skimmed" to eliminate all grass.
- The distance from Home plate to the outfield fences is 200 feet.
- The distance from Home plate to 1st Base is 60 feet.
- The distance from Home plate to the pitcher's rubber is 35 feet or 40 feet depending on team's age bracket.
- Unlike baseball, the pitcher's area in fastpitch softball is at the same level as the rest of the infield (no raised mound).
- The distance between Home plate and the backstop is a 15 feet minimum. This is one of the most abused rules you see during your season. Some fields have as little as 8 feet between home plate and the backstop. This, in essence, becomes a tenth player to nearly eliminate the possibility of stealing.
- Two umpires are usually required for league and national qualifying tournament games. It is not uncommon for only one umpire to be used for scrimmage or local league games.
If you have information you would like to add to this section, just click on the lightbulb for more directions and to enter the email area. If you have graphics to supply, they can be added as attachments to your email.
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