One favorite summer activity for many Americans is joining the summer softball league.  Softball is a team game directly descended from, and sharing most of the rules of, baseball.  It could be seen as baseball’s little sister.  The main differences include a bigger – and usually softer – ball and an underhand pitch as opposed to an overhand pitch.  Positions are often similar.

The one position that softball teams may add that is noticeably absent in baseball is the short center fielder.  This position plays directly behind second base and midway between the center fielder and the base itself.  The added advantage of this position is that the center fielder can play further back, allowing for more coverage and less holes across the field.

Softball can be played either fast pitch or slow pitch.  Aside from the speed of the ball, the most stunning visual difference is the arc the pitch takes to get to the plate.  In fast pitch the ball is sent in a mostly horizontal line from the pitcher to the catcher.  In slow pitch, the ball is required to take a highly arcing course and as a result the pitch is much slower.  Often, these pitches are called floaters.  The strike zone for these pitches is also quite different.

The ball itself can range anywhere from twelve to sixteen inches.  The smallest softballs are quite hard despite their name and require a mitt in order to catch them.  The sixteen inch balls and other larger sizes are quite soft.  These are often too big for a mitt, and so the game is played with bare hands.

Aside from these main similarities, each league is often customized to the players involved.  Each softball league has their own rules about certain aspects of the game like stealing and lead-offs.  Some leagues are held indoors while some remain outdoor only leagues.  Different versions of softball can be played co-ed, all male or all female.  Some leagues have age restrictions.  With all of the different options, it’s important to know what type of league you want to play for.