Field of Play
Softball is played on a large grass and dirt field. The field includes fair territory inside the two foul lines and foul territory outside the foul lines. Softball fields have some common characteristics:
Bases: A softball “diamond” consists of four bases placed in a square. The bases are 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and home plate.
Infield: The area around the four bases, the surface of which is generally grass and packed dirt.
Outfield: The grassy area beyond the infield.
Foul lines: Two lines (first and third base line) that distinguish fair territory from foul territory. A ball that hits the foul line is called fair.
Foul poles: Poles stationed at the end of each foul line to distinguish fair territory from foul territory for balls hit over the outfield fence. A ball that hits the foul pole is a home run.
Pitcher’s mound: The raised area in the middle of the diamond from which the pitcher throws the ball.
Batter’s box: Box marked with chalk near home plate that a batter must stay within while batting.
Positions
Two teams compete in each softball game. Nine players man the field, while nine batters hit in a predetermined order for each team, know as the “batting order” or “lineup.” The players who have defensive positions, often called “fielders,” are the same ones that bat during the other half of the inning. The nine defensive positions can be grouped into two general categories: infielders and outfielders.
Infielders
Pitcher: Pitches the ball from the pitcher’s mound to the catcher.
Catcher: Crouches behind home plate and receives pitches thrown by the pitcher. Also receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at home plate.
First baseman: “Fields,” or defends, balls hit near the 1st base line. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 1st base.
Second baseman: Fields balls hit near 2nd base. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 2nd base. Often involved in a double-play.
Third baseman: Fields balls hit near the 3rd base line. Receives throws from other fielders attempting to make outs at 3rd base.
Shortstop: Fields balls hit between the second baseman and third baseman. Covers 2nd base when the ball is hit to the second baseman.
Outfielders
Three outfielders — left fielder, center fielderand right fielder— attempt to catch balls hit into their portion of the outfield. Balls hit to the outfield are generally ground balls or fly balls hit past the infield.
Other
Some teams also use a designated player that bats for one fielder and does not play a position on the field. Other positions include substitute players who may be introduced, called “pinch hitters” who replace a batter, or “pinch runners” who replace a base runner. Once a player has been substituted, she may not return.
Softball is played on a large grass and dirt field. The field includes fair territory inside the two foul lines and foul territory outside the foul lines. Softball fields have some common characteristics:
Bases: A softball “diamond” consists of four bases placed in a square. The bases are 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and home plate.
Infield: The area around the four bases, the surface of which is generally grass and packed dirt.
Outfield: The grassy area beyond the infield.
Foul lines: Two lines (first and third base line) that distinguish fair territory from foul territory. A ball that hits the foul line is called fair.
Foul poles: Poles stationed at the end of each foul line to distinguish fair territory from foul territory for balls hit over the outfield fence. A ball that hits the foul pole is a home run.
Pitcher’s mound: The raised area in the middle of the diamond from which the pitcher throws the ball.
Batter’s box: Box marked with chalk near home plate that a batter must stay within while batting.
Positions
Two teams compete in each softball game. Nine players man the field, while nine batters hit in a predetermined order for each team, know as the “batting order” or “lineup.” The players who have defensive positions, often called “fielders,” are the same ones that bat during the other half of the inning. The nine defensive positions can be grouped into two general categories: infielders and outfielders.
Infielders
Pitcher: Pitches the ball from the pitcher’s mound to the catcher.
Catcher: Crouches behind home plate and receives pitches thrown by the pitcher. Also receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at home plate.
First baseman: “Fields,” or defends, balls hit near the 1st base line. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 1st base.
Second baseman: Fields balls hit near 2nd base. Receives throws from fielders attempting to make outs at 2nd base. Often involved in a double-play.
Third baseman: Fields balls hit near the 3rd base line. Receives throws from other fielders attempting to make outs at 3rd base.
Shortstop: Fields balls hit between the second baseman and third baseman. Covers 2nd base when the ball is hit to the second baseman.
Outfielders
Three outfielders — left fielder, center fielderand right fielder— attempt to catch balls hit into their portion of the outfield. Balls hit to the outfield are generally ground balls or fly balls hit past the infield.
Other
Some teams also use a designated player that bats for one fielder and does not play a position on the field. Other positions include substitute players who may be introduced, called “pinch hitters” who replace a batter, or “pinch runners” who replace a base runner. Once a player has been substituted, she may not return.