Softball - what is it? In fact, the game acts as a lite form of baseball. During the competition, the participants are more sparing physical activity. In addition, softball, a photo of which can be seen in the presented material, is characterized by reduced injuries.
A brief excursion into history
Softball originated in the late 19th century in the United States. Initially, the game was called Kittenball, or Mashball. The modern name sports entertainment acquired only in 1920. It was at this time that the International Softball Federation was officially founded.
Competitions between national teams have been held in this sport among men since 1966, and among women since 1965. For some time, softball was included in the program of the Olympic Games. So, international competitions in the discipline presented were organized at world forums from 1996 until 2008.
How popular was softball in domestic spaces? What is this, a wide audience in our country learned in 1987, after organizing a number of tournaments in Tashkent, Krasnoyarsk and Belgorod. The only USSR championship took place in the 1991 season. Currently, domestic softball players regularly take part in major club competitions.
rules
So softball - what is it? The match here consists of 7 innings. Each of them is divided into two halves. In the first hit of the ball, the guest, the defending side, is engaged in the bat. In the second part of the inning - the home team.
The pitcher continues to throw a projectile to a participant with a bat with up to three misses, until the bouncer is out or until the ball falls into the strike zone. To put a running opponent out after a successful hit of the projectile, the serving side needs to catch the ball, and then deliver it to the base where the player is aiming.
Participants of the defending team try to hit the ball, after which they try to jog around the playing field and return back to their home base. If successful, the team receives a point in their favor.
When does softball play end? The rules of the game assume the calculation of points scored according to the results of 7 played innings. If the score is equal for both teams, additional halves are assigned.
Ball
What is used as a softball projectile? The ball here has a softer, more pliable structure than baseball, which fully corresponds to the concept of soft. At the same time, it has large dimensions. Large sizes make it easy to hit the softball with a bat.
There are differences between the above sports and in the method of supplying a projectile. So, in softball it is customary to throw the ball from below, and in baseball - from above.
Glove
The main subject of softball player’s outfit is bat and glove. The latter is worn by players of the serving side. The glove is made of genuine leather. It is worn on the right hand of left-handed people and, accordingly, on the left hand of right-handed people.
A new glove necessarily needs to be worn before use during the game. This is required to soften the skin. For these purposes, the glove is left to lie in the sun, rubbed with oil or for some time placed in a preheated oven.
Ketcher - a player who is located in the strike zone behind the battering opponent - wears a special glove designed to capture fast, strongly directed balls when serving.
Bat
In softball, the length, dimensions and weight of the bat are selected by each player individually, in accordance with the parameters of the body. There are several recommendations that allow you to decide on a suitable means to hit the ball:
- To select the correct length, it is enough to straighten in full growth and lower the bat. If the end of the product slightly touches the ground, a suitable model is selected. When a player has to stretch a bat to the court on an outstretched arm or raise his elbow, in this case the projectile is too long or short.
- There are several varieties of bits on the market. Some are made of combined materials, others are made of aluminum. The latter are especially good for beginner players, because they have a dense structure, good aerodynamics and light weight, which makes it easier to hit the ball.
Sport shoes
To play softball, boots with plastic or rubber spikes are used. Outsole metal elements are prohibited by the rules. The use of such shoes is fraught with injury to the opponent while sliding towards the game bases.
Protective equipment
Playing softball is pretty traumatic. Therefore, without exception, participants are required to wear protective helmets. If the player is entrusted with the role of a catcher, in this case, he additionally needs equipment that protects against accidental blows to the chin and chest.
Finally
So we figured out how to play softball, what it is. In conclusion, it is worth noting that sports entertainment is popular mainly among schoolchildren in Western countries. As a rule, young athletes see softball as a good preparation for their professional baseball experience.