Fastpitch Softball Rules:
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The baseline softball rules should be the next thing every player learns. Things like the name of the bases, what constitutes an out. The distance of the bases and proper direction to run. What is the foul line or baseline. How many innings in a game and how many outs per inning.
The softball field layout is also a good thing to know, particularly as it affects the pitching distance based on age or league level. In some recreation leagues, it is expected of the coach to also be able to chalk the field. Knowing this information will help make the process a bit easier. In addition, understanding the layout of the field may also determine how you play in certain offensive or defensive situations. Not understanding the size of the field will put your team at a disadvantage to more experienced teams.
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Believe it or not, softball positions and number of players on the field at a time may also vary depending on league fastpitch softball rules and age group. And what is the difference between the designated hitter versus designated player? Substitution rules will also be discussed. Is a player out of the game if she is hit for? Is a player out of the game if she is pinched run for? In addition, things like who is backing up on a particular play or who should cover a base are all things that need to be factored into your thinking. As an example, with a runner at first with less than two outs, if the batter is bunting, who covers third? Some coaches would expect the third baseman to cover third, but if the bunt is up the third baseline, who will get the bunt? If it is the third baseman, then who covers third to prevent the runner on first from taking third? On the other side of the field, if I know the third baseman is going to be covering third on a bunt, guess where I am having my batter bunt the ball. This is all part of the chess match that is fastpitch softball.
As you build your team, you must consider the type of softball players you have. How many softball players should be carried per team? Too many, and how do you get everyone playing time; too few and what happens if you suddenly have players sick or injured? What should you look for in a softball player? How do you determine who hits where in your line-up? Where do you put your "weakest" hitter? In baseball it is always seems to be in the ninth spot. Is that the same for softball? In the field, how do you deploy the different players you have? Where would the faster players play? Where do you need more skilled players? Is there any position that you can afford to play a weaker player? Again, difficult questions, but with an understanding of the basic rules of softball and how they impact how you deploy your players, a simple framework can be established.
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To get a more in depth review of fastpitch softball rules, the best source is the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA). The ASA is generally recognized by most softball related organizations as the overall rule making and governing body. The ASA has placed the ASA Code online. You will also find the proposed rule changes for the coming season located on this same page. Most organizations will take the ASA rules and tweak the rules to fit the situation. As an example, in most of the younger leagues, stealing is prohibited. As the girls get older, stealing (and lead off of the base) is permitted only after the ball crosses home plate, and then finally, stealing (and lead off of the base) is permitted upon release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand.
To see an example how of how ASA fastpitch softball rules gets propagated across all of softball, a few years ago no softball player had to where a face mask. After a few sad incidents where a batter was hit in the face with a ball, either as a result of a direct pitch or off of a bunt/foul ball, the ASA made the wearing of a facemask required. Today, most leagues and teams where the facemask at the younger through high school levels.
For additional information on the various topics of fastpitch softball coaching, check out our Coach's Aids section. You will find books and DVDs that are broken down between overall coaching, pitching and catching, hitting and fielding.
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