Softball - what is it? Rules of the game, equipment

Softball - what is it? In fact, the game is a lightweight version of baseball. In the course of the competition, participants are more sparing physical activities. In addition, softball, a photo of which can be seen in the material presented, is characterized by reduced injuries.

A short excursion into the history

Softball was born in the late 19th century in the United States. Initially, the game was called "kittenball", or "mashball". The modern name sporting entertainment acquired only in 1920. It was at this time that the International Softball Federation was officially founded.

Competitions between national teams are 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. Thus, international competitions in the presented discipline were organized in world forums between 1996 and 2008.

How popular was the soft spaces in the domestic space? What this is, a wide audience in our country learned in 1987, after organizing a number of tournaments in Tashkent, Krasnoyarsk and Belgorod. The only USSR championship was held in the 1991 season. Currently, domestic softball players regularly take part in the largest 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 batting of the bat, the guest, the defending side, is engaged in the bat. In the second part of the inning - home team.

Pitcher continues to throw the game projectile to the participant with a bat to three misses, until the batterer is not in touch or until the ball falls into the strike zone. To get out of the running opponent after successfully hitting the shell, the serving side needs to catch the ball, 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 make a run around the playing field and return back to the home base. If successful, the team gets a point in their favor.

When does the softball game end? The rules of the game assume the calculation of points scored based on the results of 7 played innings. If the score is the same for both teams, additional time is assigned.

Ball

What is used as a projectile for playing softball? The ball has a softer, pliable structure than baseball, which fully corresponds to the concept of soft. At the same time, it has large dimensions. Large sizes make it much easier to hit the softball with a bat.

There are differences between the above sports and in the method of supplying the game shell. So, in softball, the ball is thrown from the bottom, and in baseball - from the top.

Glove

The main subject of softball equipment is bit and glove. The latter is put on by the players of the serving party. A glove made of genuine leather is produced. It is worn on the right hand of the left-handers and accordingly - on the left-hand side of the right-handers.

A new glove necessarily needs to be pre-worn before use during the game. It is required for softening the skin. For this purpose, the glove is left to lie down in the sun, rubbed with oil or placed in a preheated oven for a while.

Catcher - a player who is located in the strike zone behind the slugger, - wears a special glove designed to capture fast, strongly aimed balls when filed.

Bit

In softball, the length, dimensions and weight of the bits are selected by each player individually, according to the parameters of the body. There are several recommendations that allow you to determine the appropriate means for knocking the ball:

1. To find the right length, it's enough to straighten to full length and lower the bat. If the end of the product touches the ground lightly, a suitable model is chosen. When a player has to drag a bat to the court on an outstretched hand or lift the elbow, in this case the game shell is too long or short.
2. 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 novice players, because they have a dense structure, good aerodynamics and light weight, which makes it easier to break the ball.

Sport shoes

For playing softball boots with plastic or rubber studs are used. Metal elements on the sole are prohibited by the rules. The use of such footwear is fraught with causing injury to the opponent during slipping towards the game bases.

Protective equipment

Playing softball is quite traumatic. Therefore, without exception, all participants must wear protective helmets. If the player is entrusted with the role of the catcher, then in addition he needs equipment that prevents casual shocks to his chin and chest.

Finally

So we figured out how to play softball, what it is. Finally, it should be noted that sports entertainment is popular with schoolchildren in Western countries. As a rule, softball is considered by young athletes as a good preparation for professional training in baseball.