Softball is a fun and beautiful game… the best sport in the world !!!!!
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Basic Concepts
Step 1. Differences with baseball
Softball and baseball are two variations of the same game but with some differences. The primary one is that the ball is received on hand while in baseball in reverse. As the name suggests, there is also a difference in the type of ball.
- Softballs are larger and a little heavier albeit with a lower density. They are usually a phosphorescent green or yellow as well as classic white.
- Softball fields are usually smaller than baseball fields, and the game lasts seven innings instead of nine.
- Softball clubs are shorter but wider.
Step 2. Difference between fast cast and slow cast
There are two ways to play softball with a slight difference. In general, however, they follow the same rules.
- The slow throw game is this mixed game and as the name suggests the ball is thrown in a slow parabola in the air.
- The fast cast is mainly played by women and the difference is in the cast, very fast and with a wide parabola.
Step 3. Rules
Each game consists of seven innings, each divided into two halves. The first half is the one in which the guests knock. The other instead sees the local team at bat. Each half is played until there are three eliminated.
- The pitcher will throw the ball until one of the following happens. He gets three strikes, meaning the ball lands in the strike zone and the batter doesn't catch it; concedes four balls, i.e. throws out of the strike zone, or the batter hits the ball.
- To take out a batter, the pitcher can throw three strikes, or a fielder can catch a poorly tapped ball. In this case the batter is automatically called out even if the ball was foul.
- To eliminate a batter, the outsiders are responsible for the timing. Once they have the ball, one option is to physically touch the player running between the bases. Another is to force catch by throwing the ball towards the base the player is running to (first base is always the safest for this).
- The batters start at home plate, knock the ball back and attempt to run to the next base and then return to home plate. Each time an opposing player returns to home plate, he scores one point.
- At the end of the seventh inning the team with the most points wins. In case of a tie, you can choose to leave the result as it is or play extra innings until one of the teams scores more points.
Step 4. Locations
When a team is on the pitch, each player occupies a specific position from which they will not move unless directed by the coach. There are two parts of the field: internal and external.
- The inner is the section between the pitcher, the catcher, first, second and third bases.
- The outside is the grass section of the pitch where there are three positions: left fielder, midfielder and right fielder. Depending on the league or game, the halfback can be divided into two sub-positions: right and left.
- Although pitcher and catcher are internal, they are special positions that require practice even outside the court itself. In fact, these two players often train alone compared to the rest of the team.
Method 2 of 5: Equipment
Step 1. Choose the glove
The glove is useful when you are not at the beat. It is made of leather and is worn on the secondary hand (the one you don't write with).
- If you buy a new one, you will have to 'break' it to take away the stiffness given by the new leather. There are many ways to do this, including cooking it in an oven with a particular oil or leaving it alone and playing with it a lot.
- The catcher uses a glove on purpose, so if you are interested in this position you will have to adjust accordingly.
Step 2. Mace
Softball clubs are not all the same and must be chosen to suit the player individually. When looking for one, you need to look at three primary factors: length, weight, and style.
- To find a club that is the right length, stand straight and hold it for the thickest end. If you can hold it with your arm in the normal position (without stretching it) and the club touches the ground well, then it's the right length for you. If you have to bend your elbow and stretch out then it's too short.
- To find out if it is the right weight, look for the 'drop'. This term refers to the numerical difference between height and weight (with the customary metric system). The drop varies from -8 to -12. The lightest clubs (close to -12) are for weak or slow hitters. The heavier ones (near -8) are better for the strong hitters.
- Softball bats come in two types: aluminum and compound. Both great for beginners and professionals, but aluminum ones are the most used. There are also single and double layer. The latter cost less but are a little less effective.
Step 3. Batting helmet
Playing softball, especially the long throw version, can be dangerous if you don't take the right precautions. Most leagues require hitters to wear a helmet but even if they don't, it would always be better to have one.
Step 4. Shoes
Studded shoes are used in most sports and are great for ensuring a better grip between bases or on the pitch. For softball, buy shoes with plastic or rubber cleats. Metal ones are banned because they can injure the player against whom the runner can get on.
Step 5. Additional equipment
You will need batting gloves that help avoid the friction of the club and ensure a better grip, as well as special clothing and uniforms. If you are a receiver you will also need to purchase the armor made of plastron for the chest and shin guards.
Method 3 of 5: Learn to Beat
Step 1. Learn the correct posture
When you are at bat, it is not enough to simply stand on the plate. there are some precise positions to keep in mind.
- Feet go shoulder-width apart and even. Don't keep them one ahead and one further back.
- Bend your knees and put your weight forward on your feet. The shoulders must not go up and down but be slightly bent forward.
- Put your weight on your back foot. When you tap, you will push back one leg and that will give you strength.
- Calculate the right distance from the plate. To know how far you can go, hold the club in front of you perpendicular to your body as if you were beating. Back off or move closer to the plate so that the club body is centered over the plate.
Step 2. Hold the club in the right position
When you take the club, you should hold it near the end. Your hands should never be resting against the base or touching the metal on top but about halfway down.
- Line up your knuckles and make sure your hands are touching as you squeeze the club.
- When lifting the club, you should never hold it straight up or horizontally in the air. Give it a slight angle behind your shoulder.
- Make sure you hold it far enough away, with your hands parallel to your ear.
Step 3. Prepare for movement
Control your position and hold the club correctly as you bend your knees.
Step 4. To strike, swing
When doing this move, keep the club straight and don't try to run after the ball. Always wait for a good shot because swinging you could hit a strike if you miss it or a bad serve if you hit it.
- When rocking, remember to rock "shoulder to shoulder." This means that your chin starts from one position above towards the dominant shoulder and then ends towards the opposite shoulder.
- Rock with power. When hitting the ball, do not throw the club as soon as it touches it as you will lose power. Use all your strength and complete the movement.
- Move your feet. Some batters prefer to take a small step with the front foot but the rear foot must always remain on the ground. Instead, you can use the technique known as "squash the bug". Basically, pivot on the sole part of the front foot as if you were actually crushing an insect.
- Rotate your body. A good hitter is not rigid in the movements of the torso that will follow the hands and feet. This way you will give more power to the rotation.
- Keep your eyes on the ball. Never look away, other players or the field. Instead, keep your eyes on the ball.
- Once you hit it, don't throw the bat. Gently drop it off the baseline so no one will trip over it.
Step 5. As soon as the move is complete, go to first base
The aim is to get there so try to be fast.
- Whether it's a foul ball or a nice shot, take a couple of quick steps to first base.
- Don't stand there watching where the ball goes. Always run to first base: if you made a mistake, your player will tell you where to go back to first.
Method 4 of 5: Learn to Throw
Step 1. Before throwing, extend your arm
If you don't warm up your muscles before the game, it's easy to get hurt.
Step 2. Practice closely first
While it's often easy to get caught up in ambition and want to start from the maximum distance, it's best not to. If you start from such a distance you can increase the chances of getting hurt and you will almost certainly make bad throws.
- Then start from two meters. Even if it seems too close to you, your arm needs to get used to the throw before moving away.
- To learn the ABC, practice by kneeling and holding the elbow of the arm with which you throw. This way you will be forced into the right position as your wrist flips. After a while, you can get up.
- After about twenty throws you can take a few steps back from the target. Obviously, never exaggerate.
Step 3. Maintain the correct position
The shoulder of the throwing arm must face the target. You will need to stay perpendicular to the launch line when starting.
- Feet should be shoulder-width apart and not off-balance.
- To make a throw, hold the ball in the center of the glove near your chest. Obviously tight.
Step 4. Grab the ball correctly
The best way to get it is between the fingers resting on the seams.
Step 5. Charge with your arm and launch
Starting with the arm down, make a movement towards the sky then backwards.
- Avoid keeping your elbow straight as if you were using a slingshot or arrow. It would limit the strength of the movement making it difficult to cover the distance.
- Don't worry about bringing your arm back down next to your hip. Raise it and throw using the twisting motion of your body.
Step 6. Aim for the target
If you are the catcher you have to throw towards the partner's chest. Same thing if you are a median.
Step 7. Launch
Bring your arm down and back then raise it passing your head to charge. Release the ball when your arm is fully extended in front of you, perpendicular to your body.
- Finish the cast correctly. The hand should go to the opposite thigh once you have released the ball.
- Whenever you throw, turn your back and head towards the target. Check eye contact to help your body muscles orient in that direction. If you look elsewhere the launch will suffer.
- Take a small step with your front foot and use your back foot as a pivot.
- Use your gloved hand to aim at the target then drop it to your side. After each throw, the glove should be resting on your side.
Step 8. Don't worry about speed
The most important thing about casting is accuracy, not speed or strength. When starting out, focus on aiming rather than speed.
Method 5 of 5: Learn to Receive
Step 1. Hold the glove correctly
When you are a catcher it is important that the glove is in front of you close to the chest.
- Never hold it so you can see the inside of the wrist and with the tip looking down. If you catch a ball by holding it this way it could hit you in the face.
- Avoid holding the glove vertically as you will not have a good grip and the ball will slide down.
- Keep it open instead so that the ball has room. If your glove is partially closed, the ball will hit the end and fall to the ground.
Step 2. Get in position
In this case, the best one involves the knees slightly bent and the torso a little forward on the feet. This way you will be able to swing in any direction to catch a ball that does not have a straight trajectory.
- Never keep your elbows on your knees when you are in a waiting position because you would lock your legs.
- Keeping your feet too close could also cause you to trip, fatiguing you when you have to catch a long ball.
- Always watch the ball. Softballs, contrary to what the name implies, are tough if they hit you. Make sure you always have your glove ready.
Step 3. Catch the ball
The best way to learn how to catch it is to throw it back and forth while in the waiting position and holding the glove correctly.
- To start, have your balls roll towards your chest. This is the best tactic for learning to receive and will help you warm up.
- Squeeze the ball in your glove every time you catch it to keep it from rolling away.
- Ask those who train with you to start with gentle throws. This way you will get used to the contact.
Step 4. Learn to grab ground balls
They are those throws that are countered or rolled on the field. Since they are not in the air, there is a different take.
- Get into the waiting position but instead of holding the mitt to your chest, hold it to the ground. The tip should touch the ground or grass so the ball won't roll off.
- Be prepared to sway to both sides as dirt or grass can cause the ball to change direction even at the last moment.
- Although the glove should be open towards the ball, point down, do not hold it so the ball rolls off or hits you in the face. Angle it slightly.
- Every time you catch a ball stand up. Do not try to shoot from the ground level position.
Step 5. Learn to take flying jumps
These are those throws in which the ball is high and must be taken standing. They can be dangerous if you don't know how to stop them because the ball can fall and hurt you.
- Keep the mitt close to your face instead of your body. Avoid holding it high in the air as you won't have much control.
- Stay in the waiting position and swing to grab the ball. Never go backwards but rather turn to the side and swing towards where the ball is landing.
- Never 'chase' the catch of the ball, instead position yourself below in order to receive it directly. If you try to 'chase it' it will probably bounce off the tip of the glove or against you.
- Block the sun with the glove before the catch to be able to see where the ball will land.
- Return the ball to your chest before throwing. This will bring your body back into the correct throwing position.
