MAXINE LOMBOY

BSIT 2-4
PATHFIT BSAB 2-1
Activity 1

1. History of SOFTBALL
oftball originated in Chicago in 1887, when a group of men at the Farragut Boat Club
decided to create a new indoor game to play during the winter months. They used a
smaller, softer version of a baseball and played on a smaller field. This game came to
be called "indoor baseball".

The game quickly gained popularity, and by the early 1900s, it was being played
outdoors as well. In 1933, the first official rules for softball were published, and the
sport began to grow rapidly. The first women's softball league was formed in 1934,
and the sport quickly became a popular pastime for women.

Softball became a popular sport played in schools and recreation leagues. It was also
adopted by the military, and softball games were played by soldiers in World War II.

In 1964, softball was officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic

Committee (IOC), and it was added to the Olympic Games in 1996. Softball became a
popular sport globally.

Today, softball is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a popular sport in
schools, recreation leagues, and competitive leagues, as well as a popular pastime for
families and friends.

2. Terminologies
Basic Terms:

Batter: The player who is at bat.

Pitcher: The player who throws the ball to the batter.
Catcher: The player who stands behind home plate and catches the ball if the batter
misses it.
Infield: The area of the field inside the bases.
Outfield: The area of the field outside the bases.
Base: One of the four stations that runners must touch in order to score a run.
Home Plate: The square plate where the batter stands.
Strike: A pitch that is called by the umpire to be a strike. A batter can be called out
after three strikes.
Ball: A pitch that is not called a strike. A batter can get a "walk" after four balls.
Run: A point scored by a runner completing a full circuit of all four bases.
Out: A way for a batter or runner to be removed from the game. There are three outs
per inning.
Inning: A portion of the game where each team gets a chance to bat. A game is
usually played over seven innings.
Foul Ball: A ball that lands outside the foul lines.
Fielding Positions:

First Base: The position on the first base.

Second Base: The position on the second base.
Third Base: The position on the third base.
Shortstop: The position between second and third base.
Left Field: The position in the left outfield.
Center Field: The position in the center outfield.
Right Field: The position in the right outfield.

Hitting Terms:

Hit: When the batter successfully hits the ball and it is not caught by a fielder.
Single: A hit that allows the batter to reach first base.
Double: A hit that allows the batter to reach second base.
Triple: A hit that allows the batter to reach third base.
Home Run: A hit that allows the batter to hit the ball over the outfield fence and reach
home plate, scoring a run.
Strikeout: When a batter receives three strikes and is called out.

Other Terms:

Stolen Base: When a runner advances to the next base without the ball being hit.
Force Out: When a batter or runner is forced to run to the next base.
Tag Out: When a runner is tagged with the ball while not on a base.

3. Fielding groundballs
1. Approach:

Get Low: Bend your knees and drop your hips to get low to the ground. This will help
you field the ball cleanly and quickly.
Field the Ball with Your Glove: Don't try to catch the ball with your bare hand. Use
your glove to scoop up the ball.
Stay Behind the Ball: As the ball approaches, move your feet to get behind the ball.
This will help you field the ball cleanly and avoid a bobble.

2. Fielding the Ball:

Soft Hands: Use soft hands to catch the ball. Don't grip the ball too tightly or you'll
risk dropping it.
Field the Ball in Front of You: Don't let the ball get past you. Field the ball in front of
your body to avoid a bobble.
Quick Release: Once you've fielded the ball, quickly release it to the base. Don't
hesitate or you'll give the runner time to advance.

3. Throwing the Ball:

Throw to the Base: When throwing to a base, aim for the base, not the player. This
will give your teammate the best chance of catching the ball and getting the out.
Accurate Throw: Make sure your throw is accurate. A wild throw can allow the
runner to advance or even score a run.
Strong Throw: Throw the ball with enough force to reach the base. A weak throw can
be easily caught by the runner.

4. Fielding flyballs
1. Anticipation and Tracking:

Early Assessment: As the ball leaves the bat, quickly assess its trajectory. Is it a high
fly ball, a line drive, or a pop-up? This initial judgment will guide your positioning1.
Eyes on the Ball: Keep your eyes fixed on the ball throughout its flight. This is vital
for judging its path and making adjustments as needed. Don't let your gaze wander,
even for a moment1.
Call for the Ball: If you're the designated fielder, call for the ball loudly and clearly to
avoid confusion with teammates. This ensures everyone knows who's responsible for
the catch1.

2. Getting into Position:

Backpedal or Sprint: Depending on the ball's trajectory, you'll either backpedal or

sprint to get under the ball. Backpedal smoothly to avoid losing your balance, and
sprint with purpose to cover ground quickly2.
Camped Position: If possible, aim to get into a "camped" position, meaning you're
lined up with the ball's path, ready to catch it as it descends. This maximizes your
chances of a clean catch2.
Glove Forward: Keep your glove slightly forward, ready to catch the ball. This allows
for quick adjustments as the ball approaches1.

3. Catching the Ball:

Soft Hands: Use soft hands to catch the ball. Don't squeeze too tightly, as this can
cause the ball to bounce out of your glove. Let the ball settle into your glove1.
Two-Handed Catch: For high fly balls or pop-ups, use both hands to secure the catch.
This provides more stability and control2.
Sliding Catch: If you're approaching a fence or the ball is lower than expected, use a
sliding motion to get under the ball. This helps you avoid collisions and catch the ball
cleanly2.

4. Throwing the Ball:

Quick Release: After making the catch, quickly release the ball to the base. Don't
hesitate, as this can allow runners to advance1.
Accurate Throw: Aim for the base, not the player. This gives your teammate the best
chance of catching the ball and getting the out. A wild throw can lead to errors1.
Strong Throw: Throw the ball with enough force to reach the base. A weak throw can
be easily caught by the runner1.
5. Throwing & catching
Throwing:

Grip: Hold the ball with your index finger and middle finger along the seams, with
your thumb on the opposite side. This grip provides a firm grip and allows for better
control.
Windup: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, your weight balanced, and your
throwing arm cocked back. Bring your throwing arm forward in a smooth, fluid
motion, using your whole body for power.
Release: Release the ball at the highest point of your arm’s arc, aiming for your target.
Let your wrist snap at the release point to add extra velocity.
Follow-Through: After releasing the ball, follow through with your arm, finishing
with your hand pointing towards your target. This helps ensure accuracy and stability.
Accuracy: Practice throwing to bases, aiming for the corner of the base to give your
teammate a better chance of catching the ball. Accuracy is key to preventing runners
from advancing.
Velocity: Develop a strong throwing arm by practicing regularly. Focus on throwing
with proper technique to maximize speed and control.

Catching:

Ready Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and
your glove in front of you, ready to catch the ball.
Anticipation: Watch the ball closely as it approaches. Anticipate its path and adjust
your position accordingly.
Soft Hands: Use soft hands to catch the ball. Don't grip too tightly, as this can cause
the ball to bounce out of your glove. Let the ball settle into your glove.
Two-Handed Catch: For throws with higher velocity, use both hands to catch the ball.
This provides more stability and control.
Body Position: Keep your body in front of the ball, with your glove facing the
thrower. This helps prevent the ball from bouncing out of your glove.
Catch and Throw: After catching the ball, quickly release it to the next base to prevent
runners from advancing. Practice catching and throwing in a smooth, fluid motion.

6. Rules and regulations

Objective of the Game:

The objective of softball is to score more runs than the opposing team. A run is scored
when a batter hits the ball and successfully circles all four bases without being called
out. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins1.

Players and Equipment:

Each team consists of 9 players1.

Teams can be mixed gender or single-sex1.
Players use bats (wood or aluminum), gloves, helmets, and other protective gear3.

Field Dimensions:
The field is diamond-shaped with four bases: home plate, first base, second base, and
third base2.
The distance between bases is typically 60 feet2.
The outfield fence should be at least 200 feet from home plate2.

Game Play:

A game consists of 7 innings1.

Each inning is divided into two halves: the top of the inning and the bottom of the
inning1.
The visiting team bats first in the top of the inning, and the home team bats in the
bottom of the inning1.
Each team bats once in each inning before the sides switch1.
An inning ends when three outs are recorded by the fielding team3.
If the game is tied after 7 innings, extra innings are played until a winner is
determined1.

Pitching:

The pitcher must throw the ball underhand and must have at least one foot on the
pitcher's mound at the point of delivery1.
The pitcher must throw the ball within the strike zone1.
Runners on base cannot leave their base until the pitch is released3.

Batting:

The batting order must remain consistent throughout the game3.

A batter is considered "out" if they:
Get three strikes3.
Hit a fly or foul ball that is caught by the defensive team3.
Stand outside of the batter's box3.

Base Running:

Runners must touch each base in order3.

Runners must tag the base they were on before advancing to the next base after a
caught fly ball3.
Runners cannot bypass another baserunner ahead of them3.
A runner is considered "out" if:
They are tagged by the defense before arriving at their intended base3.
The ball arrives at 1st base before they do3.
They move more than 3 feet out of the baseline3.

Fielding Positions:

Infield:
Catcher: Receives pitches and throws from infielders3.
Pitcher: Throws the ball to the batter3.
First Base: Fields balls hit towards first base3.
Second Base: Fields balls hit towards second base and covers second base during
double plays3.
Third Base: Fields balls hit towards third base and covers third base during double
plays3.
Shortstop: Fields balls hit between second and third base3.
Outfield:
Left Field: Fields balls hit towards left field3.
Center Field: Fields balls hit towards center field3.
Right Field: Fields balls hit towards right field3.

Key Terminology:

Home Run: A hit ball that goes over the outfield fence between the foul lines3.
Strike Zone: The area between the batter's knees and the top of their shoulders where
the pitcher must throw the ball1.
Strike: A pitch that is thrown within the strike zone and the batter does not swing at
it1.
Foul Ball: A hit ball that lands outside the foul lines3.

Governing Organizations:

The International Softball Federation (ISF) and the World Baseball Softball
Confederation (WBSC) are the primary regulatory bodies for softball5.

Recent Rule Changes:

In 2021, the ISF implemented a new rule requiring all pitchers to wear a protective
face mask while on the field5.