SOFTBALL DIGITAL SPORTS HANDBOOK

Aaron L. Dela Cruz SOFTBALL 11 - Ampere SOFTBALL HANDBOOK SPORTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS  01  02  04 Introduction History of Rules & Softball Regulations 06 07 08 Court Dimension Positions Officiating 10 12 16 Softball Drills & References Equipment Practices

1 Hello! 01 I'm Aaron L. Dela Cruz. A grade 11 student in Rosario Institute S.Y. 2021-2022 I dedicate this Softball handbook to you, may this book truly help you deepen your love, passion and knowledge for sport in running. This handbook is made for educational proposes you may have a free complete copy of this. knowledge increases by sharing but not by saving'\" - Kamari aka Lyrikal

2 HISTORY OF SOFTBALL TIMELINE 1888 1887 THE FOUNDING The game was moved outdoors Mushball, kittenball or indoor baseball was invented by George Hancock on THANKSGIVING DAY in Chicago, IL as an indoor game. 1933 1926 Softball gets massive interest after a game Game gets officialy named \"Softball\" was played in chicago during a World's Fair. 1934 The first softball association is established (ASA) A set of standardized rules was created 1952 1965 International Softball Federation (ISF) is First ever woman's International Softball founded Tournament was held in Mellbourne, Australia 1996 1965 Softball became an Olympic sport First ever woman's International Softball Tournament was held in Mellbourne, Australia 2012 Softball was excluded from Summer 2021 Olympics in London and Rio de Janeiro Softball is included in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It played by any gender

3 GEORGE HANCOCK What is softball The softball game consists of two teams alternating between battling and fielding. Each team consists of either nine or ten players. The fielding teams wear large leather gloves to assist in catching the ball. The battling team take turns hitting the ball with a bat. Bases are laid out in a diamond pattern on the field: these are known as first, second, and third base, and home plate. The first softball game was played inside the Farragut Boat THE FINAL Club gym after a Yale and Harvard football game. When the news SCORE OF THE came that Yale had defeated Harvard, 17-8, one Yale supporter GAME WAS 41- picked up an old boxing glove and threw it at a nearby Harvard 40 alumni, who promptly tried to hit it back with a stick. This gave George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, an idea. He suggested a game of indoor baseball. Using what was available, he tied together the laces of the boxing gloves for a ball and used a piece of chalk to mark off home plate, the bases and a pitcher's box, with the 2 groups divided into teams. The great game of softball has captured the hearts of many Americans and people all around the world from the day it was founded. Since the founding of the sport, softball has come a long way, and it is still growing rapidly nowadays. The sport has undergone many rule changes and equipment changes throughout the years. I made it an Olympic sport in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, then it was dropped for the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics, only to be back for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The sport of softball had its fair share of difficulties throughout its history as any other sport in history, but it keeps growing all over the world and gives no sign to stop.

4 RULES & Each team consists of 10 players and teams can be of mixed gender A game lasts for 7 innings and is split into two sections; the top and bottom of the innings. Each team bats once in each innings before the sides switch. The fielding team has a pitcher, catcher, a player on first base, second base, third base, three deep fielders and short stop. A batter must successfully strike the ball and run around as many bases as possible. Once they get all the way around and back to home plate without being given out a run is scored. The fielding team can prevent the batsmen by making them miss the ball, catching the ball, tagging one of the bases before they reach it or tagging the batsmen whilst they are running with the ball in hand. Down the first and third base line is a foul area. Once the ball crosses this line before it bounces the ball is deemed ‘dead’ and play restarts with a new pitch. A home run can be scored by hitting the ball over the outfield and into a dead ball area. The batsmen can then stroll around the bases to score along with any additional batsmen on base.

5 REGULATIONS Teams consist of 10 players: 1st, 2nd and 3rd baseman, Shortstop, Left fielder, Right fielder, Right center fielder, Right fielder, Pitcher and Catcher. Pitcher for visitor team pitches the ball to the first batter for the home team. When the batter hits a fair ball, they attempt to run around the bases. A run is scored when a base runner runs around all the bases and he/she touches home plate. Outs are determined by catching a fly ball, getting three strikes, throwing the ball to the base before the forced runner gets there or tagging the runner with the ball. The winner is the team that scored the most runs in regulation. If the score is tied after seven innings, teams play extra innings if time allows. A game consists of 7 innings.

6 court Dimension BASELINE 65’ 60’ 60’ 55’ HOME TO SECOND HOME TO FRONT OF RUBBER 91’ 11” 84’ 10” 84’ 10” 77’ 9” RADIUS OF SKINNED INFIELD 50’ 43’ 40’ 35’ HOME PLATE TO BACKSTOP HOME PLATE CIRCLE 65’ 60’ 60’ 55’ BASE CUT OUT RADIUS COACHES BOX DISTANCE 25’ min 25’ min 25’ min 25’ min FROM FOUL LINE HOME PLATE TO Varies Varies Varies Varies LEFT FIELD DISTANCE HOME PLATE TO CENTER FIELD DISTANCE N/A N/A N/A N/A 8’ 8’ 8’ 8’ 265’ 190’ 200’ 150’ 315’ 220’ 225’ (High School) 175’ 250’ (Adult)

7 Positions pitcher (P) Pitchers are the #1 scorers on a softball team. The objective of a pitcher is to throw the ball from the pitcher’s mound to the catcher so that the batter cannot bat the ball, eventually striking him out. However, pitches need to be legal, meaning that the throw must be within the batter’s strike zone (from the batter’s shoulders to knees). CATCHER (C) Catchers are the mental support on a softball team, and the physical part isn’t easy either. The objective of a catcher is to catch balls that the pitcher throws. Catchers require physical strength, especially on the legs and knees, as they are in a squatted position right behind the batter. Also, catchers offer emotional support and advice to the pitcher and signal strike counts to the team. First Base (1B) First basemen are the most powerful throwers on a team, so they are often big and strong. The objective of a first baseman is to stand at the first base on the right side of the pitcher. As the batters always try to proceed to the first base, they are in contact with the ball. This requires fast reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, long reach, and a very powerful throwing arm. Second Base (2B) Second basemen are quick and smart but often don’t have the best throwing arm. The objective of a second baseman is to catch balls at the second base, field groundballs alongside the shortstop, and help burn players where ever it is needed, especially with the first baseman. Generally, second basemen are right-handed and very fast, as it is optimal for their position. Third Base (3B) The third basemen are equipped with strong throwing arms and great pressure tolerance ability. The objective of a third baseman is to secure the third base. In addition, they need to throw the ball with great power and accuracy for long distances. In most instances, the third baseman is responsible for throwing the ball to the home plate when an opposing player is running to score. Shortstop (SS) Shortstops are arguable the hardest and most important position in softball. The objective of a shortstop is to catch and field the infield and play well with the whole team. Shortstops are most in contact with the ball, so they need to be athletic, fast, strong, and aware of their surroundings. Shortstop is the most difficult position on the field, so mental toughness is required. Left Field (LF) The left fielder is considered the easiest position on the outfield, but they still require a great catching and throwing arm. The objective of a left fielder is to catch balls that go beyond the infield and throw it to where it is required. The left fielder has considered the easiest outfield position as the closest players are the third baseman and shortstop. Regardless, they need great catching skills and strong throwing arms. Center Field (CF) Centerfield is the hardest outfield position to play, and they need to be fast, strong, and possess excellent hand- eye coordination. The objective of the center fielder is to cover the largest area of the outfield, which requires fast speed, excellent catching skills, long reach, and a strong throwing arm. They are located in the center of the outfield, and they do a lot of teamwork, especially with the shortstop and the second base. Right Field (RF) The right field is like the left field, but the skillset needs to be slightly higher as they work mostly with the second and first base. The objective of a right fielder is to cover the right side of the outfield. Generally, right fielders aren’t as skilled as center fielders overall, but they tend to have a stronger throwing arm as they need to throw the ball to the first base. Batter (B) The individual’s batting skills are often related to their defensive position, so some people are more accurate, powerful, and quick at striking the ball than others. Each batter has three attempts to strike or bunt the ball. When the bat makes contact with the ball, they must immediately drop the bat and run to the first base before the defensive team gets the ball there. The same principles are in play to first, to second, to third, and home plate.

8 Object of the Game The object of softball is to hit the ball with a bat before the player tries to run around an infield with four bases. Once a player manages to get right round without being given out a run is scored. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is deemed the winner. Scoring To score a run the batsman must successfully first hit the ball and make it around the bases without being given out. One run is scored for every batsmen they manage to get round. A run can be scored even if the batsmen who hit the ball doesn’t make it round to home plate but manages to get a player that’s already on one of the bases home. Winning the Game The winners of the game will be decided after the 7 innings have all been completed. The team with most runs after 7 innings will be declared the winner. If after 7 innings the game is tied, then an extra innings will be played until a winner is found. Playing Area A softball field consists of a pitching rubber, 4 bases (3 bases plus home plate), an infield, and an outfield Duration A standard game lasts 7 innings

9 Putting Players Out umpires a Softball officials and each has a different responsibility depending on where he covers the field. The umpires must ensure the rules of the game are followed, and there is a decisive winner and loser based on fair play and accurate calls based upon what happens in the game. There are three kinds of umpires which are Home Plate Umpire, Base Umpires, Line Umpires A batter is out if They hit the ball and it’s caught while it’s in the air (even if it’s caught in foul territory), gets 3 strikes. A runner is out if they are hit by a batted ball while off a base, a fielder tags her with the ball when they’re not touching a base, they run more than 3 feet out of the baseline to avoid being tagged, a fielder with the ball tags a base at which there is a force play before the forced runner reaches the base, they fail to tag up and is thrown out, they run past a base runner that’s ahead of them Double play When 2 players get out on the same play. Steal When a runner runs to the next base without the ball being hit. The runner may not leave the base until after the pitcher releases the ball. The runner is out if she is tagged with the ball before reaching the base. Tagging up When a fielder catches a fly ball, a runner cannot leave the base until after the ball hits the fielder’s glove. If they leave the base too early, they have to go back and touch the base before they can run to the next base. If the ball gets to the base before they return to tag up, they are out.

10 SOFTBALL BAT BALL GLOVES

EQUIPMENT 11 HELMET, CHINGUARD CLEATED SHOES CATCHER'S GEAR

12 BOBBLE BALL DRILL COACHING TIPS PLAYER SHOULD ALWAYS PICK THE BALL UP WITH HER BARE HAND, NEVER HER GLOVE HAND AS THE GLOVE HAND WILL TAKE TOO LONG. TO ADJUST THE DIFFICULTY OF THIS DRILL, HAVE THE PLAYER START WITH HER BACK TO THE COACH, THEN TURN AROUND ON THE SOUND OF THE HIT. FAST HANDS DRILL COACHING TIPS BATTER SHOULD BE AGGRESSIVE, KEEP HEAD DOWN AND SNAP THE BAT THROUGH THE HITTING ZONE. LOOK FOR A SWING OVER THE TOP OF THE TEE WITH POSITIVE FORWARD MOTION TOWARD THE BALL. TOP HAND SHOULD REALLY BE SNAPPING AND PUSHING THE BARREL THROUGH THE ZONE.

GLOVE TUCK DRILL 13 COACHING TIPS PLAYERS SHOULD BE FINISHING WITH KNEES AND SHOULDERS SQUARE TO THEIR TARGET. MAKE IT EASIER: JUST DO THE MOTION WITH NO ACTUAL THROW. MAKE IT HARDER: HAVE PLAYERS PAIR UP AND THROW THE BALL TO EACH OTHER. BLIND PIVOT DRILL COACHING TIPS REMEMBER, WHEN OUTFIELDERS ARE RUNNING BACK ON A BALL THEIR TOES, WAIST AND CHEST SHOULD ALL BE POINTED TOWARD THE OUTFIELD FENCE. OUTFIELDERS SHOULD BE MAKING A QUICK TURN OF THE HEAD – FROM LOOKING OVER ONE SHOULDER TO LOOKING OVER THE OTHER.

14 TOWEL BAT DRILL COACHING TIPS SWINGING A LIGHT TOWEL BAT GETS THE FAST- TWITCH MUSCLE FIBERS TO FIRE – YOU NEED THESE MUSCLE FIBERS TO HIT A SOFTBALL. HITTER SHOULD BE “POPPING” HER HANDS AS SHE SWINGS. YOU CAN USE A WEIGHTED BAT FIRST TO LOOSEN UP THE BODY, THEN SWITCH TO THE TOWEL BAT TO REALLY ENGAGE THOSE FAST-TWITCH MUSCLE FIBERS. LINE DRIVE DRILL COACHING TIPS OUTFIELDER SHOULD BE PLANTING HARD AND THEN SHIFTING HER FEET TOWARD THE TARGET AND THROWING. THE STRIDE FOOT, OR GLOVE FOOT, SHOULD BE POINTED STRAIGHT TOWARD THE TARGET. OUTFIELDER MUST DECELERATE QUICKLY AND THEN THROW HER WEIGHT BACK IN THE DIRECTION SHE CAME (BACK TOWARD THE TARGET).

BACKHAND DRILL 15 COACHING TIPS AS PLAYERS TAKE THEIR TURN IN FRONT OF THE LINE ANALYZE THEIR “READY POSITION” TO FIELD THE BALL: FEET SHOULD BE SHOULDER WIDTH APART KNEES SHOULD BE SLIGHTLY BENT BOTH HANDS SHOULD HANG BETWEEN THE KNEES LOOSELY BODY WEIGHT SHOULD BE ON BALLS OF THE FEET, WITH A SLIGHT FORWARD LEAN PLAYERS SHOULD KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE BALL & OBSERVE THE BALL GOING INTO THE GLOVE MAKE IT HARDER: MIX IT UP WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROUND BALLS – FOREHAND, BACKHAND AND SHORT HOPS MAKE IT EASIER: ROLL THE BALL SLOWLY TO AN AREA MARKED BY A CONE PITCHING

References 16 https://www.allaboutfastpitch.com/history-of-softball/ https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/softball.html https://www.turface.com/education/resource-library/baseball-softball- field-layouts-dimensions http://clipart-library.com/clipart/ki85jK7dT.htm https://racketrampage.com/positions-in-softball/ https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/softball.html https://www.csuci.edu/recreation/basicsoftballrules.pdf https://www.tutorialspoint.com/softball/softball_equipment.htm https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/softball-equipment-checklist- -372954412867840581/ https://www.softball-spot.com/ https://www.csuci.edu/recreation/basicsoftballrules.pdf Credits to the owner.

CHEER UP CHAMP!