Rules for Fastpitch Softball
- Rules for the pitcher: The pitcher must show the ball to the batter before starting the pitch.
They are also required to have both feet on the mound. They are not allowed to crow-hop, that is an extra step
taken by the back foot when the pitch is released. Around the mound there is a chalked circle, it is required to
be 5 meters wide. When the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the baserunners must stay at the base they are at.
They can no longer steal until the next pitch is thrown.
- Rules for the bases and baserunners: The bases are 60 feet apart. When a person is on base they cannot leave until
the ball has left the hand of the pitcher. They can now either steal or take their lead off.
- Rules for the batter: The batter gets three strikes and four balls. If a batter gets to the third strike they are
out and if they get their fourth ball the batter walks to first base. On the third strike, if the batter swings and the
catcher misses it, the batter can run to first. If there is no play made to get them out then the runner is safe.
If the batter chooses to bunt and gets two foul balls, they can take the chance of bunting again, but if they get a
third foul ball bunting they are out. Most of the rules for batting are the same as regulation baseball. If the batter
is hit with a pitch then they may take their base.
- Rules for the field: There are nine players on the field at all times. The rules are generally the same as the
baseball rules. They must get three outs before they can go in and bat.
- Other rules depend on the league that a team is playing in.
- The picture below is of Lisa Fernandez. She is pitches for the USA Womens Team.
