Softball

Whilst similar to baseball, softball is played on a smaller field with a larger ball, and is a faster paced game. Pitching is done underhand, and the sport has two rule sets – fastpitch and slow pitch softball.

What is softball?

Much like rounders, the objective of baseball and softball is to use a bat to strike a ball thrown by the pitcher and then run between a series of bases, ensuring your hit is not caught by a fielder and that you are not run out between the bases.

There are three bases spread around the field a diamond shape, with a fourth base (the home plate) marking both the starting and finishing point for the batter, who is permitted to stop at any of the other bases following their hit.

If a batter fails to hit a legal throw from the pitcher, this is a called a strike. If a pitcher is able to throw three strike-balls to the same batter, then the batter is out. Once a set number of batters are classed as out, then the innings is over and the teams switch over.

Find out more about how to play softball formats.

Equipment needed

Bats
Softballs (or tennis balls)
Fielder’s glove
Cones
Tees
Suitable flat space (e.g. sports field, astro turf pitches, sports hall)

BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) is the National Governing Body for softball in the UK.

See their full range of softball formats suitable for schools.

Visit the BSUK's website

Get involved

The School Games is inclusive to all young people and provides opportunities for everyone to get involved, either within school, against other local schools, or at county or regional level.

School Games Organisers

School Games Organisers (SGO) help schools coordinate appropriate competitive opportunities for all young people from Key Stage 2-4, to recruit, train and deploy a suitable workforce, and to support the development of club.