The game of softball is a bat and ball game played between two teams. Each team can have up to twelve players. Slow-pitch you can have up to ten fielders on the field, but in fast-pitch you can only have nine players. The team captains flip a coin to see who bats first. The batting team’s goal is to hit the ball and get runners on the bases to score. The fielding team’s goal is to get three outs before the apposing team can score.

To score the player from the batting team must make it to all four bases. The batter needs to from base to base without getting a tag or force out. Being tagged out means you were touched with the ball before you got to the base. A force out is the ball gets to the base before the runner and the runner is forced to that base. Each team takes turns batting and fielding, this is called an inning. An inning consists of six outs, three for each team, or each team has reached a certain number of runs. Once each team has batted and field a new inning begins. There is six innings in a game.

The pitchers intend to pitch strikes. The pitcher wants the ball to be in the strike zone. The strike zone is over the plate and between the batters knees and shoulders. If the batter swings and misses the ball it is also called a strike. If a pitcher pitches four balls the batter gets walked. A walk is when the batter automatically gets first-base and can not be thrown out. A strike-out is when the batter has 3 strikes.

Batters who reach a base before the ball does are called base runners. In slow-pitch batters must wait until the bat hits the ball. If the batter leaves the base before the ball is hit they can be called out. Runners are cautioned not to leave the base when a fly ball is hit. If the ball is caught and you are off the base you must run back. If the ball gets to the base before you, you are out.

It is important that every player learns to hit and field properly. The winning team is the team that scores the most runs. Each players needs to be a good batter. Select a bat that is comfortable and easy for you to control. If you bat left-handed your right hand goes on the bottom when you grip you bat. If you’re a right handed batter your left hand goes on the bottom. Both hands should be touching each other. This is a standard grip. The choke grip is when you move your hands up the reach. The choke grip makes it easier to control a heavier or larger bat.

How and where you stand will affect how you hit the ball. Stand side-ways to the pitcher. Make sure the bat you're using touches the outs side corner of home-plate. This is the correct stance for you. Everyone’s stance is going to be different. Now stand with your feet no father apart than your shoulders. Slightly bend your knees and hold the bat about shoulder height. Do not rest the bat on your shoulder it takes longer to swing the bat. This is the stance while waiting for the ball to come. You should be relaxed and ready to hit the ball.

There is not bunting in slow-pitch, but there is in fast-pitch. A bunt is a ball that is tapped lightly by the batter. Batters stand in there regular positions, while pitchers start their wind up, the batter quickly square up. Squaring up is when the batter turns square to the pitcher. If a batter can do all this while the pitcher pitches it will surprise the fielder. Bunting usually allows the base runner to gain bases. With practice you will be able to bunt the ball into different directions.

The rules of softball state that base runners are not allowed to leave the base until the ball has left the pitchers hand. A steal is when the runner runs to the next base even though the ball wasn’t hit. Base runners try to steal but aren’t always successful. Sometimes the runner is tagged out. In amateur leagues the steal is usually successful. In the professional leagues the fielders are quick to react and the runner is usually out.

All pitchers in slow-pitch must pitch underhand. The pitcher stands with both feet on the rubber and their glove in front of their chest. There are two main pitching styles, the windmill and the slingshot. The only difference between these two pitches is the motions. The windmill pitch, the arm goes all the way around. In the sling shot pitch, the arm is brought back and then shot forward.

Any group of nine-twelve players can be a team. Teams learn to play and the rules of the game from their coaches. The uniform worn by that team must be the same color and style. The style can be like a boys baseball uniform. Or teams can just wear shorts and matching t-shirts. Players that might be sliding, padding and certain shorts are suggested. The padding protects the players from scratches and bruises.

In 1996 softball became a medal sport in the Olympic games. Team U.S.A. had a ten-year record of 110 wins and no loses. Team U.S.A. was a favorite in the competition. They earned the gold metal competing against China in the championship. They won three to one.