Softball: Recreation, Professional Leagues, Rules & Regulations - Essay Sample

Introduction

Softball varies from sports baseball since it is played at the recreational level and in the pitch smaller than that of a baseball game. Softball is mostly played in North America, but there exist professional leagues in South America, Asia, and Europe. The softball field is 65 feet, and the distance between the pitcher's mound and home plate is 50 feet. A softball team consists of the nine-player and a maximum of ten players. Players are in the game if their name is entered on an official scoreboard. Whenever a player moves from the line-up, they can re-enter the game. In the case of the interpretation of rules, the captain of the team can address the softball officials as the game continues. The object of this game is to hit the ball using a bat, and the player run's around the softball infield consisting of four bases. The player scores if they manage to get the right round before they are given out during the run. Teams that make the most runs during the game end up being termed as the winner. Therefore, since most individuals in America play softball, this paper will focus on the equipment required during the softball game.

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Softball equipment includes bat, ball, sliding shorts and sliders, mitt or gloves, and catcher's gear. The softballs that are used for the high school and youth level are bright yellow, almost twelve inches in circumference, and they weigh about 180 to 200 grams. Balls used in softball games are made of leather that is filled with rubber, cork, and synthetic material. Also, the softball bats are similar to the youth baseball bats. The bats are made from aluminum, wood, or composite materials. Adult bats are longer and possess a smaller diameter while the barrels tend to be less stiff than those used in baseballs. The proper softball bat is either one or two substantial pieces that are joined at the center of the bat. Therefore, due to the differences that exist between a baseball and softball bat, the baseball bat can be used for playing softball while the softball bat breaks when used to strike the baseball.

Consequently, the batting helmet is among the most critical safety equipment in softball. The batting helmet is made of durable plastic and foam as they help in distributing the force of the ball whenever it strikes a batter's head. The differences which exist between the softball and baseball helmets are the ponytail channels and optimal face guards for the female athletes. Also, the sliding shorts are the padded upper thigh compression leggings that protect the player whenever they are sliding into a base. The sliders protect the calf and shin from the injury when sliding. Catcher's in softball tend to wear helmets that have throat protectors, face guards, chest protectors, and the shin guards, which protect the knees of players. Therefore, failure to wear body protectors when catching leads to severe injuries.

Therefore, a softball game lasts for seven innings, which are split into the bottom and top stanzas. Teams on every side bats once before switching sides. Fielding softball teams have a catcher, pitcher, shortstop, three deep fielders, and the player on the first base, second base, and the third base. Batters strike the ball and run around the bases, and whenever they get all around and back to the home plate before being given out, the run gets scored. Through the use of softball equipment, players are protected, thus avoiding injury. For example, batting helmet distributes the force of the ball whenever it strikes a batter's head. Therefore, playing softball among the youths and adults allows one to exercise as they run around the base.