The Game of Softball
By: Stephanie Janney
“Four bases, three strikes, two teams, one winner. It's not just a game, but a way of life.
Softball, this is my destiny.”
- Anonymous
Softball, a form of
baseball, is a popular
game, specially in the U.S.
Despite the name, it is
said that 'there is nothing
'soft' about this game'. A
strong desire to win, hard
work, determination,
team spirit, positive
attitude, sportsmanship,
etc., are some qualities
required to gain mastery
over this game. Following
are motivational softball
quotes by successful
players that will inspire
new players.
The History of Softball:
t
The earliest known softball game was played in
Chicago, Illinois in 1887. A boxing glove was used as
a glove and a broom handle was used for a bat.
George Hancock is credited as the inventor of softball.
The Farragut club soon set rules for the game, which
spread quickly to outsiders. Envisioned as a way for
baseball players to maintain their skills during the
winter, the sport was called "Indoor Baseball.” Under
the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", the game moved
outside in the next year, and the first rules were
published in 1889.
Benefits of playing:
1. Participation in a
team sport
2. Increased hand-eye
coordination
3. Increased strength
and endurance
4. Increased mobility
skills
5. Participation in a
social activity
Skills used in softball:
1. Throwing
2. Hitting
3. Catching
4. Sliding
5. You’re playing
position
It could take a while for
beginners to know where they
are headed in the field – you’ll
hear a lot of “I don’t know
where that (position) is.” But
one by one explain the nine
positions – 10 if your league
uses an extra outfielder – and
how each one has a specific
and important job. Give each
softball player time at pitcher,
catcher, first base, second
base, shortstop, third base and
all the outfield positions.
Position Fundamentals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Catcher
Catchers working pitchers
Catchers – pop ups
Blocking the plate
Pitching
Pitcher fundamentals
Pitching points to help control
Hitting stances
9.
Position Fundamentals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
First base
Second base
Shortstop
Third base
Outfield
Cut off’s
Throwing
8. Batting
9.