How to Know the Rules for Fast Pitch Softball

There are two different types of softball: soft pitch and fast pitch. Fast pitch softball is considered the more challenging of the two as it can be more pitching dominant and more difficult for an offense to score runs. If you've played soft pitch softball but would like to try fast pitch softball, you'll need to note a few rule differences. Read on to learn how to know the rules for fast pitch softball.

Instructions

1. Expect the pitchers to pitch faster, hence the name fast pitch softball. Pitchers are not required to arc the ball to the plate as they are in slow pitch softball. You'll see many pitchers do the windmill windup and deliver the ball to the plate at speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour.

2. Realize the dimensions of the field are smaller in fast pitch softball than in slow pitch softball. Because fast pitch softball is more pitching-dominated, the field is small. Most notably, the distance from home plate to the center field wall is 200 feet.

3. Wear the necessary protective equipment if you are going to be playing catcher in a fast pitch softball game. It is within the rules of fast pitch softball that the catcher must wear a helmet, mask and throat protector.

4. Know the rules of baseball, as fast pitch softball rules are very close to baseball rules. Unlike slow pitch softball, fast pitch softball allows for foul balls to not be counted as strikes if there are already two strikes on the batter, as in baseball. Stealing bases is also permitted, though the runner must keep her foot on the base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.