Fast-pitch softball (also known as fast pitch or fastpitch without the hyphen or "fastball") is a form of softball played commonly by women and men, though coed fast-pitch leagues also exist. The International Softball Federation (ISF) is the international governing body of softball. The ISF recognizes three pitching styles: fast pitch, "modified" fast pitch, and slow pitch. Fast pitch is considered the most competitive form of softball. It is the form of softball that was played at the Olympi Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. The fast pitch style is also used in college softball and international competition.
The pitching style of fastpitch is different from that of slowpitch softball. Pitchers in fast-pitch softball usually throw the ball using a "windmill" type of movement. In this style of pitching, the pitcher begins with his arm at the hip. The pitcher then brings the ball in a circular motion over the head, completes the circle back down at the hip, and snaps the hand. A "modified" fast pitch is identical to a "windmill" pitch except the arm is not brought over the head in a full windmill motion, but instead is brought behind the body and is then thrust directly forward for the release. Another type of pitching movement is the "figure 8". With this style, the ball is not brought over the head at all but down and behind the body and back in one smooth motion tracing out a figure eight. There are many different pitches which can be thrown, including a two-seam fastball, four-seam fastball, changeup, two different riseballs, two dropballs, curveball, offspeed, screwball, knuckleball and more. These pitches can be taught in many different styles, depending on the pitching coach's method and the player's abilities.
Fast pitch softball became a very popular sport in the US during the 30s and 40s. Commercial and semi-pro leagues sprang up all over the country in large cities and small towns alike. Both men's and women's leagues were popular and it was not unusual for both to be playing on the same night in a "double-header". Because of the speed of these games, they were very popular with spectators. During those years, the women's games were popular and fun to watch but the real draws were the men's games. Pitchers that could hurl the ball in excess of 85 mph at a batter 200 feet away could strike out 15 to 20 batters a game. To make things even more difficult, the underhand delivery meant the ball was rising as it approached the plate and a talented pitcher could make the ball perform some baffling aerobatics on its journey to the batter's box. The Amateur Softball Association was formed in 1934 and held a National tournament each year to determine the best softball team in the nation. Soon there were state and regional tournaments all over the country selecting teams to vie for the coveted National Championship. Competition was fierce with teams competing not only on the field but in recruiting the best "fire baller" around. It was not unusual for a talented pitcher to be recruited by the winning team after his team was eliminated from a tournament. It was rumored that some of these "amateurs" were making fair living from playing softball. Fast pitch softball started to lose popularity in the mid-50s for a variety of reasons. More and more families were getting television in their homes and so games drew smaller crowds. More teams were starting to play “slow pitch” with its greater emphasis on fielding. Although men’s fast pitch softball is still played, the game is now mostly played by women.
Ball[edit]
Softballs are created in many different sizes. In fast pitch softball, most leagues use a ball with a circumference of 12 inches and a weight of 6.25–7.00 ounces. The ball has a leather surface, and may optionally have a raised seam. Most leagues currently use a high-visibility "optic" yellow layered ball. Some mens leagues still use the white ball. In a few parts of the country, a slightly softer 16 inch circumference ball is also used.[6]
Bats[edit]
Bats in fastpitch softball come in various sizes and consist of wood, metal or other composite materials. In most softball leagues, wooden bats are not allowed because of the risk of injury that may occur if the bat breaks. All bats used in ASA softball competition must have an ASA-approved stamp and be included in a list of approved bat models published by the ASA national office.[7]A fastpitch softball bat may be no more than 34 inches long, 2¼ inches in diameter. Also, a "drop" of no more than 13 is allowed. The drop is calculated by taking the length of the bat in inches and subtracting the weight in ounces.[8] Female players tend to use specialized fastpitch bats, while male players typicly prefer slowpitch bats.
Gloves[edit]
Gloves are worn by all members of the defensive team and are made in many styles and sizes. The gloves are made with leather or a sturdy fabric. The catcher and first baseman usually wearmitts which include additional padding and no fingers. Gloves are similar to baseball gloves, but softball allows larger sizes up to 14 inches from top to bottom.
Uniforms[edit]
Fastpitch softball uniforms usually include a shirt, undershirt, properly fitted under shorts, baseball socks, cap, visor and shorts. Baseball caps and head bands are mandatory for women. Cups are mandatory for male players. Most female fastpitch softball players wear "sliding shorts" which protect the back of thighs when sliding into bases. Some players may also wear shin splints to protect the area below the knee up to the ankle.[9] Male players wear the long "baseball style" pants. Fast pitch softball shoes may have cleats or spikes. Rounded metal or hard plastic spikes are not allowed due to the increased risk of injury to an opponent in a slide.
Batting gloves can also be worn when playing fastpitch or slowpitch softball. Batting gloves are designed to improve a player's grip and to provide protection for batters when they are at the plate. Batting gloves also provide added protection for the hand in the fielding glove when fielding and catching balls. Batting gloves are designed to prevent a player's hands from breaking.
Helmets[edit]
Helmets are required in fast pitch softball. There are many different styles of batting helmet, but most have two ear flaps. Any helmet that has been damaged, altered or previously repaired is not permitted for use. The catcher must wear a protective helmet, a face mask and a chest protector.[10] Aside from the catcher, any other player on the fast pitch softball team may wear a protective mask or face guard. These masks are designed to prevent traumatic facial injuries.
Throughout this site you will find articles related to coaching fastpitch softball, softball training, softball equipment, and softball league strategies. I have dedicated this site to helping softball coaches of all age groups, whether it’s Youth Softball or High School Softball, develop their team into a WINNING team.
Here’s the good news, it’s pretty easy stuff. If you think coaching doesn’t make that big of a difference, then explain how a coach went 93-4-2 over a 5 year period in 8U fastpitch softball.
