Softball Rules and Gameplay | How to Play Softball · Softball Position 1

⚾✨ Ultimate Softball Guide | Rules · Terminology ✨⚾

1️⃣ ⚾ Basic Rules

Game Structure

7 Innings: each inning splits into Top↑ (visiting team bats) & Bottom↓ (home team bats), offense at bat, defense in the field.

3 Outs: offense is retired after 3 outs, then sides switch!

9 Players: defense has 9 players, including the key duo Pitcher and Catcher!

Scoring

Home Run ⚡: ball hit over the outfield fence, scoring immediately!

Run ‍♀️: batter circles back to Home Plate = 1 point!

2️⃣ Key Terminology

️ Defense

Strikeout: pitcher throws 3 strikes, batter is out!

Strike Zone ✅: imaginary rectangle from batter’s knees to armpits!

Double Play: defense records two outs in one continuous play!

Infield Fly Rule ✈️: prevents defense from intentionally dropping pop-ups to trap offense!

Offense

Hit:

Single ➡️①

Double ➡️②

Sacrifice Bunt: batter intentionally gets out to advance a teammate!

Stealing Base: runner takes the next base while pitcher is delivering the pitch!

3️⃣ Game Flow Terminology

Pre-Game

Lineup Card: submit batting order for 9 players!

Coin Toss: decides who bats first!

In-Game

"Play Ball!" ⚾✨: umpire signals the start of the game!

Pitching Sequence:

Windup → Release → Underhand Toss!

Umpire Calls:

"Strike!"

"Foul!"

"Safe!" / "Out!"

Post-Game

Run Rule ⏰: game ends early if lead exceeds set margin (e.g., 15 runs/5 innings)

Box Score: records team hits/errors stats!

4️⃣ Jiangxi Youth Training Program | Jiangxi Youth Softball System

Jiangxi Baseball & Softball Association × Softball Position 1 Alliance

Mission: build a full "U6→U18 age group" development system!

Three Major Strategies:

1️⃣ Talent ID Camp:

Province-wide scouting network in primary and secondary schools

Free evaluation at "Power Hitter Lab"

2️⃣ Elite Academy:

Pro Coaches from Position 1 Alliance stationed for guidance

Pitching Biomechanics Analysis

3️⃣ Provincial League:

Year-round "Ganpo Cup" youth league covering 11 cities!

Champion qualifies directly for National U-series Championships!

Important for Parents❗:

"Softball Scholar": top 3 in province recommended for special admissions to 985/211 universities!

Safety First️: use USA Softball certified gear, zero serious injuries!

Why Softball?

⚡ Speed + Strategy: base stealing tactics vs pitcher’s control = mental chess!

Team Spirit: sacrifice bunts to help teammates score = selfless dedication!

Pathway to Higher Education: over 200 universities nationwide recruit softball specialists!