Summary
Highlights
The main objective in softball is for a batter to hit the ball and run around four bases to score. A strike is called if a batter swings and misses, or if the pitcher makes them miss. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.
To score a run, a batter must successfully hit the ball and make it around all bases without getting out. One run is scored for each player who rounds the infield. A run can also be scored if the batter doesn't reach home plate but brings a player who is already on base home.
Each softball team has nine players and games consist of seven innings, divided into top and bottom sections. An inning ends for a team when three batters are out. To score, a batter must hit the ball and run around all bases back to home plate without being out. The fielding team prevents runs by making batters miss, catching the ball, tagging bases, or tagging the runner. A foul ball, crossing the first or third base line before bouncing, restarts play with a new pitch. Hitting the ball over the outfield wall into the dead ball area results in a home run, allowing the batter and any players on base to score.
The winner is decided after seven innings; if tied, extra innings are played. Pitchers are not allowed to stop or bounce the ball in a pitching position to prevent batters from hitting it, nor can they use tape or other substances on the ball. The pitching delivery must be in an arc of 6 to 10 feet.