Softball

Softball is a team sport in which a ball, eleven to twelve inches in circumference, is thrown by a player called a pitcher and hit by an offensive player called a batter with a round, smooth stick called a bat. The ball itself is also called a softball. Scoring is accomplished by the batter running and touching a series of four markers on the ground called bases. Softball is a direct descendant of baseball (sometimes referred to as hardball to differentiate the two), but differs from it in several ways, of which the chief four are:

Physical Requirements

For a softball player to be succesful at a competitive levels, he/she must possess the following qualities:

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Speed- A softball player must possess great amounts of speed in order to run the bases, and while fielding

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Strength- Particularly in the legs, arms, and back. This minimizes injuries, and makes for better hitting and throwing.

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Hand-Eye Coordination- A player with poor hand eye coordination will have a tough time hitting, throwing, and catching the ball.

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Mental Toughness- Softball requires great levels of mental toughness. There is added pressure when one is at bat and while on the field, so a player that is capable to deal with these extra pressures will be successful.

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