Softball Study Guide
Positions
1. Pitcher – they are to deliver the ball to the batter so they can hit the ball.
2. Catcher – catch any ball thrown by the pitcher that is not hit, and to tag or
play defense when a runner approaches home plate.
3. First base – play defense at first base and get runners out.
4. Second base – play defense at second base and get runners out.
5. Shortstop – play defense between second and third base, throw the ball to
any base to get runners out.
6. Third base – play defense at third base and get runners out.
7. Left field – play defense in the left field area
8. Center field – play defense in the center field area as well as help left and
right fielders.
9. Right field – play defense in the right field area
General Rules
1. Any ball hit in the air that is caught in the air is considered an out and all
runners must remain on the base they are currently on.
2. Three strikes (in our class we play with four strikes to give hitters a greater
chance of success), equals one out.
3. The ball must be hit beyond the pitcher.
4. If the hitter throws the bat too far, they are considered out.
5. If the ball is hit back towards the pitcher and the pitcher interferes, the base
runner is out.
6. The offense and defense switch if either three outs are recorded or the entire
batting order has a chance to hit.
7. If a base runner slides into a base, they are out.
8. Alternate batting order, boys and girls.
Equipment
1. Bat – metal or wood (we play with metal)
2. Gloves – leather gloves used for catching the ball.
a. Point the glove downwards when fielding a ground ball
b. Point the glove upwards when catching a fly ball
3. Catcher’s Mask – to be worn by the catcher at all times. Prevents either the
bat or ball from coming into contact with the face.
4. Bases – three bases are identical (first, second, and third), with home plate
being shaped like a house (kind of).
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask me in class.
Questions will be True/False, multiple choice, and short answer.
There will be between 15-20 questions, with the quiz being worth between 30-40
points. Good Luck! Study hard!
Mr. Witt