Softball is a team game.
There are nine players in a team.
The playing field is diamond shaped.
There is a base in each corner.
How to play softball
A fielder returns the ball to the pitcher © Getty Images
A pitcher in the middle throws the ball to a batter on the other team. The batter stands at home-plate and tries to hit the ball to a part of the field where it will be hard to catch. Fielders on the other team try to catch the ball.
After hitting the ball, the batter runs to first base. She will try to run to as many bases as she can before the fielders get the ball back to the pitcher. If a batter can run to all four bases in one go she gets a home run. The team that gets the most runs wins the game.
A batter can have three swings at the ball © Getty images
Three strikes and you’re out!
If a batter has three swings at the ball and does not hit it, she is out. If she hits the ball and a fielder catches it before it bounces, she will be out. She will be out too if a fielder can tag her while she is running in between the bases. When three players are out, the teams change over. The team that was batting will field and the team that was fielding will bat.
Umpires make sure the players keep the rules.
Softball at the Summer Olympics
Softball is sometimes an event at the Olympics. It was an event at the 1996, 2000, 2004, and the 2008 Games.
Softball will not be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics, but it is expected that the sport will be included along with baseball, in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Watch the video to find out about rules and how to play.
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Read more about playing softball and the rules of the game:
http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Softball
