Q&A for How to Play Softball

Try to throw different types of pitches during the game. For instance, you'll want a pitch that works well inside and another that works well outside.

Remind them to throw the ball underhand when they're pitching and overhand when they're fielding.

Just because you hit the ball high, doesn't mean it was a home run. If the ball goes over the fence, that is an automatic home run. Also, if you hit one far but it doesn't go over the fence, it could still be a home run - but you would have to run very fast, and the fielders would try to get you out.

Go for it. Don't be scared. My first year of playing I was scared too and I didn't know anything at all, but I ended up loving it.

You can practice at home to start with and then join a team when you've built up more confidence. Plenty of people aren't very good when they start off, but you'll be surprised at how quickly you can make progress.

It has happened, but not very often. Your feet are most at risk when you slide into a base (or when someone else slides into a base you're covering).

If you have an open field area near your house, you can practice throwing it as far as you can. You'll just have to run and get the ball yourself.

It depends on a lot of things. First, if there already two outs and the ball comes all the way to you in the air and you catch it, that's the third out of the inning, and you can just run the ball back to the pitching mound on your way to the dugout. Second, if you catch a fly ball with less than two outs and there are one or more runners on base, throw the ball to the infielder closest to you, or if a runner is trying to advance to another base after you've caught the ball, throw it to the base the runner is heading for. (Your teammates should yell instructions to you.) Third, if the ball hits the ground before you catch it, throw the ball to second base. There are other possible scenarios. Ask your coach for more details.

Your coaches or teammates should help you by yelling instructions to you about when to stop running. Otherwise, watch the ball if you can, and see where it is, and whether an opponent is trying to throw you out or preparing to tag you. In other words, stop at any base if you think you cannot advance safely to the next base without being tagged.

Definitely. Softball is kind of dangerous, but super fun. Bruises probably won't hurt very much anyway.

Yes. No run is scored until a player circles the bases and steps on home plate.

Squeeze the ball once it's in your glove or put your other hand near your wrist to prevent it from rolling up and hitting you in the face.

Use your glove as a scoop. Once the ball enters your glove, close the glove over it, and use your bare hand to help secure the ball inside the glove.

These instructions are for right-handers. (Left-handers should use the opposite hand and leg.) Begin with the ball in your right hand in front of you. Swing the ball back behind you and then forward in an underhand arc, stepping forward from the pitching rubber with your left leg. Let go of the ball as your right hand comes up to around waist level, keeping your left leg planted firmly on the ground. Experiment with your release point: a lower release point yields a lower, flatter pitch. A higher release point yields a higher pitch in a rainbow-like arc.

You should be wearing a helmet, so it won't hurt too badly. If, for some reason you weren't wearing one, you would likely be knocked out or injured. Talk to your coach about team procedures for injuries.

If you don't have a uniform or a team shirt, you can just wear any comfortable t-shirt or tank top. Softball pants are a good idea, but capris or shorts work, too.

There are many recreation centers in almost every town, so find some softball teams. They won't be like the Little League though, just playing against other counties.

There is a very slight chance that will ever happen. If you are batting, then that's on the pitcher but if you are outfield or infield, if you don't catch the ball properly, then you could get hurt. However, it is remote and not a usual occurrence in the game.

Between second and third base. If there is a runner on first, you might want to stand closer to second to be ready for the steal.

Of course.

It's hard for two people to practice softball. You could play catch, or you could throw pop-ups and ground balls to each other; if you don't mind chasing the ball, you could pitch to each other.

If you're really interested in playing, try out.

Playing softball is very popular among males and females of all ages.

The only way a team can score a point is to have one of its base runners circle the bases and step on home plate. Each time that happens it's a point also known as a run.

Lots of different situations come up in a game. It's up to your coach to show you during practice what to do with the ball in various situations.

There are many ways you can get hurt while playing softball. Last season, I hurt my ankle because I was playing outfield, and I tripped on a pot hole. You can also get hit by a ball, slide the wrong way, and throw the wrong way and hurt your arm. But, this isn't really what you should be focusing on if you're thinking about playing the game. Most players do not get hurt at all!

Yes, there have been a number of chubby people who have been good softball players.

Any coach for any sport would give you time to learn. You will be taught something at one practice and then continue to practice it in subsequent practices. If you don't understand what you are taught, you can ask your coach to help you.

It depends on your dominant foot. If you're right handed, you'll stand left of home plate. If you are left-handed, you'll stand right of it.

Some people find it hard to play, others don't.