Softball for Girls

There’s no question that baseball is America’s favorite pastime. But it seems it is the reserve for boys and men. After all, there is no physical reason why little girls can’t play baseball their whole lives. However, after a certain age (after junior high), there aren’t many options for girls to play baseball. Softball is based on baseball and is a great alternative for girls who love the game, which provides many more options for girls and young women. They will be able to play throughout college and beyond. College scholarships are available, and softball is an event in the Olympics.

The major components of softball are quite similar to baseball. There are nine players on each side. The game is played on a diamond and played by inning. The positions are also the same: pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, short stop, third base, left field, center, and right field. However, the games are not interchangeable.

There are two major categories of softball, slow pitch and fast pitch. Slow pitch favors the hitter. The ball is thrown at a much slower pace. Modified pitch is a medium speed pitch, which favors neither the hitter nor the pitcher. Fast pitch softball is a pitcher’s game. Soft balls are quite a bit larger than a traditional baseball, averaging 11 to 12 inches in diameter. Chicago style slow pitch softball played with a 16” ball, and you don’t need mitts or gloves, so everything is done with bare hands.

All softball is thrown underhand and is far easier on the arm than overhand pitching. Because softball is thrown underhand there isn’t the propensity of burn out that is ever present in overhand pitching, and pitchers can throw far more consecutive innings.

There are two major youth leagues for softball: Pony League and Little League. Below is a breakdown of age and base/pitching structure.

Pony League age breakdown

* Pinto League: age 8 and under

* Mustang League: age 10 and under

* Bronco League: age 12 and under

* Pony League: age 14 and under

* Colt League: age 16 and under

* Palomino League: age 18 and under

Little League Softball divisions

* Tee Ball: 5 to 6 year olds. May use a 50 or 60 foot diamond.

* Minor League: 7 to 12 year olds. Maybe coach pitch, machine pitch, or player pitch. 60 ft bases, 35 ft pitching

* Little League: 9 to 12 year olds. 40 ft pitching, 60 ft bases

* 9-10 Year Old: A tournament program for 9 and 10 year olds. 60 ft diamond, 40 ft pitching

* Junior League: 13 and 14 year olds. 60 ft diamond, 40 ft pitching

* Senior League: 13 to 16 year olds. 60 ft diamond, 40 ft pitching

* Big League:16 to 18 year olds. 60 ft diamond, 40 ft pitching

All divisions (except tee ball) are fast pitch. Minor, and 9-10 year old Divisions use a 60-foot diamond with a 35 foot pitching distance. Little, Junior, Senior and Big League divisions us a 60-foot diamond with a 40 foot pitching distance.