Have you ever wondered what the similarities in the fundamentals between softball and baseball are? What are the differences between the two games? To be honest, I’ve always wondered why two games that share the basic elements have different names and are considered to be two different games. I have written this post in an attempt to answer these questions and understand the fundamental elements of softball and baseball.
The games of baseball and softball are similar in a way that they share the same basic fundamentals of fielding, throwing, batting, catching and pitching. To further understand the similarities between the two games, let us have a quick look at the differences between softball and baseball. To the uninitiated, softball seems to be a simpler game than baseball. In softball, the pitcher stands on the same level as the batter and the pitching distances are closer. In baseball, the pitcher often stands on a mound making him higher than the batter. The softball bats are used both for softball and baseball, especially at a youth and junior level. Softball’s outfield is smaller than baseball’s outfield and the bases are closer to the pitcher in softball. The softball pitcher has to pitch the ball to the batter using an underarm action while the baseball pitcher is allowed to pitch the ball with an overarm action. Finally, a softball is bigger and softer than a baseball.
Now that we have examined the differences between the two games, let us examine the fundamentals elements and rules of baseball and softball. These elements are considered to be the building blocks of both games. In summary, a player needs to be fit and able to run between the bases. He must be able to field and throw the ball accurately from the outfield towards his target. Each player also needs to be able to hit the ball with enough power to get it past the close fielders so that he can run as many bases as possible before the ball is thrown into the players standing on the bases. A baserunner does not have to run fast to be effective. It is more important to understand how to run between the bases. He needs to run the shortest distance possible between the two bases. It’s important for a baserunner to read the game and know when to run and when to wait. In summary, a baserunner needs to get past all the bases and back “home” without being run out.
Via wikipedia.org
The next fundamental skill that a baseball or softball player needs to learn is how to catch the ball. The key to catching a ball is to get your body squarely in front of the ball. The fingers of the glove need to be below the ball and point upwards so that the ball slides into the glove. The player then needs to use his throwing hand to keep the ball in the glove. Once the player has the ball secured in his glove, he needs to place the ball in his throwing hand and throw it into the players standing on the bases. In order to throw the ball accurately and with speed, the player needs to bring the ball up to his ear, step forward with his opposite foot while bringing his arm forward and snapping his wrist to throw the ball towards his target.
One of the most important fundamental skills that a player needs to learn is how to hit the ball squarely. This usually takes many hours of dedicated practice. The softball bats are designed to help the player drive the ball into the outfield. According to the battling coaches, the batter must take a solid stance in the batter’s box with his left shoulder facing the pitcher. The bat must be held over his right shoulder with his knees bent and his weight on his back leg. He also needs to be able to read the ball as it is pitched in so he can strike the ball squarely.
Via
Finally, a baseball or softball player who masters the fundamentals is a valuable part of any team. A player who can hit, field, throw, and run has a greater chance of influencing the outcome of the game in different ways. Such a player is considered of greater a value that a player who is skilled in one area and weak in the other fundamental areas.