Softball

bat-and-ball · team sport · pitcher · Olympics

Underhand pitching. In softball, the pitcher throws the ball underhand to the batter instead of overhand like in baseball. Fast-pitch pitchers use a special windmill motion and can throw the ball up to 77 miles per hour.

Two playing styles. Fast-pitch softball is the competitive version played in high school, college, and professional leagues with really fast throws. Slow-pitch softball is the casual version played in recreational leagues where anyone of any age can enjoy it.

Olympic sport. Women's fast-pitch softball became an Olympic sport in 1996 and was played for many years. It was not included in the 2024 Olympics but will make its comeback at the 2028 Olympics.

Diamond-shaped field. Just like baseball, softball is played on a diamond-shaped field with two teams taking turns batting and fielding. The team at bat tries to score runs while the other team tries to get them out.