Softball

team sport · baseball cousin · underhand pitching

Fast-pitch power. In fast-pitch softball, pitchers throw the ball using a windmill motion and can hurl it up to 77 miles per hour, making it an intense sport played at high school, college, and professional levels.

Olympic sport. Women's fast-pitch softball became an Olympic sport in 1996, though it wasn't in the 2024 Olympics, it will return for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Underhand throw. Unlike baseball, softball pitchers always throw the ball underhand, releasing it at hip level, which creates a unique style of play.

Casual slow-pitch. Slow-pitch softball is played in recreational leagues around the world, with slower pitching speeds and simplified rules that let people of any age join in and have fun.

Diamond-shaped field. Softball games happen on a diamond-shaped field where two teams take turns batting and fielding, trying to score runs just like in baseball.