The Difference Between Baseball And Softball: The Soft Ball Baseball

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Recommended: comparing and contrasting baseball and softball

Introduction:
The Soft ball sport was invented in 1887 in Chicago, America, it was developed from the game of baseball, however a larger ball is used, and the field is smaller. Pitching is another difference between baseball and softball, in softball the pitcher pitches under arm whereas baseball is overhand. The name softball was only developed in 1926, the years before 1926 many names were given to the game such as ‘ladies baseball’, ‘kitten ball’, ‘mush ball’ and a number of others.
There are two types of softball, slow-pitch and fast-pitch soft ball. Mechanical differences involving, the speed, location and technique, to name a few, are what set these very similar types of softball apart.
With pitching there are a number of rules that need to be followed so that no foul balls are pitched. Stepping: when releasing the ball, a step needs to take (using the non-pivot foot) place at the same time as the ball is released. The step needs to be in the momentum of the pitching movement. (as the ball is being pitched you need to step). The pitcher however may not step more than +/- 60cm (24 inches) forward (it has to be within the pitchers plate).
Another rule is that when the pitcher is pitching, one foot has to remain on the floor at all times. If the pitcher moves both feet, by dragging them, hopping, any movement causing them both to exit the pitching plate the ball will be illegal. Raising both feet from the ground when pitching (Leaping is also illegal).

The different pitching techniques:
The main differences are in the technique used to throw the ball and the number of players on the field, both styles of soft ball use the underhand throwing style.
In a slow-pitch softball, the ball is 25.5cm (12 inches) and has to curve befor...

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...th line. This motion is an easy, semicircular movement. As the pitcher brings their arm back, they put their body weight onto the drive leg (pitching-arm leg) and steps forward with the drive leg as they release the ball in front of the body.
The pitch must start with the pitchers foot on the plate, the foot may only be taken off the plate when the ball is released. The pitch must come in slowly, between 1.8m-3.6m from the ground, the wrist must not be snapped quickly in order to achieve a consistent motion and perceptible arc. The ball must be pitched within the strike zone, which is between the batters back shoulder and knees.
After releasing the ball, the pitching arm continues forward, with their hand ending high and their arm close to their ear, this is known as the follow through. After the follow through, several steps are taken backwards for fielding.

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