http://www.kids-sports-activities.com/basic-softball-rules.html
Softball is a popular game enjoyed by players of all ages. Use these basic softball rules to organize a game of your own.
Softball is a sport derived from baseball, so both sports share many similarities. There are some major differences between the basic softball rules and baseball rules, though.
In Softball:
The game is played on a smaller field.
A larger ball is used.
The ball is pitched underhand.
Both males and females play the game, where baseball is primarily played by males.
Games consist of 7 innings.
BASIC SOFTBALL RULES
Object
Softball is played by two teams of 9 players each who try to score more runs than their opponent by rounding the bases and crossing home plate as many times as possible. The batting team stays up to bat until the fielding team puts out 3 batters.
Playing Area
A softball field consists of a pitching rubber, 4 bases (3 bases plus home plate), an infield, and an outfield.
For specific details about the softball field size, check out softball field dimensions where you’ll find both slow pitch and fastpitch softball field dimensions for youth and adult leagues.
Equipment
You need a bat, a softball, softball gloves for each fielder, 4 bases, and a pitching rubber.
Basic Softball Rules
Starting Play
The visiting team bats first while the home team starts out in the field on defense. Each fielder lines up in one of the 9 fielding positions. The first batter steps into the batter’s box and prepares to hit the pitch.
Positions
Fielding players line up in the following positions:
Pitcher – on the pitching rubber
Catcher - behind home plate
1st Baseman
2nd Baseman
3rd Baseman
Shortstop – between 2nd and 3rd base
Leftfielder – outfield between 2nd and 3rd base
Centerfielder – outfield behind 2nd base
Rightfielder – outfield between 1st and 2nd base
Batting
There is a batter’s box on both sides of home plate. The batter may