All About Slowpitch Softball
The Basics & Rules
A slow pitch team has 2 teams with 10 players on the field and there are four outfielders rather than three. No fixed rules about where four outfielders are positioned on the field and they can move around throughout the game.
The most notable difference between fast and slowpitch is the way that the ball is pitched. In slowpitch, rather than the classic windmill pitch seen in fastpitch, the ball is pitched underhand with one foot always in contact with the plate until the ball is released. Legal pitches have to reach an arc between six feet and twelve feet. The home plate umpire determines whether the pitch conforms to these parameters. The underhanded pitch ensures the ball will travel slowly, making it easier for players to get hits.
Just like in fastpitch, the rulebook strike zone applies - the ball must cross some part of the plate between the batter’s front shoulder and back knee in order for it to be called a strike. Any pitch that hits any portion of the plate as it descends to the ground is a ball, even if it passes through the strike zone. In slowpitch, when a batter has two strikes and a foul ball is hit, it is counted as a third strike and the batter is out. There are also no wild pitches or passed balls on which runners can advance in slowpitch.
Another significant difference of slowpitch vs. fastpitch is that strikeouts are a rare occurrence and almost always happen when a ball is hit foul with two strikes rather than on a called or swinging strikeout. However, a good pitcher is still able to have an influence in limiting the offence of the other team by making batters swing at pitches they don’t necessarily want to hit and by getting batters to hit ground balls or fly balls rather than line drives that will advance them. Bunting and base stealing are also not allowed in slow pitch softball.
A full slowpitch game consists of seven innings, taking between 60 and 90 minutes to play. In coed games, the batting order is a 5:5 ratio, men and women bat alternately.
Co-ed leagues sometimes have different rules to balance competitive play and ensure safety. For example, a walk to a female batter in co-ed slowpitch means she takes first base as normal, but when a male batter is walked, he gets two bases. With less than two outs, if a man is walked, the following female batter takes her turn like normal. If a man is walked with two outs, the following female batter can choose to bat or take a walk. These rules specifically are designed to prevent teams deliberately walking men to get to female hitters that they think might be weaker.
Slowpitch rules dictate greater distance from the mount to the plate: 50 feet rather than 35-43 feet that is the standard in fastpitch. Slowpitch also doesn’t allow variations in pitch types, creating more emphasis on precision and strategy rather than speed. Due to the slower pitch, the batter has a higher chance of hitting the ball, resulting in more frequent plays and adding a different dimension to the game.
Slowpitch Leagues & How to Get Involved
There are different types/levels of slowpitch softball leagues you can get involved in. Recreational leagues, often called Beer Leagues, are the most casual. They are geared towards players seeking a relaxed and enjoyable environment and emphasize enjoyment and social interaction over competition.
The next level up is a competitive league. Competitive leagues are designed for players who take the game more seriously and enjoy a higher level of competition. They often have more skilled players and teams who are focused on winning and are geared towards players who have a strong background in softball or want to focus on winning. These leagues are more demanding in terms of commitment and skill level.
Co-ed leagues feature teams with both male and female players and promote inclusivity and provide a unique dynamic on the field. Co-ed leagues are usually more casual than competitive leagues, which makes them great for families, couples, and friends who want to play together. Some leagues are age-specific, catering to different groups, including youth, adult, or senior leagues
Originally developed in Chicago, 16-inch softball is a variant that uses a larger softball that gradually becomes softer the more the ball is hit. 16-inch is played with no gloves or mitts on the fielders, making good hand-eye coordination crucial. 16-inch softball leagues are most popular in Chicago and are also known as cabbageball, mushball, or Chicagoball.
Slowpitch leagues use a player and team ranking system that designates level of competitiveness. Levels go from Rec (new players with limited experience) to Class A (highest level athletes - current or former D1 athletes, past pros, and/or upper softball players). One step up from the Rec level is Class E, which are players with some skill and basic tournament experience. A step up from there is Class D which are competitive players typically with high school or lower-level college experience. Next are Class C and B, which are advanced competitors, including current or former D1 athletes.
Slowpitch softball leagues are relatively easy to find if you know where to look! You can find leagues/opportunities of all levels to join through city/town recreation websites, Facebook groups, community sports social clubs, or through friends and family. Slowpitch is an excellent way of getting involved with your community and staying active while building new skills and meeting new people.