Softball is a team sport in which a ball, eleven to twelve inches (28 to 30.5 centimeters) in circumference, is thrown by a player called a pitcher and hit by an offensive player called a batter with a round, smooth stick called a bat.

Scoring is accomplished by the batter running and touching a series of three raised markers on the ground called bases, and then touching the final base, called home plate.

The sport’s governing body, the International Softball Federation holds world championships, held every four years, in several categories.

Fast Pitch softball is a very defensive, pitcher-oriented game. The pitcher delivers the ball at maximum speed with little to no arc. The ball is colored bright yellow.

Modified Pitch softball strikes a balance between fast and slow pitch. The speed of the pitches are limited by not allowing the pitcher to raise their arms above their shoulders.

Slow Pitch softball gives batters more dominance by making it easier for them to hit the ball. The ball type in women’s and youth competition is usually smaller and more dense than that of the fast pitch variety, making for a harder hit ball to the defense.

The playing field is divided into fair territory and foul territory. Fair territory is further divided into the infield, the outfield, and the territory beyond the outfield fence.

Located in foul territory outside both baselines are two Coach’s Boxes. Each box is behind a line 15 feet (5 meters) long located 12 feet (3 meters) from each baseline.