Softball is a sport similar to baseball, played with a larger ball and on a smaller field. It is mostly played by girls and women, but also has male teams.
Softball was invented in 1887 by George Hancock in Chicago.
Originally, it was called indoor baseball or kitten baseball.
The first game of softball was played with a boxing glove as a ball and a broomstick as a bat.
The sport quickly gained popularity in the US and was included in the Olympics in 1996.
Baseball is a sport played with a smaller ball and on a larger field than softball. It is mostly played by boys and men, but also has female teams.
Rugby is a sport played with an oval-shaped ball and on a large field. It is mostly played by boys and men, but also has female teams.
Football is a sport played with a ball and on a large field. It is mostly played by boys and men, but also has female teams.
Softball balls are larger than baseball balls and have a softer texture. They are used to play the game of softball.
Softball bats are shorter and lighter than baseball bats. They are used to hit the softball ball.
Softball gloves are larger than baseball gloves and have a deeper pocket. They are used to catch the softball ball.
A typical softball is made of leather or synthetic materials and filled with compressed cork, rubber or a similar material.
A standard softball field is smaller than a baseball field, measuring 60 feet between each base and 43 feet from the pitcher's mound to home plate.
Fastpitch softballs are thrown underhand at high speeds, while slowpitch softballs are thrown underhand at a slower pace to allow for easier hitting.
The basic positions in softball include pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
The mandatory gear for softball includes a helmet, a glove, and cleats. Additional gear can include batting gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads.