Softball Study Guide Softball Study Guide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Baseball Cutoff and Backup Responsibilities - Pitchers
Baseball Cutoff and Backup Responsibilities - Pitchers The ability to fulfill baseball cutoff and backup responsibilities is what separates the good teams from the bad ones, the great teams from the good ones. Very few execute properly. Watch a typical youth baseball game when the ball gets hit into the outfield, and it’s a free-for-all. A scramble. Infielders look around in confusion. Most stand around and do very little. Young baseball players need to understand a very simple concept: No matter what the play, you always have a responsibility! If you aren’t moving — barring very few exceptions — you are likely doing something wrong. Cutoff and backup responsibilities are teamwork in action. Nine players moving at the same time for advancing the team. Here is a guide that covers 15 primary scenarios (five different hit types to each of the outfield positions). While this is oversimplified, it’s important that we don’t get bogged down in the details. There are always exceptions. There are always gray areas. There are always crazy plays you don’t expect. Sometimes a throw never makes it to a base, and instead stops at a cutoff man. We don’t need to create a chart that covers every cutoff and backup scenario imaginable. The goal is not for the kids to memorize these responsibilities. The goal is for them to reach that lightbulb moment when they understand why they need to be in a location at a particular time. Plays happen very quickly. Weird things happen. What we don’t want is for players to be going through their memory banks as the play is unfolding, trying to remember where a chart told them to play. -
Ripken Baseball Camps and Clinics
Basic Fundamentals of Outfield Play Outfield play, especially at the youth levels, often gets overlooked. Even though the outfielder is not directly involved in the majority of plays, coaches need to stress the importance of the position. An outfielder has to be able to maintain concentration throughout the game, because there may only be one or two hit balls that come directly to that player during the course of the contest. Those plays could be the most important ones. There also are many little things an outfielder can do -- backing up throws and other outfielders, cutting off balls and keeping runners from taking extra bases, and throwing to the proper cutoffs and bases – that don’t show up in a scorebook, but can really help a team play at a high level. Straightaway Positioning All outfielders – all fielders for that matter – must understand the concept of straightaway positioning. For an outfielder, the best way to determine straightaway positioning is to reference the bases. By drawing an imaginary line from first base through second base and into left field, the left fielder can determine where straightaway left actually is. The right fielder can do the same by drawing an imaginary line from third base through second base and into the outfield. The center fielder can simply use home plate and second base in a similar fashion. Of course, the actual depth that determines where straightaway is varies from age group to age group. Outfielders will shift their positioning throughout the game depending on the situation, the pitcher and the batter. But, especially at the younger ages, an outfielder who plays too close to the line or too close to another fielder can 1 create a huge advantage for opposing hitters. -
ASA Official Rules of Softball Umpire Edition
Welcome! Pick here for General Table of Contents Pick here for Playing Rules Table of Contents On this information page you will find: General notes about this rulebook. Other Notes: General notes about this rulebook. SEARCH: This rulebook is presented using Adobe Acrobat®. This allows you the user to search the rulebook for specific text using the Adobe Acrobat®software search tool. Select the binocular icon, type in the word or phrase you are looking for and pick the search button. NAVIGATION: You may navigate the rulebook using the bookmarks shown on the left or from either of the Table of Contents pages. To Navigate using the bookmarks simply select the title of the bookmark and the Acrobat software will take you to that page. To navigate from a Table of Contents page simply select the title or page number you wish to go to. RETURNING TO THE UMPIRE MECHANICS SOFTWARE: The umpire mechanics software is still running when you launch this rulebook. This allows you to switch between the umpire mechanics software and this rulebook. There are several ways to accomplish this on a windows machine. Most commonly the taskbar at the bottom of the screen or using the “Alt” and “Tab” key to cycle through the software programs that are running on your computer. SOFTBALL PLAYING RULES Copyright by the Amateur Softball Association of America REVISED 2005 “Permission to reprint THE OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES has been granted by THE AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.” Where (Fast Pitch Only) is shown, Modified Pitch rules are followed the same as fast pitch with the exception of the pitching rule. -
Rules and Equipment Rules and Equipment 71
7 Rules and Equipment Rules and Equipment 71 n this chapter we introduce you to some of the basic rules of Babe Ruth League, Inc. We don’t try to cover all the rules of the game, but rather we Igive you what you need to work with players who are 4 to 18 years old. We provide information on terminology, equipment, field size and markings, player positions, and game procedures. In a short section at the end of the chapter we show you the umpire’s signals for Babe Ruth Baseball. Terms to Know Baseball has its own vocabulary. Be familiar with the following common terms to make your job easier. In some cases we go into more depth on terms to explain related rules. appeal—The act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team; this most commonly occurs when a runner is thought to have missed a base. balk—An illegal motion by the pitcher intended to deceive the baserunners resulting in all runners advancing one base as determined by the umpire. ball—A pitch that the batter doesn’t swing at and that is outside of the strike zone. base—One of four points that must be touched by a runner in order to score. base coach—A team member or coach who is stationed in the coach’s box at first or third base for the purpose of directing the batter and runners. base on balls—An award of first base granted to a batter who, during his or her time at bat, receives four pitches outside the strike zone before receiving three pitches inside the strike zone. -
Guide to Softball Rules and Basics
Guide to Softball Rules and Basics History Softball was created by George Hancock in Chicago in 1887. The game originated as an indoor variation of baseball and was eventually converted to an outdoor game. The popularity of softball has grown considerably, both at the recreational and competitive levels. In fact, not only is women’s fast pitch softball a popular high school and college sport, it was recognized as an Olympic sport in 1996. Object of the Game To score more runs than the opposing team. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. Offense & Defense The primary objective of the offense is to score runs and avoid outs. The primary objective of the defense is to prevent runs and create outs. Offensive strategy A run is scored every time a base runner touches all four bases, in the sequence of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home. To score a run, a batter must hit the ball into play and then run to circle the bases, counterclockwise. On offense, each time a player is at-bat, she attempts to get on base via hit or walk. A hit occurs when she hits the ball into the field of play and reaches 1st base before the defense throws the ball to the base, or gets an extra base (2nd, 3rd, or home) before being tagged out. A walk occurs when the pitcher throws four balls. It is rare that a hitter can round all the bases during her own at-bat; therefore, her strategy is often to get “on base” and advance during the next at-bat. -
PLAYERS and SUBSTITUTES Rule 8 NUMBER of PLAYERS Each Team Shall Have at Least Nine Eligible Players in the Game at All Times
PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES Rule 8 NUMBER OF PLAYERS Each team shall have at least nine eligible players in the game at all times. The players and the defensive positions by which they are identified are as follows: (1) Pitcher (2) Catcher (3) First Baseman (4) Second Baseman (5) Third Baseman (6) Shortstop (7) Left Fielder (8) Center Fielder Note: (9) Right Fielder If a team starts a game with nine players, a Designated Player may not be used. NUMBER OF PLAYERS With a Designated Player - The players and the defensive positions by which they are identified are as follows: (1) Pitcher (2) Catcher (3) First Baseman (4) Second Baseman (5) Third Baseman (6) Shortstop (7) Left Fielder (8) Center Fielder (9) Right Fielder (10) Flex (DP) Designated Player STARTERS Starter refers to the first nine or 10 (if a Designated Player is used) players listed on the lineup card submitted to the umpire before the start of the game. STARTERS It is recommended that the uniform numbers of each starting player be circled on the roster at the beginning of the game to Eachprevent starter a substitution is entitled violation.to be replaced and to re-enter the game one time as long as she assumes her original spot in the batting order. Note: The Flex may assume the DP's spot in the batting order any number of times. It is not a re- entry. SUBSTITUTES Substitute refers to a player not listed on the lineup card as a starter but who may legally replace one of the first nine or 10 players listed on the lineup card submitted to the umpire before the start of the game. -
Developing Movements & Actions for Infielders
THE DEVELOPING MOVEMENTS & ACTIONS FOR BASEBALL INFIELDERS ZONE A publication of | The Baseball Zone Developing Movements & Actions for Infielders ABOUT THE AUTHOR .............................................................................................................................. 3 Developing Infielding Movements Through Playing Catch ......................................................................... 4 Getting “Ready” With a True Ready Position .............................................................................................. 6 How to Read Hops (& Which One to Avoid) ............................................................................................. 10 8 Types of Ground Balls You Need to Practice Fielding............................................................................ 12 How Infielders Can Create Angles to the Ball ............................................................................................ 15 Getting Infielders Outside of Their Comfort Zones .................................................................................... 17 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Thank you for your interest in our eBook! You can also find us on the following social media sites by clicking the appropriate web addresses below: www.facebook.com/thebaseballzone www.youtube.com/thebaseballzone www.twitter.com/thebaseballzone Thanks for following us…now enjoy the eBook! -
Q1: R1on First, No Outs, 0-1 Count
2017 Baseball Officials Exam for Postseason Tournament Consideration & Answers 1. Courtesy runner (CR1) runs for R1 and later in that same half-inning runs for R2. What is the ruling? a. Illegal substitution, CR1 is declared out. b. Illegal substitution, CR1 is declared out and restricted to dugout/bench. c. Illegal substitution, CR1 is declared out and ejected. d. Replace CR1 with CR2 who would run for F2 with no penalty. 2. The count is 2-2 and B1 swings at an inside fastball. As he swings at the pitch, the ball hits his hands on the bat and the ball rolls toward the pitcher in fair territory. The correct call is…. a. Fair ball; the ball remains in play. b. Foul ball; the batter remains at bat with a 2-2 count. c. Hit by pitch; send the batter to first base. d. Dead ball; the batter is charged with a strike, and since the count was 2-2, he is declared out. 3. R1 on first, two outs. The batter hits a pop fly behind the catcher, which is caught for the third out. As the defense begins to run off the field, the offensive coach appeals to the umpire that the ball was caught with an illegal glove. The catcher was using a first baseman’s mitt. a. The illegal glove is removed from the game. b. The illegal glove is removed from the game, however the out stands. c. The glove is legal for first base only. d. The glove is legal and the out stands. -
Leveraging Pitcher-Batter Matchups for Optimal Game Strategy
Leveraging Pitcher-Batter Matchups for Optimal Game Strategy Paper Track: Baseball Paper ID: 13603 Willie K. Harrison∗ and John L. Salmony ∗Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University yDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University 1. Introduction Recent play in Major League Baseball (MLB) has showcased many attempts to achieve an advantage through smart selection of pitcher-batter matchups. One such case in the 2018 postseason had the Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, selecting an all right-handed batting lineup to face both Chris Sale and David Price in games one and two of the World Series. Both pitchers are left-handed, and the choice certainly tailors to the well-known lefty-righty handedness matchup strategy [10]. Further- more, this choice was inline with the platoon system that the Dodgers had employed throughout the 2018 regular season [15], often starting all right-handed batting lineups against left-handed starters, seemingly with great success. Although attempts have been made to optimize pitcher-batter matchup strategies in the sabermet- rics [2, 7, 9] literature (e.g., [5, 6]), these approaches have tended to apply averages of large data sets in an attempt to ��ine tune some matchup data. For example, Hirotsu and Wright used the handedness (i.e., left handed or right handed) of both the pitcher and the batter to adjust average batting statistics in an attempt to optimize the choice of pitcher substitution [6]. In this approach, if a batter’s dominant hand is opposite to that of a pitcher’s dominant hand, then the offensive statistics of the batter are as- sumed to be enhanced slightly for that speciic matchup. -
Baseball Rules and Regulations &
2015 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations & Official Playing Rules e u g a e l h t u r e b a b $4.50 Coaches are the key to a positive sport experience At Babe Ruth League, we believe there is no one single action that can have more of a positive impact on our players than improving the quality and knowledge of managers and coaches. Babe Ruth League believes that effective youth coaches are properly trained to focus on children’s baseball experiences and less on winning games. Babe Ruth League Coaching Education Program To provide this training, Babe Ruth League and Ripken Baseball have partnered with Human Kinetics Coach Education to deliver online coaching courses for Babe Ruth League and Ripken Baseball coaches. $19.95 $24.95 All rostered coaches must complete either the introductory online course or the advanced online course to meet the Babe Ruth League coaching education requirement. We appreciate your commitment to be a Babe Ruth League coach and a positive influence on our young athletes. Register for your course today! www.BabeRuthCoaching.org STEVEN M. TELLEFSEN, President/CEO JOSEPH M. SMIEGOCKI, Vice President/Operations & Marketing ROBERT P. FAHERTY, JR., Vice President/Commissioner ROBERT A. CONNOR, Commissioner DONNA J. MAHONEY, Controller INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: 1770 Brunswick Pike • P.O. Box 5000 Trenton, NJ 08638 • 800-880-3142 • Fax 609-695-2505 Email: [email protected] For additional information please visit: www.baberuthleague.org Copyright 2015 Babe Ruth League, Inc. MISSION STATEMENT OF BABE RUTH LEAGUE, INC. The Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball program, using regulation competitive baseball and softball rules, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. -
Striking and Fielding Unit Plan
STRIKING AND FIELDING UNIT PLAN Unit Topic Striking and fielding games can provide learners skills to fulfill a lifetime of fun in recreation and leisure activities in their communities. Softball, baseball, kickball, cricket (England), and rounders (England) are striking and fielding games that can be played throughout one’s lifetime. Special Olympics Unified PE Lesson Plans Games & Sports | 35 UNIT OBJECTIVES The student objectives below are followed by specific reference to SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes . Students will be able to… • Throw with a mature pattern for distance or • Analyze the empowering consequences of being power appropriate to the activity during small- physical active. {S5.M2.8} sided game play. {S1.M2.8} • Develop a plan of action and make appropriate • Catch using an implement in a dynamic decisions based on that plan when faced with an environment or modified game play. {S1.M3.8} individual challenge. {S5.M3.8; 8.5.2.1} • Strike a pitched ball with an implement for power • Discuss how enjoyment could be increased in to open space in a variety of small-sided games. self-selected physical activities. {S5.M4.8; 8.5.3.1} {S1.M20.8} • Identify and participate in an enjoyable activity • Catch, using an implement, from different that promotes individual self-expression. {S5. trajectories and speeds in a dynamic environment M5.8} or modified game play. {S1.M21.8} • Demonstrate respect for self by asking for help • Identify sacrifice situation and attempt to and helping others in various physical activities. advance a teammate. {S2.M10.8} {S5.M6.8} • Reduce open spaces in the field by working with • Throw for distance, accuracy and speed teammates to maximize coverage. -
Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League League Handbook
BALLSTON SPA JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE LEAGUE HANDBOOK Originally Issued March, 2007 8th Edition – Amended July 2019 Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League, Inc Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League, Inc. League Handbook Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Purpose League Motto League Mission Board of Directors Different Levels of Play CODE OF CONDUCT Players’ Code of Conduct Parents/Spectators Code of Conduct Coaches Code of Conduct League Officials Code of Conduct Violations & Remediation LOCAL RULES 1.00 Rules of the Grounds 1.01 The Field 1.02 Playoffs 1.03 All-Stars 1.04 Player Eligibility 2.00 General Rules 2.01 Drafting Guidelines & Procedure 2.02 Pitching 2.03 Batting 2.04 Playing Time 2.05 Slight Injuries 2.06 Base Runners 3.00 Rookie Division Rules 4.00 Minors Division Rules 5.00 Majors Division Rules 5.01 Regulations 5.02 Field and Game Composition 5.03 Batting 5.04 Pitching 5.05 General Rule 6.00 Senior League Rules Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League, Inc. Page 1 6.01 General 6.02 The Player 6.03 Protest Procedures 6.04 Schedules 6.05 Tournament Teams 6.06 Team Responsibility 6.07 Ground Rules 7.00 Travel Teams 7.01 Seasonal Coaches Meeting 7.02 Coaches 7.03 Selection of Team 7.04 Which Age Division A Player Should Play In 7.05 Payment 7.06 Travel Players and Rec Program 7.07 Uniform 7.08 Practice Facilities 7.09 Travel Fundraising 7.10 Travel Team Finances 7.11 Umpire Resources and Payments 7.12 Chain of Command 7.13 Attendance Policy 8.00 BABE RUTH / CAL RIPKEN CHARTER Overview All-Star Trail Tournament 9.00 COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD BASEBALL RULES Infield Fly Strike Zone Strike Foul Tip Ball Obstruction Contact Dropped Third Strike Uniform Umpire’s Judgment Special Statement "Judgement of the Umpire" 10.00 FIELD LOCATIONS Doubleday Baseball Fields Round Lake Baseball Fields 11.00 ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Junior Baseball League Skills Assessment Form Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League, Inc.