Softball Size report
Softball is a collective competition project, and the professional playing field is a right-angle fan-shaped field. Softball evolved from baseball and originated in Chicago in the 1880s. Because the area required for baseball is too large, it cannot be played outdoors in rainy and snowy weather. In Chicago, people first reduced the baseball field and moved it indoors in 1887, called "indoor baseball."
After World War II, softball became popular in many countries and regions. With the improvement of rules and the influence of international events, softball has gradually become standardized and an integral part of the national fitness movement. In 1933, it was officially named softball. In 1996, women's softball was officially listed as an Olympic sport.
The International Softball Federation, the highest and the most influential softball organization, was established in September 1952. It has 129 members and is headquartered in Oklahoma, USA. This article focus on the requirements of a professional softball, including its diameter, weight, and material.
Softball Size Guide
Softball and baseball are two popular ball sports, while similar to some extent, do have many differences. It is worth noting that softball is a sport that originated from baseball, which is the main reason for its resemblance to baseball. There are two types of softball, fast softball, and slow softball. Softballs used in international competitions must meet the standards set by the International Softball Federation Rules Committee and must bear the words International Softball Federation (ISF) on the ball.
Both women's and men's softball games require a regulation size softball. The softball may also vary in size depending on whether it is being used to play fastpitch or slowpitch softball. Although its name suggests it is a soft ball, it has a core made of fiber kapok, cork, rubber, or a polyurethane blend. Yellow has become the official color of the NCAA and NAIA softballs as it provides higher visibility. Softballs are typically available in different sizes for different age groups.
Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball Dimensions
Both fastpitch and slowpitch softball use 11- or 12-inch softballs, depending on the age of the players. Boys' and girls' teams with players aged 10 and younger usually use the smaller 11-inch ball. Some women's slowpitch leagues also use the 11-inch ball. Men's slowpitch leagues primarily use the 12-inch ball, as do both men and women playing fastpitch.
Softball Sizes By Teams
Standard softballs for international matches have a diameter of 3.82" (9.7 cm) and a circumference of 12" (30.5 cm). The mass of a Softball is between 6.25-7 oz. (177-198 g).
- 11-Inch Softball
The 11-Inch softball must weigh at least six ounces. There are two types of compression: fastpitch 11-inch softballs are used by boys' and girls' fastpitch teams when the players are 10 years old or younger; Women's slowpitch teams use the 11-inch slowpitch softball, women's senior teams, and all youth slow pitch teams.
- 12-Inch Softball
Most softball players are familiar with 12-inch softballs. A softball 12 inches in diameter is required for regulation play by men's fast pitch softball teams, including senior men's fast pitch teams and boys' youth fast pitch teams. It is also used by women's fast pitch softball teams and girls' youth fast pitch teams.
- 14-Inch Softballs
A 14-inch softball was required to weigh at least 8 ounces. It can't be used for any regulation play but may be used in recreational softball play.
- 16-Inch Softballs
The largest softball approved by the ASA for regulation play is 16 inches in circumference and is used in men's 16-inch softball games. But the ASA does not list any women's 16-inch softball leagues.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, some league-specific softball dimensions call for balls outside of the typical 11"-12" range. Different organizations, clubs, and adult rec leagues might use 14" and 16" specialty balls. To make sure that you pick the right size for your league or organization, talk to your coach or league official before purchasing.
