The most important thing to start with to get in the game is to find a pitch to play on. All you need is a level grass field. The area in which the game takes place is enclosed in a 90-degree angle, and extends out to about 300 feet from "home plate", where the batter stands. The only field requirement (apart from pitch markings) is a set of four bases and a rubber pitcher's plate. However, on a "proper" softball field, the inner area (where the bases are set) will be a specialised dirt/clay mix, and there will be dedicated fencing and dugouts where the teams sit during the game. There are very few such pitches in the UK at present, but there are plans to build some in the near future. If you find your way on to one, however, there are a few important things to pick up.

Bats: Softball bats are made from metal or composite materials and vary slightly in length and weight. Try out a few to see what feels comfortable.
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Balls: Standard softballs are 12" in circumference and are about the size of a small grapefruit with stitched seams that help pitchers achieve movement through the air. Contrary to what the name implies, softballs are not soft!
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Gloves: In softball (and baseball), all players wear fielding gloves on their non-throwing hand when on defense. As with bats, gloves vary in size and other characteristics and it's important to find a glove you feel comfortable with.
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Clothes: Any comfortable sportswear is fine for practising. Although some teams wear complete baseball-type uniforms when they compete, most teams usually just have team t-shirts printed and wear the same colour trousers or shorts.
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A
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  • American Football
  • Archery
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Diving
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Handball
  • Hockey
  • Indoor Climbing
  • Judo
  • Netball
  • Rounders
  • Rowing
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Sailing
  • Slowpitch Softball
  • Snowsport
  • Squash & Racketball
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Taekwondo
  • Tennis
  • Triathlon
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Yoga
Contrary to its name, softballs are not particularly soft

Contrary to its name, softballs are not particularly soft
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