History and Description
Started in the 16th century called Rounders and Townball. Played in England. Ball made from 4 pieces of leather sown together into the shape of a ball. Used raw wool for a very bouncy, "softball". Stick or bat was a piece of wood 12 inches in length or longer. It was called Townball because each town had their own team. Softball was invented around the 20th century by American professional baseball players who wanted to keep in shape in the off-season. More than 600 National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) member institutions sponsor women's softball teams. Softball is played in the Olympics along with millions of others in recreation leagues.

Basic Rules
The rules of softball are patterned after those of baseball.

REGULATION GAME - The game consists of 7 innings. An inning consists of one at bat (3 outs) for each team. The team with the most runs after 7 innings wins the game.

A PLAYER IS OUT IF -

1. 3 strikes are called
2. You hit a fly ball and it is caught
3. You hit a fair ball and the fielder touches the base or you before you touch the base
4. You run out of the base lines
5. If a batter hits the ball and the ball hits you while running the bases
6. You lead off any base
7. You fail to touch a base

BASE RUNNERS SHOUD -

1. Over-run first base
2. Remain on their base if a fly ball is hit. They may advance after it is caught. Remaining on the base is called "tagging up".
3. Stay inside the base lines while running

A HIT BALL IS -

1. Fair when it hits the ground before first or third base and is touched by a fielder before rolling foul
2. Fair when the ball rolls past first or third and then rolls into foul territory
3. Foul when it lands in foul territory, or rolls into foul territory before reaching first or third base

PLAYERS AND POSITIONS -

1. Pitcher
2. Catcher
3. First Base
4. Second Base
5. Third Base
6. Shortstop
7. Left Field
8. Center Field
9. Right Field