How to play
Softball vs baseball: what's actually different
They share the same idea, nine players, three outs and four bases, but softball and baseball differ in the ball, the pitch, the size of the field and a handful of rules. Here's every difference that matters, for fastpitch and slowpitch too.
The short answer
Softball uses a bigger ball pitched underhand from a flat circle about 43 feet away (50 in adult slowpitch) on a smaller field with 60-foot bases, and games run 7 innings. Baseball uses a smaller ball thrown overhand from a raised mound 60 feet 6 inches away, with 90-foot bases and 9 innings at the pro and college level.
Softball vs baseball at a glance
| Softball | Baseball | |
|---|---|---|
| Ball size | 12 inches around in fastpitch; 11 or 12 inches in slowpitch | About 9 to 9¼ inches around |
| Ball weight | About 6¼ to 7 ounces | About 5 to 5¼ ounces |
| Pitching motion | Underhand. Fastpitch uses a windmill or slingshot; slowpitch is a high, slow arc | Overhand or sidearm |
| Pitching distance | 43 feet in college and adult fastpitch, less for younger players; 50 feet in adult slowpitch | 60 feet 6 inches |
| Where the pitcher stands | A flat pitching circle | A raised mound |
| Base distance | 60 feet (65 in some adult slowpitch leagues) | 90 feet |
| Outfield fence | Around 200 to 220 feet in fastpitch | Usually 300 to 400+ feet |
| Innings | 7 | 9 in college and pro; 7 in high school and most youth leagues |
| Players on defense | 9 in fastpitch; usually 10 in slowpitch (an extra fielder) | 9 |
| Leading off and stealing | Fastpitch: runners leave when the pitch is released. Slowpitch: usually no leading off or stealing | Runners can lead off and steal at any time |
| Bats | Shorter and lighter, with a smaller barrel | Longer and heavier; wood in pro baseball |
| Lineup extras | DP/flex (fastpitch) and extra hitters (EH/EP) in many leagues | Designated hitter (DH) |
Measurements are the common adult and college standards. Youth and some adult leagues use their own; check your league's rules.
The ball and the pitch
The biggest difference is the pitch. Baseball pitchers throw overhand from a raised mound. Softball pitchers throw underhand from a flat circle, either with a full windmill or slingshot motion in fastpitch, or with a slow, high arc in slowpitch.
A softball is bigger and heavier, but it's pitched from much closer. An elite fastpitch pitcher throws around 60 to 70 mph from 43 feet, which gives the batter about the same reaction time as a 90-plus mph fastball in baseball.
The field
Everything on a softball field is smaller. The bases are 60 feet apart instead of 90, the pitcher is closer, and the outfield fence is usually around 200 to 220 feet in fastpitch, compared with 300 to 400 feet or more in baseball. The infield is usually all dirt in softball, while baseball infields are usually grass with a dirt base path.
Base running
In baseball, runners can take a lead and steal at any time. In fastpitch softball, runners can't leave the base until the pitcher releases the ball, which makes steals a race against a shorter throw. Most slowpitch leagues don't allow leading off or stealing at all.
Fastpitch vs slowpitch softball
Fastpitch is the competitive form played in high school, college and the Olympics: fast windmill pitching, bunting, slapping and stealing. Slowpitch is the most common adult rec format: the pitch has to arc, usually 6 to 12 feet high depending on the league, so almost every at-bat ends with the ball in play, and teams often field a tenth player.
Game length and lineups
Softball games are 7 innings. Baseball is 9 innings in college and the pros and 7 in high school and most youth leagues. Baseball uses a designated hitter to bat for a fielder. Fastpitch softball has the DP/flex: the designated player bats for the flex player, and either can play defense. Many rec softball leagues also allow extra hitters or a continuous batting order where everyone bats.
Which should you play?
If you want to keep playing after school, softball is everywhere: adult rec slowpitch leagues, co-ed leagues and corporate leagues are easy to join. Baseball adult leagues exist too, but they're fewer and usually more competitive. Both are the same game at heart, so skills transfer: fielding, hitting and base running all carry over.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the main difference between softball and baseball?
The pitch. Softball is pitched underhand from a flat circle about 43 feet away (50 in adult slowpitch), and baseball is pitched overhand from a raised mound 60 feet 6 inches away. Softball also uses a bigger ball, a smaller field and 7-inning games.
Is softball easier than baseball?
Not really. The ball is bigger, but fastpitch pitchers throw from much closer, so batters get about the same time to react as against a 90-plus mph baseball fastball. Slowpitch is easier to hit, which is why it's popular in adult rec leagues.
How far apart are the bases in softball?
60 feet in most softball, compared with 90 feet in baseball. Some adult slowpitch leagues use 65 feet.
How many innings are in a softball game?
Seven. Many leagues also have time limits or run-ahead rules that can end a game early.
Can you steal in softball?
In fastpitch, yes, but runners can't leave the base until the pitch is released. Most slowpitch leagues don't allow stealing or leading off.
Running a team?
Spend less time organizing and more time playing.
BenchApp handles the schedule, RSVPs, lineups, team chat and fees for softball and baseball teams. Free to start.