Softball Field Dimensions

Softball is a game that pretty much looks just like baseball. In fact, softball takes its roots from the original game, baseball. Differences between the two include ball sizes and several elements of game play. It would help to figure out the dimensions of a softball playing field. You will notice some of its similarities with a baseball diamond as we describe each of its elements.

Overview of a Softball Playing Field

The softball playing field is generally divided into two sections, namely the fair and foul territories. Furthermore, the fair territory of the playing field is divided into what is called the infield, the outfield, and the territory outside of the outfield fence.

The softball playing field is marked by foul lines, which appears similar to what you see in a baseball diamond. There are also fences that run along the baseline that determines the limits of the playing field. The minimum lengths of the baseline will vary depending on the classification of play.

Varying Distances

Take note that the playing field dimensions vary in its overall size. The dimensions are affected by the size of the lot where the field is located. Different softball leagues will usually adapt the field dimensions to the size of the available lot. Other than the lot size, there are also different minimum distances between elements of the field depending on several factors. Factors that affect minimum distances between parts of the playing field include whether the league is for men or women and whether it is fast pitching or slow pitching.

Here are the softball playing field dimensions:

Home Plate: The foul lines meet at the home plate in right angles. The home plate is a corner of the softball diamond that has bases on each corner. The bases measured as 15 inch squares or 38 square centimeters and is about 13 cm thick. These bases are usually fastened to the ground.

Bases: The bases are usually about 60 feet away from each other.

Infield: The infield is the part of a softball playing field that is composed of the diamond and other adjacent spaces. This is basically the area where the infielders would usually run around when the game is played.

Pitchers Mound: The pitchers mound is about 35 to 53 feet away from the home plate for adult slow pitch. However, it is 35 to 40 feet for fast pitch.

Outfield: The remaining space in the playing field is called the outfield. The outfield is the grassy part of the playing area.

Grass Line: The grass line has a circumference of 60 feet shaped in a semi-circle.

Catcher’s Area: This is usually has a nine-foot radius around the home plate and has a three-foot mark that indicates where the baselines are.

Coaches Box: These are located along the first and third baselines. The box dimensions are set at 15 feet by three feet.