Detailed information about the history and rules of the game of Softball: সফটবল খেলার ইতিহাস ও নিয়ম সম্পর্কে বিস্তারিত তথ্য।

Detailed information about the history and rules of the game of Softball: সফটবল খেলার ইতিহাস ও নিয়ম সম্পর্কে বিস্তারিত তথ্য।

##History of Softball:

Softball is a variant of baseball that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. The game’s roots can be traced back to indoor baseball games played in Chicago in 1887. The original version of the game was played indoors and involved using a larger and softer ball than baseball, which led to the name “softball.” Over time, the sport evolved, and outdoor versions became more popular.

In 1933, the Joint Rules Committee on Softball standardized the rules, and the sport began to gain widespread popularity. Softball became especially popular as a recreational and intramural sport, and various organizations, including the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) in the United States, played key roles in promoting and organizing the sport.

Softball became an Olympic sport in 1996 but was later dropped after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Despite this, the sport continues to be played at various levels, from recreational leagues to competitive tournaments.

##Basic Rules of Softball: 

Softball is played between two teams, each consisting of nine players. The game typically consists of seven innings, with each team taking turns as the offensive and defensive team.

**1. The Playing Field: **
– The field is divided into an infield and an outfield.
– Bases are set in a diamond shape, with a distance of 60 feet between each base.
– The pitcher’s mound is located in the center of the diamond.

**2. Starting the Game: **
– The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team bats first and which team plays defense.
– The defensive team consists of a pitcher, catcher, four infielders (first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman), and three outfielders.

**3. Batting: **
– A player from the offensive team stands at home plate with a bat.
– The pitcher from the defensive team throws the ball to the batter.
– The batter attempts to hit the ball and then runs counterclockwise around the bases.

**4. Baserunning: **
– Runners must touch each base in order and reach home plate to score a run.
– Baserunners can be tagged out by a defensive player with the ball or forced out if a fielder touches the base before the runner reaches it.

**5. Pitching: **
– The pitcher throws the ball underhand from the pitcher’s mound to the batter.
– The pitch must be delivered with a smooth, underhand motion, and the pitcher must keep one foot on the pitcher’s plate until the ball is released.

**6. Innings: **
– Each team has a turn at bat and a turn in the field during an inning.
– An inning is completed when both teams have batted and played defense.

**7. Scoring: **
– Runs are scored when a player successfully completes a circuit of the bases and reaches home plate.

**8. Outs: **
– Outs are recorded when defensive players catch a hit ball before it touches the ground, tag a baserunner with the ball, or force a runner out at a base.

**9. Strikes and Balls: **
– The batter is pitched a series of balls and strikes. Four balls result in a walk, and three strikes result in a strikeout.

These are the basic rules of softball, and variations may exist depending on the league or organization overseeing the game. Softball is a dynamic sport that requires a combination of skills such as hitting, pitching, fielding, and teamwork.

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