Editing Softball (section)

=== Field ===
[[File:Softball game.webm|thumb|A softball game]]
Fastpitch softball is played between two teams on a large field, with nine players (in 10u and above; 8u and below is usually played with ten players on a field at once) from one team on the field at a time. Slow-pitch softball is played with ten fielders but can be played with nine if needed.

The softball field is usually composed of a dirt or brick dust [[infield]] that contains the shape and running areas of a diamond and a grass [[outfield]]. However, the field can consist of other solid and dry surfaces such as artificial turf or asphalt. There are four [[#The field|bases]] on the infield: [[First base]], [[second base]], [[third base]], and [[home plate]]. The bases are arranged in a square and are typically {{convert|60|ft|m|abbr=}} apart. Near the center of this square is the [[#The field|pitcher's circle]], and within the circle is the "rubber", a small flat rectangular plate a foot and a half in length. The rubber distance from the plate in fastpitch can be as short as 35 feet for 10u players up to 43 feet for ages 14 and older.<ref>{{cite web|last=USSA Softball |date=2020-01-01 |title=USSA Fastpitch Rules |url=https://usssa.com/docs/2020/FPRB_Online_revised_011620.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517002307/https://usssa.com/docs/2020/FPRB_Online_revised_011620.pdf |archive-date=2021-05-17 |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=USSA Fastpitch Rules}}</ref> In slow pitch softball, the rubber distance can be 43, 46 or 50 feet depending on age level and the league one is playing in.