Effective Pickleball Strategies: Executing Successful Rundowns

Question I coach a 12 and under travel team near Saratoga NY. I would like to know the best way to execute a successful pickle. What players should be invo

Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch Bats: Key Differences & Legality

QuestionCould you tell me what the difference between a fastpitch bat and a slowpitch bat are?  Can you use a Fastpitch bat in mens slowpitch softball

Baseball Umpire Rules: Batter Throwing Bat & Catcher's Helmet

Questioni have 2 question. 1. what is the ASA rule for a batter throwing the bat? what are the umps options if she continues to throw the bat. 2nd. is ther

Is Soft Toss Bad for Softball Batting Stance? Expert Advice

QuestionI am a member of a varsity softball team, and before games, we practice batting using the soft toss method (the batter stands facing a pitcher who

Mastering the Batter's Stance: A Comprehensive Guide

Question Im told proper stance is essential, Id like to know how to instruct the stance. There are many opinions at our practices about feet, hands, elbows

Base Runner Hit by Teammate's Bat: Is the Runner Out?

QuestionIf a player is on  base and gets hit with a ball by another teammate batting is the runner out? This happened in one of the games I played in

Overcoming Batting Fear in Young Softball Players: A Coach's Guide

QuestionMy 9 year old daughter is playing in her first year of girls fastpitch softball. She has developed a fear of the ball and is stepping back on every

U10 Softball: Stealing Home on Passed Balls - Rule Clarification

QuestionMy understanding is that there is no stealing home in U10 softball on a passed ball, but if a player were to steal third base on a passed ball, wou

Softball Force Play: Home Plate Tag & Out Rules Explained

QuestionBases loaded.  Batter bunts.  Catcher fields ball in front of home plate.  Has ball securely in glove hand.  Stretches and touc

Softball Rule Question: Out Batter Running Bases After Dropped Strike

QuestionJust curious about a recent incident at a girls 11-12 fast pitch softball game. One out. On third strike, catcher drops ball, but first base is oc

Batter Obstruction on Passed Balls in 12U Fast Pitch: Rules & Responsibilities

QuestionDr. Ambrose, When is the batter guilty of obstruction on a passed ball?  What are the batters responsibilities to get out of the way? Situat

Softball Interference Rules: Catcher's Steps & Runner's Baseline

Question------------------------- So does that mean that if the catcher picked up the ball and took even one step toward the batter (headed toward her dugo

Proper Glove Position for Softball Catching: Drill & Technique

QuestionDo you have a drill(s) to teach girls to hold their glove in the correct position when catching the ball and not holding it with the heal of the gl

ASA 10u Fastpitch Rules: Pitching & Batter Positioning

QuestionI have a couple questions. In ASA 10u girls do the pitchers have two start with both feet in contact with the pitchers plate (6-1-C/2)? Next happen

Softball Dead Ball Rules: Understanding Infield Fly & Other Situations

Question#1---Is there any other Batted Dead Ball rule besides a Foul or Out of Play or Hitting Backstop? #2---I called an Infield Fly...a coach insisted th

High School Team Tryouts: Preparation & Standing Out (2B/RF)

Questioni am planning on trying out for my highschool team. i have not been playing for a long time. i have played 6 seasons with my church. this includes

Slow Pitch Umpiring Scenario: Ball Hits Runner After Slide - Correct Ruling?

QuestionHi Doc, Had a situation last night in a Mens Adult Rec Slow pitch game. I am only Ump for 2 games a night. Runner on 1st. Batter hits a line driv

ASA Baseball Rules: Is Sliding Required?

QuestionIs a player required to slide when there is a play at homeplate or any base. AnswerGood morning Robert, Under ASA rules a runner is not required t

Choosing the Right Fastpitch Softball: A Coach's Perspective

QuestionI coach a (American) girls fast-pitch H.S. team here in Germany. Recently, we had the Europeans and for the first time, they combined the DIVISION

Baseball Baseline Collision: Fault Determination & Penalty

QuestionR1 on second base, F6 is in her position in a direct line between 2nd and 3rd base.  If R1 attempts a steal or is advancing on a ball hit to F