Most Challenging Positions in Softball: Pitcher & Catcher

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Scott, I was just wondering what you think the hardest softball positions to play are, and why. Thanks, =] ANSWER: Brittany, In my

Softball Substitution Rules: Unreported Substitutions Explained

QuestionIF THE OPPOSING TEAM SUBSTITUTES A PLAYER, AND DID NOT TELL THE UMPIRE OR THE OTHER TEAM, WHAT IS THE RULE FOR THIS? THIS IS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTA

Helmet/Mask Removal During Fielding: Current Best Practices

QuestionMy daughter has caught for over 8 years and has always been coached not to remove her helmet/mask when fielding a ball.  She wears a hockey s

Softball Sizes for 8U Girls Fastpitch: What Ball to Use?

QuestionWhat size softball does the 8 & under girls fastpitch use? AnswerASA doesnt have a 8U division.  I am not sure that any sanctioning organizat

Baseball Rule: Can a Batter Advance on 3rd Strike?

QuestionA two part question actually. First part, on ball 4 to the batter the catcher returns the ball to the pitcher. The batter now instead of stopping a

Softball Rules: Helmet Hit on Swung Ball - Correct Umpire Call?

QuestionGirls 14U fastpitch question. With a 2-2 count on the batter she attempts to get out of the way of and side pitch and swings the bat through the pl

Illegal Substitutions & Umpire Decisions in Baseball: A Rule Analysis

QuestionHigh school player pinch-hits in the fourth inning. Starter then re-enters in the fifth inning. In the seventh inning, coach wants to re-enter his

Breaking Out of a Hitting Slump: Advice for Lead-Off Hitters

QuestionHi I am the lead of hitter on my team. I was doing well in the beginning of the season and now im in this really bad slump. I Have know idea what i

Kentucky High School Fastpitch: JV/Varsity Player Transfers - Clarification Needed

QuestionIf an 8th grader starts a varsity game, I was told they can not go back and play junior varsity.  Is this true?  My daughter is on the va

First Base Fielding Technique: Foot Placement for Left & Right Handed Players

QuestionIf I have a left hander playing first base, what foot do they put on the bag when catching a ball in play?  Also, if I have a right hander pla

Understanding the 'Four Base Error' in Baseball

QuestionOk Doc, we were playing in a recreation league game where only 3 home runs are permitted, and after the 3rd, all home runs are outs.  The team

Fastpitch Softball: Should Players Run on a Third Strike?

QuestionWill you explaine ,what do you do when there is 3 shrikes do you run or what? it is for fastpitch softball!       &

Earned vs. Unearned Runs: Analyzing Wild Pitches & Pitcher Responsibility

QuestionQUESTION: I read a previous answer to a earned vs unearned run, however my question is:  Pitcher A faces only one batter (batter A) and gives

Tipped 3rd Strike Rule: Does It Count as a Strike?

QuestionIf A catcher catches a tipped 3rd strike in his equipment is batter out ? AnswerNo.  A tipped ball that goes directly to the the catchers glo

Substitutions for Injured Players in Baseball: What You Need to Know

Questionhi my name is kristen and i wanted to know if a player is hurt and cant run if you can have a substitute for that batter? AnswerKristen, If there

Baseball vs. Softball Swing Mechanics: Are They Really Different?

Questiondoes softball and baseball have different mechanics in their swings? Ive been getting different tips from different point of views. i hope you und

ASA Slow Pitch: Managing Substitutions & Batting Orders for Optimal Strategy

QuestionOur league is basically goverened by ASA rules, with some tweaking.  We have an unlimited sub rule, but our batting order is limited to 12 bat

Fly Ball Rules: Can a Runner Leave Early?

QuestionBaserunner on second base, flyball hit deep to right field.  Ball hit rightfielders glove then bounces out (or slips out). Base runner on seco

Baseball Scoring Rule: Runner Advancing on Ground Ball

QuestionWith a runner at 2nd base, a ground ball is hit which reaches an outfielder.  The baserunner, without slowing or stopping at 3rd, is attemptin

Is the Thigh Slap a Good Pitching Technique for 10U?

QuestionHello Scott, This is my second year coaching 10U girls fastpitch. Im working a lot with pitching this year and am hearing different opinions on th