ASA Softball Pitching Net Requirements: Safety & Regulations

Question  I heard years ago that the southern states had pitching nets in front of their pitchers? I have been an outfielder since the last 5 years,th

Dropped Foul Ball: Is It an Error? - Baseball Rules Explained

QuestionThe rule book states that any misplay on a ball that prolongs the life of the batter is an error.  Does a dropped foul ball constitue an error

Baseball Rule: Ball Dropped by 3B & Runner Slide - Correct Ruling?

Questionheres my question, a player is running from second base to third base, outfielder pitches the ball to the third base man. the third baseman catches

Softball Batting Stance: Best Approach for Young Players?

QuestionMy daughter is 7 years old playing in Little League minors softball. She has been playing for the past 3 years (from T-ball to rookies). I have tau

Understanding Travel Ball Tournaments: NSA, ASA, USSSA - Rule Differences

QuestionHi Mike, I have another question for you. My daughter is going to play 10U travel ball this year for the first time. I am confused about the diffe

Bunting Rules in Fastpitch Softball: Third Strike & Fair Ball Bunts Explained

QuestionCan batters bunt on the third strike? and when a batter hits the ball, bounces on home plate, catcher grabs it and throws batter out on first base,

Softball Infield Throwing Guide: Where to Throw the Ball

QuestionOk, I have a serious question. I play softball, slow and fast pitch. However, I am still not clear on one thing. If you are playing infield and you

Bat Drop Rule: Batter Out or In? ASA Rules Explained

QuestionASA If a batter drop, throw or let go of a bat and the bat hit the ball before the bat touch the ground.  Is the batter out? I cant seem to

Pitching Limits in Youth Baseball: Concerns & Potential Solutions

QuestionI agree with you on more study needs to be done. Our daughter pitches and I think the coaches easily overuse pitchers to win. Good judgement goes o

Middle School Softball Pitching Distance: AIA Rules & Regulations

QuestionThanks for responding to my question. Ive been coaching softball for too many years then Id admit. I love it, but the debate rages on as to the dis

Softball Rule: Runner Hit by Ball - Out or Safe?

QuestionIf a batted ball hits a base runner, is the runner out or the batter or either.  The ASA rule book is confusing to me.  As fielders play

ASA Softball Defensive Positioning Rules & Safety Guidelines

QuestionIs there a rule where the infield and outfield players must position themselves? Is there a rule how far in the 1st & 3rd basemen can come in. This

Slowpitch Softball: Can a Player Play Defense Only?

QuestionI am in a mens slowpitch league.  Is there a rule that allows a player to only play in the field and to not bat? AnswerHi Reed, In strict AS

Softball Rule Question: Out of Play Throw & Runner's Advancement

QuestionSituation: Championship coed softball, one out in final inning, we are the visiting team down one run, runners on first and second. Event: Batter h

Mastering the Opposite Field: A Guide for Coed Softball Players

QuestionHello Mike, I am a fairly accomplished spray-hitter with power that essentially taught myself to hit since I never played baseball.  Most of m

Pitcher Positioning for Passed Balls: Safety & Strategy

QuestionCoach Mike, Where is the best, and safest, place for a pitcher to position herself when covering home on a passed ball?  Many pitchers stand

Troubleshooting Softball Hitting Issues in 10U Travel Ball

QuestionHi, my daughter just started a Fall 10U travel softball team.  She move up from rec in the spring, is 10 years old, and was a great hitter at

Illegal Batter in ASA Softball: Ruling and Consequences

QuestionLast night in Adult Softball (ASA rules)I had team to bat 12 players.  This was not caught until the second inning after the team had batted a

Base Running Rules: Understanding Contact and Obstruction in Baseball

QuestionDr Mark,  I play in a park and rec mens D league (ASA) and in a recent game I was on first base with 2 out, bases loaded in the top of 6th. &n

Baseball Rule: Awarding Bases on Errors - Understanding Double Plays

QuestionClarification please.. Ive unpire in past but have been out of the game for a while.. running on first, fy ball to short left field, left fielder m