Base Running Rule: Is a Turn Out of Bounds?

QuestionI had a batter hit a base hit, he beat the throw to first and was safe.  When he stopped to return to first he turned to his left.  The f

First Base Rules in High School Softball: Avoiding Obstruction

QuestionDr. Ambrose, Can a first baseperson stand directly over 1st base covering the area phyiscally so that a runner can not get back to base without hit

ASA Softball Rules: Overrunning First Base & Returning to the Bag

Questionball was hit, batter ran to first and overran first and turned in play but didnt make a move to second but was in play and was tagged out walking

Developing a Left-Handed Softball Player: Tips for 10U

QuestionI have a LH player playing travel 10U. She loves first base, and also is wanting to pitch. What tips can you give me to help her develop? It seems

Fast Pitch Softball: Rules Regarding Thrown Bats and Play After Contact

QuestionIn a 12 and under fast pitch game, a girl swung and hit the ball and threw the bat backwards hitting the umpire in the shoulder or helmet.  Th

Overcoming Fear of Being Hit in Fastpitch Softball: Tips for Parents

QuestionHello Mike, My daughter just started 10&u fast-pitch she is left-handed and when she is up to bat she is scared of getting hit by the ball from the

Left-Handed Softball Pitching, Throwing & Baserunning Strategies

QuestionMike, Thank you for your response to my previous question. I think I need to clarify. I know that pitching and first base are not handicaps for LH

Improve Bat Speed & Quickness in Fastpitch Softball: A Coaching Drill

QuestionI coach a young 14U FP team.  We are having a hard time hitting the older hard throwing 14U teams.....our bats arent quick enough.  Do yo

ASA 12U Fastpitch Look-Back Rule: Understanding the Play

QuestionMark, Bear with me while I frame my question Girl running to 1st after walk, ball still live. Throw from catcher arrives to pitcher in circle and

Batter Hit by Pitch: ASA Rule Clarification & Dead Ball Definition

QuestionI coach a little 13 and Under team and we play by ASA rules.  The batter was hit by a pitch that had hit the ground first.  In both high

ASA Baseball Designated Player: Defensive Restrictions & Rules

QuestionCan the designated player start the game on defense.  For example can you decide to let the designated player play 3B at the beginning of the

Overrunning First Base in Fastpitch Softball: Legal Tagging?

QuestionHello, This relates to girls 14U fastpitch.  Lets say the batter has just recieved Ball 4 and begins down to first.  If they overrun firs

Softball Balk Rule: What Happens When a Pitcher Drops the Ball?

QuestionWhat happens if a pitcher drops the ball while on the rubber in high school fast pitch softball? Is this a balk with runners on, is there any penal

Coaching Fairness in Youth Sports: A Guide for Parents

QuestionAny literature that I can find regarding coaching and what seems to be fair and what does not seem to be fair.  My daughter is on her middle s

Softball Rules: Loaded Bases, One Out, Ball Between Bases - Safe or Out?

QuestionDear Mark, If the bases are loaded with one out and the ball is hit between second and third base, the third baseman attempts to field the ball, t

Softball Rules Clarification: Common Gameplay Questions Answered

QuestionI play slow pitch softball for mens class D. My questions. 1) B-R hits ball it bounces off plate then hits B-R while he is still in the batters box

Softball ASA Rules: Balks and Illegal Pitches

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Dr. Mark. I have a two part question. Now in ASA rules, there is no Balk in softball, correct? And if a pitcher crow hops, is the pena

Softball Playoff Strategy: Overcoming a Dominant Pitcher

QuestionI am a high school softball coach.We start the 1st round of the playoffs soon, and I am in a dilemma.  The team we are facing is not superior

First Baseman Technique: Proper Approach to the Bag

QuestionWhen a right-handed firstbaseman, goes back to the bag after a pitch to hold the runner on, or attempting to tag the runner out, what is the proper

Fast Pitch Double Dip Rule: Legality and Balk Considerations for 13-15 Year Olds

QuestionYour Question was: 13-15 yr olds fast pitch. Can a pitcher double dip prior to starting her pitch rotation, both feet stay on the plate during dip