• Softball is a popular pastime.Softball glove image by paolanogueras from Fotolia.com
  
  Softball is a game that closely resembles baseball with a few varying factors. A ball that is 11 to 12 inches in circumference is used and must be pitched in the underarm fashion. Seven-inning games are played on fields that are typically smaller than a baseball field. Children who are 7 and 8 years old fall into their own softball league, which has specific rules.
  
  

Batting

• Each player must go up to bat.girl playing softball image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
  
  The coach is responsible for making up the batting order at the beginning of each game. Every team member is required to bat and the order remains the same throughout the game. The batter must keep both feet inside of the batter's box. In softball there are no "balls" called, only pitches swung at are allowed to be called as strikes. Each player up to bat will receive seven pitches or five strikes.
  
  

Base Running

• Running to the next base.girl playing softball image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
  
  Once a player has reached or returned to a base, she is not permitted to move off the base until either a ball is hit by a batter, a play is made on herself or another base runner, or an overthrow occurs. If the third out of an inning is a force out, then a run cannot be scored. Coaches are required to stay inside the coaching box at all times unless to allow a fielder to make a play and must not provide any physical assistance to any base runner.
  
  

Pitching

• Pitches must be thrown underarm.softball image by Steve Brase from Fotolia.com
  
  A pitcher is required to pitch underarm at all times. This is where the ball is released when the hand is below the hip. A pitcher's helper is allowed to stand inside the pitching circle but cannot be any closer to the batter than the pitching coach. After the ball is hit the coach or pitcher is not allowed to direct the batter or runner in any way.
  
  

Fielding

• Players must stay in position until the ball is in play.waiting in the outfield image by Lisa Turay from Fotolia.com
  
  Until the ball is hit, all players in the outfield must remain in the normal position locations in which they have been placed. For 7- and 8-year-olds, each outfield position should be at least on the edge of the outfield grass. The infield fly rule is not used in this league of softball. Coaches are allowed in the outfield to give assistance to players on where the ball should be thrown.