If you are playing softball, then it is important to understand the strike zone. The strike zone is the area where the softball must pass to be classed as a valid pitch. If you are playing softball, you must understand exactly what the strike zone is and, perhaps more importantly, where the strike zone is. This will benefit both the pitcher and the hitter. Let us explain why.
Why Is The Strike Zone Important?
As we said; the ball must pass through the strike zone in order to be classed as a proper pitch.
The purpose of the strike zone is to give the pitcher less advantage when throwing the ball. If the pitcher could throw the ball wherever they wanted, the hitter would have absolutely no chance to hit the ball. They would constantly strikeout. The strike zone ensures that the hitter always has some chance of being able to hit the ball.
Knowing where the strike zone lies is very important when playing baseball. If the ball is pitched in the strike zone and the hitter fails to hit it, it is regarded as a strike. If the ball lands outside of the strike zone and the hitter doesn’t take a swing, this is regarded as a ‘ball.’ Four of those and they can walk to first base, which works against the pitcher.
Who Decides What The Strike Zone Is?
While the pitcher and the hitter will have a rough idea about the strike zone’s size, it will be an umpire that makes the final call. If the umpire says that the ball did or didn’t pass through the strike zone, then it is their word that is ‘the law,’ It would be considered unsportsmanlike to argue with them.
Of course, this does mean that the strike zone’s interpretation can change from a softball game to a softball game. This will probably be more of an issue with amateur games, with umpires at the professional level being a bit more consistent with the calls they make.
Due to the variance in the way that the strike zone is judged, pitchers will want to be aiming well into the strike zone as opposed to the outskirts of it. Hitters will need to make a solid judgment on whether to swing for the ball if it appears to be hitting the edge of the strike zone.
How Big Is The Strike Zone in Softball?
The size of the strike zone in softball can vary. However, the definition will always be the same.
In order for the strike zone in softball to be defined, the player that is batting will need to be positioned over the home plate. They will then need to assume their standard batting stance.
Once the player is in position, the strike zone will be the area that rests between the armpit that is the furthest forward and the top of the front knee. Any ball that travels through this area is said to be within the strike zone, although it is up to the umpire to make the final determination.
Is The Strike Zone The Same For All Players?
No, Putting aside the height difference (we will talk more about this in a short while), each player will have their own batting stance. One of the jobs of the umpire will be to define the strike zone based upon the player’s batting stance. The way that the batter stands will have a massive impact on the size of the strike zone.
Remember; the umpire will always have the final call as to what the strike zone in softball is. The ball is likely going to be traveling at a rapid pace towards the batter, and this means that they need to make a call quickly. Sometimes, they are going to get the decision wrong. That happens. However, a good umpire will make the correct call the vast majority of the time.
Does The Strike Zone Change Based on Height?
Yes, Remember, the strike zone will be the area between the armpit and the top of the knee. This is a distance that will change based on the height of the player. Shorter players will have a smaller strike zone, and taller players will have a larger strike zone.
It is completely fair that the strike zone changes based on height. Remember; the whole purpose of the strike zone is to ensure that the hitter has a better chance of being able to hit the ball. It would be unfair if the strike zone was always the same size. Shorter players would have a terribly difficult time being able to hit the ball.
The clear boundaries for the strike zone will also make it a little bit easier for the umpire to make the call of whether the ball is within the strike zone or not.
Due to the changing size of the strike zone, it is important that the pitcher is able to pitch for all player heights. This will ensure that they are able to throw perfect pitches every time, which increases the chance of being able to strikeout the batter.
How Can a Pitcher Increase The Chances Of Throwing The Ball Into The Strike Zone?
Practice It is as simple as that. In order to become successful as a pitcher in softball, you need to be able to work with a variety of different strike zones. This means that you will need to practice your pitches with people of various heights and batting stances.
The best pitchers are those that can change their pitch height by a couple of inches easily. If the pitcher cannot do that, they will never hit the big leagues.
It isn’t a case of just sending pitch after pitch at a player, though. You have to remember that the strike zone will always be determined by the umpire when you are playing baseball. This means that with the same player, you may want to play around with aiming the pitch a little bit higher or a little bit lower than you normally would.
This means that if you are playing with an umpire who has a smaller strike zone, you can change up your pitch without too much hassle.
Is the Strike Zone in Softball and Baseball Different?
Yes. The strike zone in baseball rests a little bit lower than in softball.
In baseball, the strike zone follows these rules:
- It starts at the midpoint between the shoulder of the batter and the top of their pants.
- It ends at the top of their knee
Both of these assume that the player is in a standard batting position.
This means that a good pitcher in softball may not necessarily be good at pitching in baseball, as the ball will need to be aimed at a completely different area.
The only real similarity between the two strike zones is that the ball will have to pass over the home plate.
Conclusion
Whether you are pitching or batting in softball, it is vital that you understand the strike zone. A solid understanding of the strike zone will increase your chances of hitting the ball or, in the case of the pitcher, striking out the opposing player.
