Playing sports can boost
self-esteem and encourage healthy teamwork and leadership skills.
Softball is fun at practically any age! And, you don't have to be
as gifted as the pros to enjoy playing! Girls and
boys everywhere can have loads of fun playing softball - in a pick-up
game or a league!
Did you know that a softball isn't really soft at all, and that it's almost two times bigger than a baseball? Because a softball is kinda' big, it doesn't go as far when you hit it. But, keep your eye on the ball — a softball can sometimes cross the plate at a very fast speed! Even with their underhanded pitching style (unlike baseball's overhand style), softball pitchers can put a lot of heat on the ball. Most beginners play in slow pitch leagues where the hitting game is having a sharp eye and timing your swing. Keep your eyes peeled for pitches that are shoulder high and that drop right over the plate — they are perfect for driving into the field.
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Softball
is a game of speed, skill, and smarts! Whether you're looking
to play in your backyard or at the state championships, softball is a
great team sport that everyone can play! Many of the skills in softball
are similar to those in
baseball, but there are some unique differences that make softball a
game of its own!
If you're interested in playing at a more competitive
level, fast-pitch softball is what you'll see — you can steal bases and
bunt, and you only need nine players to get a game going. If you're
playing a pickup game with your friends, you'll probably play slow
pitch softball. You only need ten players to field a team, but invite
as many people as you want — it's more fun that way!
Before you
hit the field, WARM UP! Get all of your muscles ready to play by
stretching before every game.
Whether you're in the field or up to bat, don't forget to wear your
safety gear in games and in practices. A helmet is important when
batting, waiting to bat, or running the bases. If you're a catcher,
make sure you wear your protective gear during all practices and games,
and wear it properly — have your coach or a parent check it out for
you. Don't wear jewelry like rings, watches, or necklaces — they could
cut you (or someone else), or get caught when you're runnin' the bases.
Did you know that an umpire could call you out for
throwing your bat? Well, they can! And, it's not just the out you have
to worry about — it's your teammates' safety! Always drop your bat next
to your side in the batters box before you head for first base.
Be a team player — always know where your teammates are
before throwing the ball or swinging your bat. Make sure they are ready
and have their glove up as a target before you throw the ball to them.
Call loudly for every fly ball or pop up in the field, even if you
don't think any of your teammates are close by. Teams that play
together win together!
You'll
need a glove that fits your hand and skill level, and is geared
to the position you play. There's a lot of truth to the old saying,
"Fits like a glove" — if you're glove is too big, or too small, you
might
have problems catching or fielding the ball. For most beginners, gloves
that are about 9 1⁄2 to 11 inches long are a good start.
You can't play without a bat and ball! Most
teams today use aluminum bats — they are lighter and easier to handle
than the wooden bats of years past. As for
the ball, you can find softballs at most stores that sell sports
equipment.
For organized team play, some prefer
shoes with rubber cleats — they dig into the ground and can give you
more traction while running the bases or fielding a ball. If you're
playing a pick-up game with your friends, a pair of sneakers will do.
If you're a catcher, you'll need special protective gear like a helmet
with a facemask, shin guards, and a chest protector.
And remember, always wear a helmet to protect your
head while at the
plate, or on base!
Don't
forget to keep plenty of water handy while you play! Skip the
sugar drinks and the beer and drink water instead. Water is great for
your body,
good for your weight and
great for your skin!
Eating
healthy foods is vital to your healthy lifestyle.
Oranges, bananas, and grapes are great, low calorie snacks you can
enjoy before
the game or in betweeen innings! If you're wanting to lose weight
this
year - Cutting calories is
easier when you
enjoy a variety of natural, healthy foods.
If you
want to lose a few pounds, the quickest way to lose weight
and keep it off is with exercise and eating healthy foods. Health and
fitness researchers have known for years - you really can exercise and
lose weight fast. Have fun playing softball - or your favorite
sports as part of your healthy lifestyle! Stay active and you'll
not only live longer, you'll enjoy life more!
Join a softball team and have fun while you burn off
some calories and lower your stress levels! Exercise is great for
reducing those unhealthy
stress levels.
Be sure you include some time for stretching those muscles before and after you play.
Regular exercise and eating healthy has been proven to help you lead a longer, healthier life. Frequent exercise of any kind is essential to your quality of life. Have more fun and enjoy better fitness! Softballl is just one sport you might enjoy while leading a healthy lifestyle!
And don't forget to start every game day off right with a healthy breakfast !