SOFTBALL
Pioneer Valley Youth Sports and Fitness Institute
the source for sound athletic advice
Softball, a direct descendant of baseball, is one of the most popular games played in North America, especially in the United States. It is one of the top competitive sports for women and it is also one of the most widely played recreational games among both men and women. It is a game suitable for both boys and girls. Children can begin to participate in softball at an introductory level from the age of 5.

Softball is actually a misnomer, as the ball used in the game is no softer than a baseball, just larger.  Softball is played in two forms; fast-pitch and slow-pitch. Pitching underhand is not as easy as it looks and the pitches are a lot faster than they seem. Softball pitchers have different pitches just like baseball. Pitchers don't just throw hard. In fact, the best pitchers can change the speeds of their pitches between 10 - 15 miles per hour. The rules (as well as strategy) of each differ somewhat from baseball and the game of softball is more broadly adaptable to different age groups.

Softball has been a popular American sport for decades, but it wasn't until the sport was added to the 1996 Olympics and got worldwide recognition, that it became the hugely popular phenomenon that it is today. Unlike many other team sports, the appeal of fastpitch softball is that a player can get satisfaction and recognition from their own success, as well as help propel their team to championships.
Common Softball Injuries:
  • Shoulder Tendinitis/Bursitis
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
  • Torn Rotator Cuff
  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  • Shoulder Separation
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Shoulder Instability
  • Glenohumeral Arthritis
  • Medial Epicondylitis
  • Bursitis of the Elbow
  • Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Wrist Sprains
  • Finger Fractures
  • Wrist tendinitis
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Muscle Strains of the Back
  • Low Back Pain
  • Herniated Disks
  • Backaches and Stress
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries
  • Cruciate ligament injuries
  • Torn Knee Cartilage/Meniscus Injuries
  • Chondromalacia
  • Knee Tendonitis
  • Ruptured Knee Tendons
Equipment:
  • Fielding Glove
  • Bat
  • Batting Glove
  • Helmet
  • Uniform
pants
shirt
hat
  • Cleats
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