Softball

Softball has been one of the fastest growing adult team sports in the UK over the past two decades. Teams are often formed through companies, sports clubs, voluntary organisations, schools or simply groups of friends. There are some single-sex teams, but over 90% of slowpitch softball teams are mixed which provides particular opportunities for women. Most adult players are in their 20s or 30s, but many players carry on into their 50s or even longer.

Slowpitch: This is the most common form, played around the UK by mixed, men’s and women’s teams. The clue is in the name - the ball is pitched in underarm slowly for batters to hit.

Softball Fastpitch: Women’s and men’s fastpitch softball is also played domestically in the UK. Fastpitch is a competitive form of the game, where the ball is pitched underarm to the batter at high speed and hitting is more difficult. There are additional aspects to the game, such as bunting and base-stealing, not found in slowpitch. Fastpitch softball is played competitively at international level.