Should softball pitchers wear face masks?
The NCAA, NFHS, USA, and USSSA Softball all allow face masks for defensive players, but none of them require the face masks. If a player wears a fielder’s mask, it must fit properly and be in good repair. NFHS and the NCAA allow that an eye shield may be worn on the facemask.
Are face guards required for softball?
Every year, more than two million girls between 12 and 18 years old play softball. Since 2006, softball batters have been required to wear a helmet with a face mask. But there are no rules for infielders — and none in the works. This means that players like Didi Duran don’t have to wear a mask.
What is a fielding face mask?
A fielding mask is the protective headgear that players use while playing in the field. The mask helps prevent injury from a hard hit ball or a bad hop that hits the fielder in the face.
Who wears a face mask in softball?
Due to the close proximity and the speed in which pitchers are throwing the ball, it is important that batters wear a face mask. Just like a catcher, a batter is putting their body in the firing line, and an errant pitch, missed catch or foul ball could strike the batter in the face.
Why do softball players pitch underhand?
Although fast-pitch softball may be less risky than youth baseball, the potential for injury still exists. One reason is that softball pitchers throw underhand, a motion thought to stress the arm less than the overhand throws seen in baseball.
Do softball pitchers wear shin guards?
The primary softball positions to wear shin guards are the catcher and pitcher. While both pitchers and catchers will wear shin guards, only catchers will be expected to have a chest protector as well as a groin protector for younger leagues.
Which of the following positions on defense would most commonly wear a protective mask in softball?
Fielder’s Mask. Face masks are usually worn by the pitcher, 1st basemen, shortstop and third basemen because those are the areas where line drives will most likely occur. They are meant to protect your eyes, mouth, teeth and nose from detrimental injuries.
Why do softball pitchers hit their leg?
Softball pitchers slap their legs when pitching to balance themselves and distract the batter with the noise. Slapping the leg with the glove also helps with the timing of the pitch.
Why does softball have a bigger ball?
The distance between the pitching mound and home plate is smaller, too. So not only do women work with a smaller field, they use the oversized ball as well. The reasoning behind both items is that women have smaller hands and don’t have the power necessary to throw the ball as efficiently on a baseball-sized field.