Softball is a team sport similar to baseball but with its own characteristics, and here's a basic introduction to it:

Origin and development:

Born in the United States in 1887, it first appeared as an indoor version of baseball, and later developed into an outdoor sport.

From 1996 to 2008, it was an official Olympic sport and is still an important event such as the World Games.

Venue Equipment:

The pitch is a right-angled fan with a pitch spacing of 18.3 meters (27.4 meters for baseball)

Use larger and softer balls (30.2-30.8 cm in circumference and 180-200 g in weight)

The bat is relatively short (up to 86 cm)

Contest Rules:

Each team has 9 players, alternating offense and defense

Pitchers use the "underhand pitching" approach (arms must be lower than hips)

7 innings for official matches (9 innings for baseball)

Runners are not allowed to leave the base early, and must wait for the ball to leave their hands before starting

Type of Exercise:

Fast-pitch softball: Highly competitive and commonly seen in professional tournaments

Slow-pitch softball: The ball is slower and emphasizes entertainment and engagement

Softball: Use a special foam ball for added safety

Suitable for:

Mixed gender competitions are common, especially among female athletes

Emphasis on tactical coordination and instantaneous reactions, and moderate exercise intensity

International events include the World Cup, Asian Games, etc

It is a sport that combines strength, strategy and teamwork to be competitive and inclusive, and suitable for all ages. Compared to baseball, softball fields are more compact, faster-paced, and safer.