Fastball.  Slo pitch.  Orthodox.  Did you know that all three of these words can be used to describe the different types of softball played.  Although each type uses bats, balls, gloves and requires players to run the bases, the main difference between them lies in the pitching.

Fastball

In fastball, most pitchers use a windmill motion (hands of the pitcher start in the front of their body and then throws the ball in a complete circular, 360 degree rotation prior to release) to get it straight across home plate.  Ball speeds in fastball can reach up to 80 miles per hour and the batter has very little time to react to the pitch when swinging. 

Slo Pitch

In slo pitch, the pitcher slowly releases the ball between their hip and knee and lobs it into the air - usually 6 -12 feet high - so that it will land on or close to home plate.  Because of these slower pitching speeds, the batter in slo pitch has much more time to set up, react to the pitcher's pitch and send the ball as far into the outfield as possible. 

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Orthodox

With orthodox softball, the pitching motion has been adapted or modified so that the pitcher throws the ball in an underhand motion and releases it much like how a bowling ball is released so that it moves straight across home plate.  Orthodox softball strikes a balance between the slower pitching speeds of slo pitch and the faster pitching speeds of fastball.

So keep this in mind the next time you are thinking of playing softball and you come across these words as you're doing your research.  A small but critical piece of information that can help you decide what type of softball league will work best for you. 

Source:  Softball Ontario

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Synchronized Swimming: Synchronized Swimming: From Tryouts to Competition Day

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find Softball Ontario in our Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Post your upcoming softball or slo pitch tournament in our SWSCD Hub.  Find or start a softball or slo pitch group in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Softball and Slo Pitch activity pages.  

Have your own softball or slo pitch memory or moment you'd like to celebrate?  Share your highlights directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.