On a large field, softball is played by two teams. The field is composed of the grassy outfield and the infield that is comprised of the running and diamond areas. Depending on the place, the fields can be filled with dirt, artificial grass, or even asphalt in cities like New York. The infield consists of four bases- the first, second and third base plus the home plate. The bases form a square and usually measure 45-65 feet apart from each other. The pitcher’s circle is situated near the square’s center and inside the circle is a flat rectangular area called the “rubber”.  The objective of the whole game is to score more points or “runs” than the other team. They can attain such scores by hitting or “batting” the ball into play then running throughout the bases while consecutively touching each one.       

The ball is made up of light material that is normally covered with leather or any other synthetic material, and usually measures from 10-12 inches in circumference. The game is managed by one or more umpires and is played in a sequence of 7 innings. One inning is equal to one series of the two teams playing offense and defense roles. Each inning has been divided into two- a bottom half and a top half that indicates which team is going to play which role. The offense does the batting while attempting to score runs. Meanwhile, the defense takes up the field and tries to record outs with several techniques. When the defense is able to record three outs, the half of the inning is over while both teams switch roles.