Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Exclusive: Softball Mania 2013 - How the slow pitch event attracts more participants

Back in my JC days, I took a softball module for physical education. I still remember how i miscued once and had the softball landed on my mouth. I'll have you know for sure that the word 'soft' doesn't applies in this situation. I ended with a swollen upper lip at the conclusion of my first softball lesson. Even though I did learn well in the module, but it was more of the game theory and basics. Thus being able to cover the Softball Mania 2013 was really an eye-opener for me. The first time seeing a softball home run. Jaw drops.

Anyway, I find it very interesting on how the game's rules and regulations have modified over the years to what it is today, to encourage safe competition for all. Unlike your usually softball games which are fast pitch games, this slow pitch rule is truly worthy of mention.

Like its name suggests, slow pitch obviously refers to the lowered speed of pitching, but definitely not the competitiveness of the game. In slow pitch, the pitcher lobs the ball upwards making it easier for the batter. The lobed trajectory not only slows the pitch down and allows for clearer viewing by batter, but also improves the safety of game. Together with the prohibition of bunting and stealing of bases, injury risks are reduced, as well as the amount of equipment needed as compared to fast pitch games. Thus making it more appealing to the mass.

The dynamics of slow pitch softball has made it easier to penetrate downwards to less advanced, younger players too. It has made its way into educational institutions ranging from secondary to tertiary schools, including local universities, which sees the involvement of hall players. The Softball Mania 2013 has successfully attracted university teams like SMU and other hall players.

With 25 members on a team and 3 girls on the pitch compulsory ruling, it is another opportunity to foster teamwork and friendship as the team works together closely in rotations to clinch the games.

Another rule tweaked is that each game was limited to a maximum of 7 innings or 60 minutes duration, whichever is earlier, and each inning is limited to 7 runs. This gives a fair chance for all players to have a chance to play unlike the usual rules whereby the stronger team will likely dominant the game till the end and the weaker team have no chance to play. This is particularly encouraging for amateur and recreational players, or even players who are new to the game!

All in all, with the solid structure in place to encourage mass participation, I am sure this event will grow from strength to strength into their fifth edition and beyond.

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