Softball may look the same at first glance, but fastpitch and slowpitch are two very different games with their own rules, strategies, and styles of play. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, understanding these differences can help you choose the version that best fits your goals. Fastpitch brings speed, intensity, and strategy—perfect for competitive athletes—while slow pitch offers a more relaxed, offense-driven game that’s ideal for recreational leagues. In this guide, I’ll break down the key contrasts between fastpitch vs slow pitch softball, from pitching styles and rules to equipment and gameplay, so you can easily see how each version of the sport delivers a unique experience.
Quick Comparison: Fastpitch vs Slowpitch
| Aspect | Fastpitch | Slowpitch |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching Style | Underhand windmill motion; very fast (~60–70+ mph) | Underhand arc (6–12 ft); slower toss |
| Ball | Smaller (~11″), harder (high compression) | Larger (12″), softer (easier to grip) |
| Team Size | 9 players (3 outfielders) | 10 players (4 outfielders) |
| Stealing/Bunting | Allowed (adds strategy) | Not allowed |
| Game Pace | Faster, defense-focused; more strikeouts | Slower, offense-focused; more hits and scoring |
| Bats & Gear | Generally lighter, shorter bats; catchers wear full gear (helmet, chest, shins) | Heavier, longer bats; catchers usually only wear a mask |
| Innings | Usually 7 (sometimes 9) | Usually 7 |
For those short on time: Fastpitch softball is a high-speed, competitive variant with full windmill pitching and bunting/stealing allowed. Slowpitch softball features an easy-to-hit lob pitch and emphasizes batting and fielding; bunting and steals are not permitted. In my view, if you crave intense, fast-paced action, fastpitch is your race; if you prefer a more relaxed, hitter-friendly game, slowpitch is the way to go.
What is Fastpitch Softball?
Fastpitch softball is played by both women and men (often in women’s high school/college and Olympic leagues) and is known for its fast, high-energy play. Pitchers use a full windmill motion, delivering the ball at very high speeds (often 60–70 mph or more). The field is smaller, allowing quick throws and plays. Players can bunt and steal bases, making each at-bat a strategic battle to advance runners. In practice, I often explain that fastpitch is like a sprint: everything happens quickly and requires sharp reflexes and teamwork.
“Fastpitch softball is a high-speed, high-skill variant enjoyed by men, women, and coed teams. It incorporates a ‘windmill’ pitch… and the liberty to steal bases and bunt, infusing the game with strategic depth and intense, fast-paced action.”
Fastpitch emphasizes defense and strategy. The pitcher’s goal is to prevent balls in play, so batters face fierce, straight-line pitches. This puts pressure on the offense; I’d liken it to a chess match where every move counts. Top fastpitch pitchers (even at the collegiate level) can reach pitches around 60–70 mph (the women’s world record is ~79.4 mph), so batters must react almost instantly.
What is Slowpitch Softball?
Slowpitch softball is a more relaxed, recreational variant where the pitcher throws a high-arching lob (6–12 ft arc) to the batter. The emphasis is on making contact: because the pitch comes slowly and arcs high, hitters almost always get a chance to swing. As Bownet explains, “With slowpitch, it’s expected that hitters will make contact”, shifting the pressure onto the defense. No stealing or bunting is allowed, so players focus purely on hitting the ball and covering the field.
In my experience, slowpitch softball is like a friendly backyard game turned competitive: it’s easier for newcomers to pick up, and games tend to be high-scoring and fun. Many adults enjoy slowpitch as a social, accessible way to play softball. A blogger summarizes it well:
“Slowpitch (also called recreational slow-pitch) is primarily a recreational game played by both men and women. The emphasis is less on speed and more on precision and strategy. The pitcher delivers the ball with a slow, high-arcing trajectory, and base stealing is typically not permitted.”
Players often describe slowpitch as more offense-oriented. Since almost every pitch is hittable, games usually see more hits, more runs, and more fielding plays than fastpitch. It’s like the difference between a pitcher’s duel and a home-run derby.
Pitching Style and Speed
The clearest distinction is pitching style. In fastpitch, the pitcher’s arm makes a full circle (a windmill motion) before release. This action generates tremendous velocity. In contrast, slowpitch pitchers throw the ball in a half-circle lob – essentially an underhand toss with a high arc.
- Fastpitch: Underhand windmill throw, very fast and straight. The goal is to strike out batters or weakly contact the ball. Fastpitch pitchers might use rise balls, drop balls, and other tricks, but the unifying factor is speed. For example, elite college pitchers often reach 60–70+ mph.
- Slowpitch: Underhand lob with a 6–12 foot arc. By rule the ball must reach a certain height. The pitcher’s aim is the opposite: make hitting possible but still challenging. Because the ball drops steeply, fielders must be ready for high-velocity fly balls.
To use an analogy: fastpitch pitching is like a rocket – low and lightning-quick – while slowpitch is like gently tossing a water balloon high into the air. Fastpitch demands lightning reflexes to catch that “rocket” ball, whereas slowpitch feels slower and more predictable.
Interestingly, this also flips the strategic focus. As one guide notes, “In fastpitch, the pitcher’s objective is to prevent batters from putting the ball in play… With slowpitch, it’s expected that hitters will make contact”. Fastpitch games often turn into battles where pitchers and catchers dominate, while slowpitch games are almost a guarantee of many balls in play and defensive work.
Rules Differences(fastpitch and slowpitch)
Beyond pitching, several key rules set the games apart:
- Base Stealing: Allowed in fastpitch. Runners can take off once the pitcher releases the ball (like in baseball). Stealing adds strategic depth in fastpitch. In slowpitch, stealing is prohibited – runners must wait until the batter makes contact.
- Bunting: Common and legal in fastpitch (bunting can surprise the defense or advance runners). In slowpitch, bunting is not allowed – hitters must swing fully.
- Leading Off: In fastpitch, runners can get a lead as soon as the ball is released. In slowpitch, runners cannot leave the base until contact. (Think of it as running on “go” in fastpitch, but having to wait in slowpitch.)
- Designated Hitter: Often used in fastpitch for leagues; typically not used in casual slowpitch.
- Mercy Rule: Many slowpitch leagues use a 15-run lead rule (game ends early if one team leads by 15 after a certain inning). Fastpitch mercy rules are usually an 8-run lead after 5 innings. (For example, Bownet notes slowpitch mercy can come as early as 4 innings, whereas fastpitch requires 5 innings with an 8-run lead.)
These rules mean fastpitch is more competitive and rule-intensive, with tactics like steals, bunts, and designated hitters. Slowpitch rules are simpler, focusing on hitting and fielding. I often explain to beginners: if you like lots of baserunning tactics, fastpitch has it; if you just want to hit and run around, slowpitch lets you do that without worrying about steals or bunts.
Team Size and Positions
Fastpitch teams field 9 players: the typical baseball diamond setup (1st, 2nd, 3rd base; shortstop; catcher; pitcher; and three outfielders). Slowpitch usually uses 10 players: the extra player is usually a fourth outfielder in the outfield. In other words, slowpitch often has more defenders on the field (covering more ground for the many fly balls).
- Fastpitch (9 positions): 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, C, P, plus left field, center field, right field.
- Slowpitch (10 positions): All the above plus a fourth outfielder (extra safety for high, easy-to-hit balls).
Slowpitch’s extra fielder acknowledges that hitters contact the ball more often. As a result, fielders in slowpitch get a lot of action, and games can feel very full of catching plays. Fastpitch outfields see fewer balls if the pitcher is dominating.
Game Pace, Scoring, and Offense/Defense Focus
These differences create very different game feels:
- Fastpitch: Generally lower scoring. With hard pitches and skilled pitchers, strikeouts are common. Games often look like pitcher’s duels, with runs at a premium. Fastpitch is defense-oriented. A summary from Slo-Pitch Central says “Fastpitch is more defensive and tactical”. I compare fastpitch to a tense soccer match with a lot of saves – any mistake can immediately be exploited.
- Slowpitch: Generally higher scoring. Since the ball is easy to hit, expect a lot of balls in play and home runs. Teams often rack up runs quickly. Slowpitch is offense-oriented. You can think of slowpitch like a friendly neighborhood baseball home-run derby: it’s about hitting and running, not pitching tricks.
Players often describe slowpitch as more social and relaxed – one blog notes it is “more offensive and social”. Fastpitch is more intense, requiring practice and strategy, whereas slowpitch emphasizes fun and participation. As a coach, I see this: fastpitch teams train hard for every point; slowpitch leagues focus on getting everyone involved and putting the ball in play.
Equipment Differences(fastpitch and slowpitch)
Because the games play out differently, equipment rules and preferences vary:
- Softballs: Fastpitch uses a smaller, harder ball (often 11″). This allows pitchers to grip and throw it at high speed. Slowpitch uses a 12″ softer ball. The extra size and softness slow the game down a bit and make for larger seams that batters can see and grip.
- Bats: Fastpitch bats are usually lighter and thinner, favoring quick swings to hit a fastball. Many leagues actually ban wood bats in fastpitch because a splinter could be dangerous at high speeds. In slowpitch, bats tend to be heavier and have a larger barrel. The idea is power: a heavy swing can send the slower pitch far. Slowpitch leagues often allow wooden bats (and leagues like ASA require bat certification).
- Gloves: In fastpitch, gloves have a shallower pocket to help quickly transfer the small, fast ball. In slowpitch, gloves may be deeper (to catch big pop flies) and first-base/catcher mitts are less emphasized.
- Catcher Gear: Fastpitch requires full catcher gear (helmet, chest protector, shin guards). The speed of the pitch and bunting rules make protection necessary. Slowpitch catchers usually only need a mask (the ball is slower and no bunts come their way).
Using proper equipment is crucial. For example, don’t try to swing a big slowpitch bat in fastpitch – it will really slow down your swing. One guide warns that using a slowpitch bat in fastpitch is “technically possible” but “not recommended”. It’s best to match your gear to the game style.
Field Dimensions(fastpitch and slowpitch)
The basic softball diamond is used in both formats (usually 60 ft basepaths), but pitching distances differ:
- Pitching Distance: In fastpitch, the mound-to-plate distance is shorter, typically 43 ft for women’s leagues and 46 ft for men’s (NFHS/USA Softball rules). Slowpitch requires a 50-foot mound-to-plate distance. The extra distance in slowpitch accommodates the high-arcing lob and keeps a balance between pitcher and hitter.
- Outfields: Fastpitch fields often have fences ~200–220 ft from home plate (varies by level). Some recreational slowpitch fields may have even larger outfields (up to 250+ ft) to give hitters room for those arcs, though base distances (60 ft) are usually the same.
- Pitcher’s Circle: Both have a 7-foot diameter circle at the pitcher’s spot, but only fastpitch pitchers start and land in it (with no step-off before pitch). Slowpitch pitchers can move anywhere behind the 50-foot mark before the toss.
In short, think of fastpitch fields as compact and pitcher-friendly, while slowpitch fields give hitters a little more space. According to USA Softball, pitched balls must arc high in slowpitch and travel a longer distance.
Skill Level and Popularity
Fastpitch is widely played at competitive levels (high school, college, international). It demands more specialized skills (pitching mechanics, speed, defense), so players often train rigorously. The majority of serious softball athletes (and Olympic softball, until recently) play fastpitch. If you’ve seen Olympic softball or college games, that’s fastpitch.
Slowpitch is mostly recreational and mixed-age. Its slower speed makes it easier for beginners, seniors, and coed teams to enjoy. Many adult leagues use slowpitch because it’s more social and accessible. As one source notes: “Fastpitch softball is what you see at the Olympics… It’s almost entirely played by women and is considered the more ‘serious’ form. Slowpitch softball is primarily a recreational game played by both men and women.”.
Put simply, fastpitch is competitive; slowpitch is casual. I tell players: if you want to go pro or play on college scholarships, focus on fastpitch. If you just want to have fun and hit a lot of balls, slowpitch is perfect.
Innings and Game Length
Fastpitch and slowpitch games are similar in inning count (usually 7 for adults), but there are some differences in tradition and mercy rules:
- Fastpitch: Standard games are typically 7 innings (especially in college and women’s play). Some men’s and older fastpitch leagues play 9-inning games. Many fastpitch leagues enforce a mercy rule at an 8-run lead after 5 innings.
- Slowpitch: Games are usually 7 innings for adult leagues. Slowpitch mercy rules are often more aggressive: for example, a 15-run lead after 4 or 5 innings can end the game This reflects the high-scoring nature of slowpitch.
Overall, a fastpitch game will last roughly 1.5–2 hours (depending on pitching duel vs big hitting). Slowpitch games may be similar in length, but since many balls go out of play for runs, they can finish faster if one team dominates under the run-rule. Think of a fastpitch contest as a tight 7-inning game with strategy, whereas slowpitch can feel like a relaxed 7-inning game where runs pile up.
FAQ
What is the main difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball?
The pitching style is key. Fastpitch uses a fast underhand windmill pitch, making it a quick, defense-heavy game. Slowpitch uses a high-arcing lob (6–12 ft), making it easier to hit and more offense-heavy. Fastpitch allows steals and bunts; slowpitch does not.
Can you steal bases or lead off in slowpitch?
No. In slowpitch, runners cannot leave the base until the batter makes contact. Stealing before the pitch is not allowed, and sliding is rarely used since runners wait for the hit.
Can I use a slowpitch bat in fastpitch softball?
It’s not recommended. Slowpitch bats are heavier and longer, which hampers swing speed. Fastpitch typically forbids wood bats, whereas slowpitch allows them. Using the wrong bat can slow you down – one guide warns against using a slowpitch bat in fastpitch games.
Which game is easier to learn, fastpitch or slowpitch?
Generally, slowpitch is easier for beginners because the slower pitch gives hitters more reaction time. Fastpitch requires more practice to hit or pitch due to the speed. If you want to pick it up quickly, slowpitch’s gentle lob is friendlier for newcomers.
