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General Fastpitch Information

Minnesota Softball

Provides league and tournament information including rules, field locations, coach contacts, etc. (click on the image to the right).

  • Big West league is our Spring Summer League for 10U and above.
  • 8-Under league is also governed under Minnesota Softball but has a separate page.
  • Tournaments are all located in the Minnesota Softball Site.

USA Softball Umpire Rules

Provides the official USA league softball rules (click on the image to the right). Also, located on the USA Softball site under umpires.


Coaches Quick Rules

Below you will find a Softball Rules Cheat Sheet to assist you with the rules of Fastpitch Softball.


Field Preparation

The following document provides information on the proper way to prepare the fields for game day.


Fastpitch Distances

Pitching distances are measured from the front of the pitcher's plate to the rear point of home plate. 

1st and 3rd base are measured from the rear tip of home plate to back corner of base. 2nd base is measured from center of base to baseline.

GROUP DIVISION PITCHING BASES MIN. FENCE MAX. FENCE
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/18U 43' 60' 200' 225'
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/16U 43' 60' 200' 225'
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/14U 43' 60' 200' 225'
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/12U 40' 60' 200' 225'
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/10U 35' 60' 175' 225'
USA YOUTH FASTPITCH/GIRLS/8U 30' 60' 175' 225

Fastpitch Speeds

AGE AVERAGE PITCHING SPEED TOP PITCHING SPEED
10U 37-41 MPH 43-46 MPH
12U 44-47 MPH 50-53 MPH
14U 46-49 MPH 52-55 MPH
16U 50-53 MPH 54-57 MPH
18U 53-56 MPH 58-61 MPH
College 59-64 MPH 65-72 MPH

Ball Sizing

Age Group Ball Size
8U 11"
10U 11"
12U and Up 12"