Core – Usually made from polyurethane, sometimes with a cork center.
Cover – Made from leather, synthetic materials, or rubber glued to the core.
Seams – Raised or minimal seams that hold the cover together, often in colors like blue, red, or white.
Fastpitch and slowpitch softballs differ in several key areas:
Seam Height – Fastpitch balls have raised seams for better grip and control, while slowpitch balls have flatter seams for maximum speed.
Core – Fastpitch softballs use a high-compression core, while slowpitch uses a lower-compression core.
Color – Fastpitch softballs are neon yellow, while slowpitch may be white.
Size – Fastpitch balls are typically 11 inches, while slowpitch balls are usually 12 inches (or sometimes 16 inches).
Softballs must meet specific regulations to be used in competition. The Compression Rating refers to how stiff or soft the ball is, with the most common ratings being 400 or 450 pounds. The COR Value (Coefficient of Restitution) measures the "bounciness" of the ball. Higher COR values lead to higher exit velocities and distances.
Softball specifications vary across different age groups:
10U/Youth – Typically uses a 10” ball with a softer core for smaller hands.
12U to 18U/High School – Fastpitch players use an 11” ball, while slowpitch players use a 12” ball.
Collegiate Play – Uses an 11” ball, but with more pronounced seams and a standard COR/compression rating of 47/400.
Weather conditions like heat, cold, or rain can impact ball performance:
In wet conditions, a higher-seamed ball provides better grip.
In warmer weather, a ball with a higher COR/compression rating has more "pop" off the bat.
While softballs can't usually be swapped based on weather, practicing with various balls can help players adapt.
