Before, softball was considered as a game only for women, but later on gained acceptance and was widely played by more players regardless of their respective genders.
Basically, the concept behind this very competitive game is for a player, known as the batter, to hit the ball thrown by another player, known as the pitcher.
The ring-shaped rod being used to hit the ball is identified as a bat. To be able to score in the game, the batter has to run and tap the four bases in the playing field after hitting the ball.
In reality, the mechanics of softball is not at all different to that of baseball. Though, they also differ in some ways like the ball's size, the way the ball is being thrown, the size of the playing field, and the number of innings in a given game.
Basically, there are two types of softball: fastpitch and slowpitch. Fastpitch is, generally, focused on the pitcher.
In this game, the chance of winning the game is based on the ability of the pitcher to release the ball at utmost velocity in an even curve, thus, making it very hard to hit. With this kind of ball delivery, the batter is usually blasted with numerous ground balls and strikeout cases.
The next type of softball is the slowpitch. Here, the batter gains more confidence in winning the game. However, the slowpitch softball is still dependent on the pitcher, whether he or she is an offensive pitcher or a defensive one.
The offensive pitcher is usually employed when playing informal sets of games. The bottom line here is that the game is more of a social function rather than being on its bloodthirsty field actions.
The defensive pitcher, on the other hand, is normally used in most slowpitch games. Here, it is required for a thrown ball to define a curve with the highest point slightly over the batter's head.
Because of this condition, the pitcher is made to throw the ball in such a slower pace so as to define the said curve. That is why most batters achieve considerable scores in this kind of softball.
Consequently, softball is based on this concept of hitting the ball and pitching that the score can be identified. A score can only be achieved if a player makes one complete rotation in the four bases.
Accordingly, the batter is considered out or is no longer allowed to hit the ball when he or she had accumulated three strikes, was hit by the ball or by the glove that contains the ball, the fielder touched the base even before the batter gets close to it, and when the ball hit by the batter was caught by a fielder and had not yet touched the ground.
The conditions of the ball being pitched and hit and the position of the players in the field while playing softball are all being decided by umpires. They render their decisions through the use of hand signals.
Indeed, softball is a more modern way of playing baseball. But the reason why most players appreciate softball more than the baseball game is that softball is a game that requires a combination of constant force and power at the same time use of strong mind power coupled with skills and determination. It is certainly an art playing softball.
For most bands it's hard to get noticed in the opening slot. Most of the fans haven't arrived yet and those who have are anxiously waiting to see their favourite band. So how does your band get noticed? Well for a lot of opening acts, it takes a lot of time and experience and most fail in the process. The following tips though, can help your band get noticed and on your way to a killer live show.
Energy
This is where most bands are lacking. Think of your favourite band live and you will feel that electric energy that was generating throughout the venue. Most inexperienced, and some experienced, bands just hit the stage and play their songs mostly standing around like statues. This is not exciting for the general music fan. You may think that you just want the music to speak for itself and it can. That's what CD's are for. This is live entertainment and you should treat it as such.
You don't necessarily have to run around the stage like you just drank 47 Redbulls, but you should get into the music enough to have some energy. Simple things make all the difference. Move from one spot of the stage to another, put a foot up on a monitor and lean towards the audience, and if your feeling up to it even try a jump kick when the song goes into high gear. The more you play, the more comfortable and fluid these antics will feel.
Connection
Most bands also find it hard to connect with an audience. Start with the foundations. Try to make as much eye contact with the possible fans as you can. Move towards them. Feed off of their energy.
Try and practice some segues pre-show. If a song of yours has a background storey to it, tell it to the audience. Just try to keep it short and concise. Think of some back and forth banter to have with the audience. Finally, if all else fails, come up with some kind of contest idea that involves the audience in some way either on or off stage. Even a free CD of your band that they've never heard of can be enough incentive to participate. Plus you may gain a fan out of it.
Introduce your band, as well as its members, throughout the set. This way people will remember who you guys are. It makes your band seem that much more personal/approachable. This way people will stop thinking about you as ?that guy from that band?, but instead will know you as ?Jim, the lead singer of Wilderbeast?.
Banner
Get a banner with your bands name and logo printed on it. The banner acts as a 30 minute, to an hour infomercial of who your band is (depending on the length of your set). This way even if people start arriving half way through your last song, they may like what they hear and know who your band is so they can see you play next time.
Gear
Try and get at least 2 of every instrument and have them tuned and ready to go before you go on stage. Nothing drags a show out more than a sloppy guitarist who can't tune his instrument or breaks a string. Try and get more instruments if your band uses multiple tunings. Borrow guitars if you have too.
Shtick
When all else fails get a shtick. Wear makeup, cough blood, play naked, whatever you think it will take to get your band noticed.
Always remember that when playing live, your music may only count for 50 percent of the performance. Draw influences from other aspects of your life whether it be theatre, movies, or even other live acts outside of your specific genre.
If your anything like me, try and remember when music first took a hold over you. Odds are, when you were alone in your room, you would crank the volume of your favourite band and jump around your room playing a tennis racket guitar pretending that you were playing a sold out Madison Square Gardens. If you're able to recreate that level of passion for music, your band will surely get noticed. I just hope that your songs don't suck!
Both James Monahan & Tj Liebgott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Monahan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health Care, Health and Modelling. James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of and writes expert articles about. James Monahan's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Tj Liebgott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Nintendo Games and Pearls. TJ Liebgott is a freelance writer for . Tj Liebgott's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.