Strong defense is critical in slow pitch softball, and so is making sure the best players are at the toughest positions. Placing weaker players in the field is a challenge, but there are 10 players on the field in slow pitch softball, and several positions require less defensive ability.

The Amateur Softball Association -- ASA -- sets rules and regulations for softball. Also known as the Junior Olympic program, the ASA’s youth division is one of the country’s largest kids’ sports organizations. Governing men's and women's softball, ASA rules are modified to accommodate players’ ages.

Slow-pitch softball is a game noted for big hits and high scores. The common perception is that pitchers lob the ball over the plate and that the defense will do the job and hold the batter to a single or double.

Although each state athletic association can set its own rules, middle school softball is basically played in accordance with high school rules established by the National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS.

Collegiate and international fast pitch softball competitions have strict rules governing all aspects of the game, including pitching. Softball pitchers must keep their rear pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate until the ball is released.

High school can be tough, and helping your child prepare to try out for any of school athletic team is filled with unknowns, even if she's played that sport at lower levels.

The Amateur Softball Association of American sets the universal rules for softball in the United States. According to their official rule book, obstruction is when a defensive player affects or prevents a batter from swinging at a pitched ball or hinders the progress of a runner.

Fast-pitch softball is the fifth most popular girls high school sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. A total of 362,488 girls played high school softball in the 2012-13 school year.

Fastpitch softball diamonds are much smaller than baseball diamonds. At the higher levels, it is a quick game dominated by pitching, defense and speed. Bunting and slap-hitting are key offensive weapons and the third baseman and first baseman often play in tight.

The "international tiebreaker" rule refers to the extra-inning rules set by the International Softball Federation. If a game under ISF rules is tied after seven innings, the tiebreaker rule is put into effect. The ISF rules apply to both fastpitch and slowpitch softball, although in the United States they are more widely used in fastpitch games. The intent of the rule is to bring extra-inning games to a speedier conclusion.

The one pitch every slow-pitch pitcher needs in his arsenal is the screwball. With proper technique, a right-handed pitcher can make the ball appear as if it is going to cross over the middle of home plate, but then it curves in toward the hands of a right-handed batter or away from a left-handed batter.

Softball tryouts can be the most critical time of the year for some players. If you are a high school player new to your community, this is the best opportunity you have to impress your coach and win a spot on the team or a position in the starting lineup.