16U fast pitch softball size and weight

Question
My daughter is playing fast pitch softball in a 16U league and we are trying to find out which size ball she should practice with.  We bought 12 in balls but they do not say whether they are fast pitch or slow pitch

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for your question.  When I saw the term 16U I presumed that your daughter is playing ASA ball.  The 12" balls that you purchased, whether they be slow pitch or fast pitch balls, will do very nicely for pitching practice.  Technically speaking, there are EXTREMELY minor differences between an ASA slow pitch ball and fast pitch ball, but those differences won't affect her practice.  FYI, the official ASA fast pitch softball is smooth-seamed (as opposed to raised-seamed), weighs at least 6.750 oz., and is at least 12.0" in circumference when measured across two seams.  Get out your postage scale and seamstress's tape!

Scott Kelly