asking questions about softball.

Question
1. differentiate tag play with force play?
2. what is squeeze play?
3. how many players were involved in a run down during the game?
4. what is sacrifice play ?
5. give examples of play?
6. differentiate fast pitch softball from slow pitch softball?

Answer
Wow, Ronald, may need to get the essay paper out for this one.  First the difference between a tag play and a force play.  A tag play refers to any time you actually "tag" the runner with either the ball or the glove with the ball in it.  A force play refers to a runner on first second or third who must run following a batted ball.  Example would be anytime a runner is on first, that runner is "forced" to run to second because the batter is obviously running to first.  If a runner is on 1st and 2nd then there would be a force play at every base because each runner would be forced to run to allow the preceding runner to move up one base.
A Squeeze play is a sacrifice bunt made with a runner on third and less than two outs.  The batters purpose is to score the run without regard to himself being thrown out at first.  You can have a safety squeeze were the runner on third waits until after the ball is bunted before breaking for home or a suicide squeeze were the runner leaves third when the pitcher releases the ball and plays it exactly as he would if attempting to steal home.  The danger here being that if the batter fails to make contact she is in all likelihood going to be tagged out.
There is no set number of players involved in a run down.  I normally have at least four in every situation.  If the runner is trapped between 1st and 2nd, you would have the pitcher, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman and shortstop involved.  Runner trapped between 3rd and home would involve the SS,3rd,Pitcher, and catcher.  The main two reasons for failed run downs are bad or late throws.  We spend a great deal of time perfecting the rundown and it has really paid off since most teams don't do it correctly.

A sacrifice play is a play where the batter gives up an out for the purpose of advancing the runner.  A bunt or long fly ball are the most common.  Typically a fielded bunt will be thrown to first advancing any runners and a fly ball hit deep enough will allow a runner to "tag up" and reach the next base.
There are many differences between the two sports.  Different size balls, one is pitched with a trajectory while the other is not.  Slowpitch requires runners to stay on base until ball reaches batter and stealing bases is not allowed.  The ball isn't considered "live" until it is hit.  Faspitch allows runners to leave base as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand and it is considered a live ball which means runners can advance until the ball is back in the pitchers possession inside the pitchers circle.  You are also allowed to bunt in fastpitch, but not in slowpitch.
I hope this was helpful and let me know if you have anymore questions.

Coach Mike