If you are new to Fastpitch Softball, this page will provide you with information about the various options available for players - including time commitment, competitive level, and structure.
Please read the Fusion Softball Handbook and see the table below for a quick comparison of the playing options.
Fastpitch softball is a competitive form of softball and is the same sport you see in high school and college competition. Fastpitch softball differs from slowpitch softball in that the pitchers deliver the ball with a speedy windmill motion as opposed to a slow, looping motion. Slowpitch softball is offered in some youth programs and also adult leagues but fastpitch is the competitive sport girls advance to as they get older.
Many players start by playing in-house softball at a young age. If you are unsure of whether to start with in-house softball or a traveling program, there are numerous options for getting started:
Traveling Fastpitch Softball (link) serves girls from age 8-18. Traveling Softball includes league games and practices on weeknights and tournaments on weekends. The Summer season runs from April through July. Traveling program involves competition against the better players in the South Metro and beyond. Teams are formed on the basis of tryouts and girls are grouped based upon their age as of January 1 of the current year.
Traveling Fastpitch levels: 10U (10 and under), 12U (11-12 years old), 14U (13-14 years old) and High School (15-18 years old).
League-only (LO) Traveling Softball (link) serves girls age 8-10 with a summer season running from May through July. League-only differs from full Traveling Softball in that LO teams generally don't participate in weekend tournaments so the time commitment is moderate. At 10U, girls do the pitching, and LO involves competition generally one tier lower than full Traveling.
League Only Traveling levels: 10U (9-10 years old).
K-1 Coach Pitch Softball (link) serves girls age 5-7 (Pre-K/Kindergarten through 1st grade) with a summer season running from late April through June. Teams generally play two games per week. At the youngest ages, coaches pitch. The In-house program is focused on both fun and skill development. Teams are formed, when possible, by placing girls with other players from their school or neighborhood.
Program | 6U (In-House) | 8U League Only | 8U Traveling A League | 10U League-only | Traveling |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
In-house | 8U League-only | 8U Traveling A League | 10U C-Ball/League-only | 10U-16U Traveling | |
Registration Period | Registration close April 2 | Registration closes March 18 | Registration closes March 18 | Registration closes March 18 | Registration closes March 18 |
Ages | Grades K-1 | 7-8 (as of 12/31 of the current year) | 7-8 (as of 12/31 of the current year) | 9-10 (as of 12/31 of the current year) | 9-16 (as of 12/31 of the current year) |
Time commitment (games/practices combined) | 2 days/week | 2-3 days/week | 3 days/week | 3-4 days/week | 4+ days/week |
Competitive Level | Fun and development | Fun and development with moderate competition | Moderate to high | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Game Days | Mon/Wed | Wed | Wed | Tue/Thu | 10U/14U Tue/Thu; 12U/16U Mon/Wed |
Pitching | Coach Pitch | Machine Pitch | Machine Pitch | Player Pitch | Player Pitch |
Practices can begin | Late April | Late March / Early April | Late March / Early April | Late March / Early April | Late March / Early April |
Season begins | Late April | Late April | Late April | Late April | Late April |
Season ends | Late June | Late June | Late June | Mid/late July | Mid/late July |
Activities | League games | 1 League game/week, 1 optional State Tournament | League games and tournaments | League games, season ending traveling tournament | League games and tournaments |
# Tournaments | 0 | 1 (State Tournament) | 2-3 In Season + State Tournament | 1-2 (State Qualifier > State) | 3-4 In Season + State Qualifier > State > Nationals |
Cost | $55 | $115 | $115 + splitting cost of tournaments | $200 | $300 for 10U/12U, $400 for 14U/16U |