Fun Slow Pitch Softball Tournament Format Ideas

Organizing a Slow Pitch softball tournament or participating in one should be fun. Swatting some dingers and drinking some beverages for a good cause or just to have an excuse to get together with friends is never a bad thing.

But, do you just have a Slow Pitch tournament with standard rules and limitations? Or, do you mix it up? JustBats.com has collected some customer feedback on fun softball tournament formats. See if you would incorporate any of these Slow Pitch ideas to your next event or fundraiser.

One-Off Rule Implementations

Here are some easy-to-implement rules that can be used in any tournament for added fun:

• Batter maximum - cap the number of batters that can come up in a half-inning. For example, 10 batters per 1/2 inning. This helps keep games more competitive.
• No outs - allow the whole lineup to bat each 1/2 inning, so outs don't technically matter.
• Opposite Hands - defenders must use their non-throwing hand to throw the ball.
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• Run bases backward - batters must run to each base backward, regardless of the situation.
• Reverse bases - a single would mean running to third base, rather than first.
• Unlimited homeruns - if the equipment is a non-issue, then allowing players to hit as many homeruns as possible is enticing.
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• Walk option - if the batter receives a walk, they have the option to take a base or continue hitting.
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5 x 5 x 5 Style Softball

How different do you want to be? For this tournament format, three teams of five players would play on the same field all at once. Team 1 hits, while Team 2 plays the infield positions (first base, pitcher, second base, third base, and shortstop) and Team 3 plays the outfield positions (left field, right field, right center, left center, and catcher). Once Team 1 is done hitting, they would rotate to the outfield, Team 2 would hit, and Team 3 would move to the infield positions.

Chicago Style Softball

Known for deep dish pizza, the city of Chicago is also the birthplace of softball. For this tournament style, Slow Pitch bats are required, but not standard balls....or gloves. Using 16" mush balls, Chicago style is a nod to the game's founder, because no gloves are used in the field. Normal softball rules apply, but with the balls softened, fielding becomes more fun and homeruns become tougher.

Fast & Furious Style Softball

Some fundraisers might need a format that allows more participants and teams. The Fast & Furious style is easy. Each batter only receives one (1) pitch. Games are only five innings, and each team gets three outs each inning. 

Inside the Fence Style Softball

Minimize homeruns and foul balls by allowing every ball hit inside the fences to be fair. This tournament style provides a faster pace of play, as well as some strategy.

One Pitch Style Softball

If you're trying to save time, this format is for you. Every batter receives one pitch from the pitcher. If the batter doesn't swing, then they're out. If the batter fouls the ball off, then they're out. To avoid opposing teams gaming the format, the team batting supplies the pitcher.

What fun rules or tournament styles have you played? Let us know in the comments. Or, if you have any softball bat or Slow Pitch bat related questions, our Bat Experts are available via phone at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or you can  click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're always here for you from click to hit!