Compiled by Alistair Mason, PA Sport

Overview

Softball is the sole women-only sport in the Olympics. The game is similar to baseball, with some key differences. Women's fastpitch, the variation used, is played over seven innings rather than nine, with a larger ball which is less dense (or softer) than a baseball. Pitching is underarm and the distance from pitcher to batter is shorter, while bats and playing area are also smaller. In substance, though, the game is the same, with teams trying to score runs against the opposition.

Structure

Eight teams play in a single pool, with each team facing the other seven. The top four then progress to a truncated play-off series - the top two face each other with the winners progressing to the final. The third and fourth-placed teams also face off, with the winners going on to face the losers of the game between the top two. The victors from that game take the second spot in the final. China qualify automatically as hosts, with the other seven places decided by various qualifying tournaments.

History

Softball's first appearance at the Olympics came in 1996 in Atlanta and it has never been won by anyone other than the United States. Australia have also medalled at every event. China claimed the silver back in 1996. The sport itself is relatively young, having been invented in 1887 by George Hancock as an indoor version of baseball that could be played through the winter. The first ever game was played using a rolled-up boxing glove and a broom handle. Like baseball, softball will not be present at the 2012 Games in London, but may return to the Olympic family four years later.

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