1. HS Softball Strike Zone
All definitions are from the NFHS Rule Book
The “Slot” is the recommended position
Every pitch has a verbal call

2. Plate Dimensions 17” The Plate is 17” wide
The black edging is NOT considered as part of the plate
8 ½”
Black Edging is 1”
8 ½”
12”
The back of the plate is where the foul line connect

3. Softball Batters Box 3’ 4’ Batter's Box 3’ 3 feet x 7 feet 10’
8’ 5”
Catcher’s Box
10 feet x 8 feet 5 inches

4. Strike Zone 27 inches wide Arm Pits Top of knees
From High School Clinic handout
NFHS Rules Rule 2
Section 56
Article 4
STRIKE ZONE The strike zone is the space over home plate which is between the batter’s forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance.
Top of knees
Arm Pits
Official Strike Zone
Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight shall be constituted a strike.
Width of home plate is 17”.
Diameter of the ball is approximately 4”.
There is 1” of black edging.
The umpire shall determine the batter’s strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when swinging at a pitch.
27 inches wide
The effective width of the strike zone is 27”

5. Actual Strike Zone 29 inches wide About 1 ball above the belt
Realistic Strike Zone
NFHS Rules Rule 2
Section 56
Article 4
STRIKE ZONE The strike zone is the space over home plate which is between the batter’s forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance.
Actual Strike Zone
1 ball above the belt to just below the knees
Top of knees
About 1 ball above the belt
6” to batter box
Width of home plate is 17”.
Diameter of the ball is approximately 4”.
The umpire shall determine the batter’s strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance when swinging at a pitch.
6” from plate to batter’s box line
29 inches wide
The effective width of the strike zone is 29”
Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight shall be constituted a strike.

6. End