If you have been searching for how to play Wiffle ball, you have come to the right place. This article will tell you everything about this game and its rules. I think you will find this article interesting.
And if you are planning to start a game, first do the Wiffle ball fencing.
Wiffle Ball: History
This game was first introduced in the year 1953. David N. Mullany invented this game. There was an interesting story about this game. David wanted his son to curve the ball while throwing it, so he designed the ball. And because the boys and his friends called the strikeouts “whiffs”, the game was called Wiffle Ball.
After that, the game spread all over the United States. Kids and adults find this game interesting. And, most importantly, you don’t need a huge ground for it. You can play this game in parks, backyards, and backlots with a Wiffle Ball pitching machine.
Right now, there are competitive leagues and professional players across the country. Major League Wiffle Ball and Major League Wiffle are famous competitions, players come from different states to compete in these competitions. An interesting fact about this game is that Wiffle Ball is recreational.
How To Play Wiffle Ball?
The beauty of this game is its flexibility. There are no fixed players and official Wiffle Ball rules. You can play this game with anywhere from two to ten players. And you can set the rules and regulations in this game. Players set the rules according to their wishes.
We have taken information from different players and areas. Here are the details.
1. Wiffle Ball Field Dimensions
The field is like a baseball field, but the dimension is smaller than the baseball diamond field. The difference between the two home run markets is 20 feet, and the foul lines are 60 feet long from the Wiffle ball strike zone. You will also find different areas like field areas and marked single, double, triple, and home run.
In the below diagram, you can see what the field looks like.
2. Wiffle Ball Players And Positions
As I have said, the maximum number of players is 10. A Wiffle Ball game can be played with a maximum of 5 players a side. There are different roles that you can set for your team- a pitcher, a catcher, and three fielders.
You can place these three fielders in the double, triple, and home run areas. Also, the batting order is set by the positions of the players. This means the batting order will start from the pitcher to the home run area fielder.
3. Gameplay
This game has a 9 inning like a baseball game. And per inning, there will be three outs. There are no bases on ball and bunting allowed in this game. The game was designed for people to have fun, so you don’t need good physic or be a quick runner because there is no running in this game.
Instead of running, the batter will hit the ball as strongly as possible. And according to the landing of the ball, the run will be counted. So you can use different markets for that.
For an out, there are a few things that need to happen.
- A third strike will get out a batter (a swing and a miss).
- If the fielders catch the flying ball in fair or foul territory.
- If a fielder stops a running ball, that is still on the ground.
4. Scoring
An imaginary baserunner has been used in the Wiffle ball game. The process starts with keeping track of the ‘runners’ reach, and it depends on the hit. I think an example will be good for your understanding.
The imaginary runner will go to the second base if a batter hits a double. After that, the batter hits a double again. Then the batter will reach home plate and completes a run. But here, the imaginary runner does the running job.
5. Game Ending
After completing nine innings by each team, the game finishes. And it’s quite simple to identify the winning team. Which team will score the maximum runs, that team will be the winner.
What Do You Need, To Play Wiffle Ball
If you are playing this game in your backyard with a few of your friends, you will definitely need a Wiffle ball fence. It is obvious that a Wiffle Ball and a Wiffle Ball Bat are a must for playing this game. Here, I will discuss the specifications of the balls and bats.
‣ Wiffle Ball
The game’s uniqueness comes with the ball’s shape and design. The ball’s size is similar to a baseball. However, the ball is hollow and made from plastic. The thickness of the ball is ⅛ of a baseball, and there are eight ¾” holes.
While flying, air can pass through the ball, and it makes the pitcher swing the ball even farther than a baseball swing. So, a hitter needs to focus on hitting a home run because there is an unusual ball movement. You can buy a Wiffle ball set of 12 balls for approx $30.
‣ Wiffle Ball Bat
The official length of the bat is around 33 to 34 inches, and the official diameter is 1.5 inches. This bat has a lot of differences from a baseball bat. The bat is made of plastic and hollow. The maximum weight of the bat can be between 10 to 12 oz.
You can buy the best Wiffle ball bat for only $20 to $30.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check out the most frequently asked questions related to playing wiffle ball mentioned below in detail.
1. What Is One Rule In Wiffle Ball?
In a game of Wiffle Ball, two outs are allowed every inning, and that too for every team. Farther, while two strikes will count as one out, five walls are equivalent to a walk. Also, any foul tip hitting the basic strike zone on the 2nd strike is called an out. During extra innings, both teams can start that particular inning with loaded bases.
2. Can Girls Play Wiffle Ball?
Of course, girls can play Wiffle Ball. Originally, the game was created to replace softball, stickball, and baseball on the city streets and backyards for both boys as well as girls. A wiffle ball made from plastic that’s rubbery and tough. Plus, it’s also lightweight, and you cannot throw it or even hit it from a distance.
3. Is Wiffle Ball A Real Sport?
Yes, Wiffle ball is a real sport. First developed in Fairfield, Connecticut, Wiffle Ball is a simple, scaled-back version of baseball that can be specifically played indoors or within a confined space. Played in 1953 for the first time, the Wiffle ball is played with a hollow, long plastic bat, and a lightweight perforated plastic ball.
Final Thoughts
For the last couple of years, this game has been quite famous. Different tournaments and leagues are happening. So if you and your team want to participate, don’t be late. These leagues are pretty competitive and take a lot of skills to win.
You will see different pitchers who have nasty tricks to curve the ball. These tricks stop the batter from hitting the ball. There is a tip for you to use the Wiffle ball knuckleball, it makes the ball difficult to play.
You and your friends can practice as much as you can in your backyard. You just need Wiffle ball fences to protect your household.
Also you can play with your brother as well. The game shall continue as long as there is a batter and pitcher.
If you have found this article interesting, feel free to give feedback.
Thank You.
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