What Are The Dimensions Of Home Plate In Softball?
Last updated on May 14th, 2022 at 02:12 pm
If you are a softball player, knowing the size of home plate is important.
Knowing the exact dimensions of home plate is not only crucial to know for the pitcher, but the batter, catcher, and other position players need to know the size of home plate as well.
Softball is different from baseball in many ways.
For example, the ball used in softball is larger than the ones used in baseball.
But the home plate that is used in softball and baseball are exactly the same size.
Keep reading to find out more information on the dimensions of home plate in softball.
Softball home plate dimensions
The home plate used in softball is a 5 sided white rubber slab. Think of it as a square with the corners cut off to form 5 sides.
The front side facing the pitcher is 17 inches long. The left and right side of the plate is 8.5 inches long and the angled sides forming the point closest to the catcher are 12 inches long.
Softball home plate dimensions diagram
What are the angles of home plate?
As home plate is a 5 sided base, there are angles needed to form its diamond shape.
There are 3 right angles formed by home plate.
The rear angles of the plate are 45 degrees forming a right angle at the point at the back.
The 2 side edges are vertical from the rear angles joining the top of the plate where the other 2 right angles are formed.
Why is home plate designed as a 5 sided base?
Home plate didn’t always be the 5 sided diamond shape that it is today. Pre 1900, the home plate was the same shape as the other bases.
Today’s design forms a strike zone that the pitcher needs to focus pitches on and gives the home plate umpire a guide to follow when calling balls and strikes.
Senior softball home plate dimensions
In many senior softball leagues, the dimensions of home plate is the same as other softball leagues.
The difference is a rubber home plate mat is often used which is placed over home plate and aligned with its front edge.
This is also called the strike zone mat.
The dimensions of the strike zone mat is 19 inches wide x 34.5 inches long.
The dimensions of home plate in softball are 17″ x 12″ x 12″ x 8.5″ x 8.5″.
