One of the unique things about softball is there is no set time limit or duration. Instead softball games consist of a set of innings, typically seven. This can make identifying how long a softball game typically takes a bit of a challenge.
On average a softball game will last anywhere between an hour to two hours. Most softball leagues play seven innings with each inning lasting around 18 minutes. In fast pitch softball most leagues games will last 7 innings or until a 75-minute time limit has expired. In slow pitch softball most reactional leagues will play 7 innings or until a 50-minute time limit has expired.
However, the length of the softball game will ultimately depend on the league, level of play, if there is extra innings or not.
In this article we will discuss more in-depth on what you can expect during a softball game and how long a game takes on average at the different levels and style of play.
Let’s get started.
Softball Game Overview
Before we get into the details of this article, let’s first discuss the structure and what you can expect during a softball game.
Innings
An inning in softball is the structure of play, consisting of two halves or frames, the top of the inning (first half) and the bottom (second half). Each half, one team bats until there are three outs made, while the other team play defense. Once the first half of an inning is completed the other team will bat.
Timeouts
In softball, a timeout is a halt of play. When called the umpire officially stops the ball. Most timeouts are typically called due to an injury, or when coaches talk to their players providing instruction or encouragement.
Extra Innings
Extra innings is the extension of a softball game that occurs when the game is tied in the final inning. In some leagues a runner will start on second base at the begging of the inning half in order to help break the tie.
Pitching Changes
In competitive fast pitch softball leagues there will typically be pitching changes, where a team will bring in a new pitcher to relive the starter. This doesn’t happen as often in slow pitch leagues.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a softball game consists of, let’s talk more about how long softball games last at the different skill levels.
How Long Softball Games Last
Softball is a fast paced game when compared to baseball. This is because the fields are shorter and there is typically an extra fielder.
Slow pitch softball games have a lot of extra due to the ease of hitting the ball. On the other hand, fast pitch softball games are dominated by the pitcher and are also fast paced.
Each level of play and league has their own time limit and plays their own set of innings. Here is a quick look at the different softball levels and how long each game takes.
Softball Game Length
| Skill Level | Innings | Average Time |
| College & Professional | 7 Innings | 1.30 Hours |
| High School | 7 Innings | 1.30 Hours |
| Youth Softball Leagues | 7 Innings | 1 Hour |
| Slow Pitch Softball | 7 Innings | 50 Minutes |
Now let’s take a closer look at the different levels of softball and what you should know about each one:
How Long College Softball Games Take
One of the highest levels of women softball leagues is at the college level. In college softball they play fast pitch and have some unique rules and equipment that they use.
College softball games consist of 7 innings and most games end up lasting around an hour and a half. This is estimating that each inning will take roughly 18 minutes to be completed. This includes timeouts, and time between innings as well.
However, there are a lot of factors that can determine how long a college game will last. Including how many runs were scored, number of timeouts/pitching changes and how many innings were played. (Source: NCAA)
How Long High School Softball Games Take
Much like the other softball levels high school softball games are full 7 inning games. A complete softball game in high school typically takes an hour and a half on average.
However, with there not being a set time limit games can be shorter or last much longer depending upon how many runs are scored and if there are extra innings or not.
Some games may last much longer, especially if there is a dominant pitcher that is able to get out the opposing team quickly. In cases like this games will tend to be a lot faster.
How Long Slow Pitch Softball Games Take
Slow pitch softball is quite different when compared to fast pitch. The bats, equipment and rules are much different as well as the length of the games.
Slow pitch softball leagues and tournaments can be found and are played all over the country. There are many different levels and leagues within slow pitch. There are city leagues or more competitive ones as well as tournaments.
Slow pitch softball games last 7 innings long and typically take anywhere between 50 minutes to 2 hours. Reactional or city league games are usually shorter and last around 50 minutes. More competitive leagues or tournaments tend to be more long and last an average of an hour and a half. (Source: USSSA)
With that being said, shorter games are very possible and the length of the game will depend on the number of innings played and the associated rules of the league.
Conclusion
Softball is a fun and entertaining sport to both play and watch. Whether you are a coach, fan, parent or player its important to know how long a softball game typically lasts.
Like we discussed most softball games will last around an hour to two hours depending upon the league, level and associated rules.
Watching or attending a game of softball is definitely worth setting aside the afternoon or evening. Especially if you are going to see a friend or love one play.