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Frequently Asked Questions

• What size softball is used in slowpitch?

  The standard for most adult slowpitch leagues is a 12-inch softball. Some co-ed recreational leagues and senior divisions use an 11-inch ball. Confirm the size requirement with your league director before ordering, particularly for team or bulk purchases.

• What is COR in a slowpitch softball?

  COR stands for Coefficient of Restitution, a measure of how lively the ball is after impact. A higher COR means the ball rebounds with more energy from the bat, resulting in greater distance. Most sanctioning bodies set a maximum COR to control game performance. The COR value is printed on the ball and listed in our product descriptions.

• What is compression in a slowpitch softball?

  Compression measures how much force is needed to compress the ball by a quarter inch. Lower compression balls are softer and slower off the bat. Higher compression balls are firmer and typically travel farther on well-struck hits. Your league's approved ball list will specify both COR and compression limits.

• What compression do most USSSA slowpitch leagues use?

  Most USSSA slowpitch leagues use a 240-compression ball. Some senior and masters divisions use a 300-compression ball. Confirm with your specific USSSA league director, as compression requirements can vary by division and region.

• Can I use ASA balls in a USSSA slowpitch league?

  No. USSSA and USA Softball are separate organizations with separate approved ball lists. A ball certified by one organization is not automatically approved for use in the other. Using an unapproved ball can result in game forfeiture. If you play in both league types, purchase separate balls for each.

• What are GSL softballs?

  GSL refers to the Greater Softball League, a regional organization primarily operating in the Midwest. GSL events require GSL-stamped balls. If your league is GSL-sanctioned, you need balls that specifically carry the GSL certification mark, separate from USSSA and USA Softball approved lists.

• What is the difference between a game ball and a practice ball in slowpitch?

  Game balls use a leather or high-quality synthetic cover over a polyurethane center and meet the COR and compression specifications of the sanctioning body. Practice balls are typically polyurethane or synthetic-cover balls built for durability through repeated machine pitching and soft toss reps. They cost less but are not approved for sanctioned game use.

• How many softballs does a slowpitch team need per season?

  A competitive slowpitch team playing a full season with multiple tournaments typically uses two to three dozen game balls per tournament weekend and four to six dozen practice balls for weekday training. Case pricing from SPC Sports reduces the per-ball cost significantly for teams ordering in volume.

• Do slowpitch softballs go bad in storage?

  Leather-cover balls stored in heat, humidity, or freezing temperatures can dry out, absorb moisture, or lose compression consistency. Store game balls in a cool, dry location in their original packaging. Polyurethane practice balls are more storage-tolerant but should also be kept away from extreme temperatures.

• What is the ball requirement for senior softball play?

  Senior softball organizations like SSUSA typically use lower-compression balls, often in the 300 or 375 compression range rather than the 240 used in standard adult slowpitch. The exact specification depends on the age division. Senior division balls should be purchased specifically for the senior organization's approved list, not from the standard slowpitch ball selection.

• Can I buy slowpitch softballs by the case at SPC Sports?

  Yes. We sell softballs by the dozen and by the case. Contact us for bulk and league pricing on large-quantity orders. Case pricing typically applies at six dozen or twelve dozen quantities depending on the ball model.

• What is the difference between an 11-inch and 12-inch slowpitch ball?

  A 12-inch ball is heavier and slightly larger, which is the standard for most adult leagues. An 11-inch ball is lighter and easier for some players to handle, typically used in co-ed recreational leagues and some senior divisions. The feel at the plate and the pitcher's grip differ between the two sizes, so teams should not mix them in the same practice session without purpose.

• Are there slowpitch softballs designed for use with specific bat certifications?

  Yes. USSSA bats are specifically paired with USSSA-approved balls (typically 240 compression) to ensure the combined performance stays within legal limits. ASA bats are paired with USA Softball approved balls. Using a high-performance bat with a ball outside the certified pairing can produce illegal exit speeds and result in equipment bans.

• What brands of slowpitch softballs does SPC Sports carry?

  We carry balls from Champro, Worth, Rawlings, Dudley, and other manufacturers. Availability varies by certification and quantity. Contact us for current stock on specific certification types if you need a large quantity.

• How do I know which ball my USSSA league uses?

  Contact your USSSA league director or check the league's official rules document. USSSA publishes an approved ball list on its website by season. Your league director will specify the compression standard (typically 240) and whether additional restrictions apply to your division.