RULES OF THE GAME
July 4, 2025, Chicago, IL
FBBUSA – Governing Body of Flat Bat Baseball (Batball) in the USA
Introduction
Batball is a fast-paced, high-scoring adaptation of baseball that blends the best of Cricket and Baseball. Designed for continuous action, simplified rules, and maximum excitement, Batball emphasizes hitting, movement, and energy on every pitch.
Key Differences from Traditional Baseball
Flat Bat- Batters use a cricket-style flat bat.
Why? A flat bat makes it easier to connect with pitches and place the ball intentionally, reducing weak pop-ups and endless foul balls.
Wickets Replace Strike Zone
Instead of an umpire’s strike zone, pitchers aim at a physical target: three vertical wickets (stumps) measuring 9 inches wide by 28 inches tall. If the ball hits the wickets directly, the batter is Out.
Why? Eliminates subjective calls on balls and strikes, speeds up play, and creates fairness for both pitchers and batters.
One Strike = Out
Why? With a wide flat bat and no penalty for swinging and missing, batters are expected to defend their wickets effectively.To balance offense and defense, one clean strike (ball hitting the wickets) equals an out.
Fixed Pitch Count
Each team receives 80 pitches total, split into two innings of 40 pitches. Teams must score as many runs as possible within those 80 pitches.
Why? Ensures the game finishes in under 90 minutes and gives each team a mid-game adjustment period.
No Balls/Strikes System
Every pitch must be directed at the wickets and without a bounce. Pitches outside the 9-inch zone or bouncing = Wide Ball (does not count toward the 80-pitch limit).
Two wides to the same batter = automatic walk to 1st base.
Batters may swing freely without penalty for misses or weak contact. Batters may decline to run after a hit directly to a fielder but remain at bat for the next pitch.
Game Format
Teams: 9 players each (fielders + batters). Pitchers do not need to be declared in advance.
Batting and Pitching Order: Flexible. Captains may change batting or bowling order between innings, but each player may bat only once per inning (with potential multiple at-bats within that turn) and pitchers can only change after an over (10 pitches)
Innings: Each team bats for 2 innings of 40 pitches or until all batters are out / last batter fails to leave home after 3 consecutive good pitches.
Victory: Team with the most runs after 80 pitches wins.
Batting Rules
Batters have two main objectives:
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Defend the Wickets – protect from being bowled out.
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Score Runs – advance around bases after hitting into fair territory.
Home Runs: Count as 1 run automatically (no need to run). Batter remains at home plate for the next pitch.
Continuous Batting: Batters keep batting until they are out.
Post-Run: After completing a run, batter returns to home plate to bat again immediately (unless occupied).
Ways a Batter Can Be Out
Strike Out (Bowled): Pitch hits the wickets.
Caught Out: Fielder catches the ball in the air.
Run Out: Fielder tags base before batter arrives. If batter has passed halfway, they must commit to the next base. No “pickles”: once committed, it’s a force play.
LBW (Leg Before Wicket): If batter’s body blocks a pitch that would have hit the wickets, umpire may declare them out. Contact does not need to be on the leg specifically.
Pitching Rules
Overs: Pitchers throw in sets of 10 pitches per turn (like overs in cricket).
Limits: Each pitcher may throw a maximum of 3 overs (30 pitches) per game, non-consecutively.
Minimum Pitchers: Teams must use at least 3 pitchers to complete an 80-pitch game.
Delivery Requirements: Pitches must be thrown directly at the wickets, without bouncing before reaching them.
Wide Balls: More than 9 inches off target or bouncing before the wickets = Wide. Not counted toward the 80-pitch total. Second Wide to same batter = Walk to 1st base.
Why? Prevents pitcher overuse injuries, reduces emphasis on velocity, and keeps game equitable.
Fielding Rules
Each team fields 9 players, as in baseball.
Objectives:
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Dismiss batters via catches or run-outs.
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Prevent scoring by cutting off hits, limiting base advancement, and stopping home runs.