Invented in 1887, softball is a direct descendant of baseball. It was originally created as an indoor baseball game with a smaller playing area to encourage a fast paced game. 2 teams of players alternate between batting and fielding in an attempt to score the most runs. The batting team sends each player out to bat and run across as many bases as possible. Once each player completes all 4 bases and reaches back home, they score 1 run. The fielding team defends by trying to stop the batter from advancing across the bases.