Baseball is a team sport where players attempt to score by running around a series of bases while avoiding being tagged out by members of the opposing team. The game is played in nine untimed innings with one team batting during the top of each inning and the other playing defense. A runner scores a run when they successfully circle the bases in order and touch home plate without being tagged out. A player can earn a run by a hit, a walk, an error or a sacrifice play.
The basic equipment for baseball includes a ball, a bat and protective gear for the batter and catcher. The ball is white with red stitching and is about three inches in diameter. The bat is made of wood, aluminum or metal and is usually painted black with a white stripe. The catcher wears a helmet, arm guards, body padding and a glove with extra cushioning. The batting team also wears mitts, which are oversized gloves that help them catch balls missed by the catcher.
To start a play, the pitcher throws the ball toward the batter. The batter then tries to put the ball in play by hitting it with his or her bat. This must be done while the ball is within a certain area, called the strike zone, and before touching any of the other bases. The batter must also stop at first base before attempting to run to second, third or home. The hitter gets up to three strikes during an at-bat before being declared out.
If the catcher catches the ball before it touches the ground (except for a foul tip caught by the catcher), it is counted as a strike. The batter can also be called out if a fielder catches the ball while it is in his or her glove or if they hinder a fielder while trying to get to a base. A hitter can also be flied out, which means that the ball is hit so hard that the catcher catches it before it hits the ground.
In addition to catching the ball, the defensive team must also prevent the runner from advancing around the bases or reaching home plate. They can do this by throwing the ball to the runner, making a tackle or blocking the runner from getting to the base. The defenders can also use their arms to tag runners as they are trying to reach the base.
One of the best ways to learn about the rules of baseball is to watch games. This can be done by attending local Little League games, college matchups or professional contests. Pay attention to how the players handle different situations and try to figure out why they do what they do. If you notice that a particular strategy is successful, try to incorporate it into your own game. This will help you become a better hitter and avoid the many common mistakes that can make you lose a game of baseball.