Home plate serves as one corner of a diamond that makes up the base path. A batter begins in the batter's box at home plate and then proceeds around the bases in a counter-clockwise motion once the ball is put in play.

Unlike baseball fields, the entire infield in softball is usually composed of dirt, with a circle designating the pitching area. The outfield is grass, with a warning track between 12-15 feet separating the field from the fence.

The distance from home plate to the outfield fence will vary depending on the age group and level of competition. For this reason, many softball fields have portable fences than can be easily moved in order to accommodate players of various skill levels.