This is softball (The Yorkshire Times, May 2014)

"THWACK!"

The ball is smashed high into the playing field at a blistering 80 miles per hour. The closest outfielder readies herself - she has mere seconds to react and position herself in a way to best catch the ball.

It looks like it'll fall in front of her; she rushes forward a few paces. Reaching out with her catching mitt held open, the ball enters and strikes the leather with a satisfying slap - the batter is out.

At the same time, a runner recognises his opportunity and pushes off from 1st base, springing like a released coil into a full sprint towards 2nd base.

The outfielder has noticed, and winds her arm back with the ball. She quickly targets the 2nd base fielder and lets rip with the throw - the runner is already more than halfway there; this will be close.

Everyone watches in awe as the ball is flung to 2nd base; everyone except the runner. A mere few yards from his destination, he uses his momentum to kick out his legs forward into a slide. Dust and grass is flung up as he skids towards the base.

Meanwhile the second base fielder collects the thrown ball effortlessly in her glove and instinctively turns to the runner's direction. She tags the runner's leg a split-second before he manages to make contact with the base.

The umpire rushes out towards them, in one motion he clenches his fist upwards and swings it wildly down, shouting, "OUT!"

This is softball: a fast-paced game that requires teamwork, coordination and communication rather than brute strength and raw athleticism.

The goal is for each team to take it in turn to hit a ball into the field - known as a diamond - and score runs by traversing a set of four bases: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Home. During this time, the opposing team attempts to defend by gaining outs (by catching or making base plays) and limiting their score.

With teams comprised of five men and five women, it's regarded as a highly inclusive game with a real social aspect. As well as offering an easy to pick up and play sport for people to keep fit, players also enjoy unrivalled comradeship and support both on and off the field.

Despite its strictly American roots, softball is enjoyed by around 10,000 active players in the UK. Here in Yorkshire, the Leeds Softball Association (LSA) caters for hundreds of participants, having been established twenty years ago as a non-profit organisation for engineering firms wanting to get together to play. League matches are currently hosted at Adel Bedquilts off Adel Lane usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Along with local fixtures, the organisation also regularly sends teams around the country to compete in weekend tournaments.

The LSA ethos is that every player, regardless of gender, age or ability is catered for - this is what makes softball uniquely inclusive and a pursuit many players get truly passionate about.