The definitive instructional book on the fastest-growing women's sport in the country.

Since the American women won Olympic Gold in 1994, there has been an absolute explosion in the sport's popularity among girls and young women. It is a game that is quite different from not only baseball, but even from men's softball. Now comes the first truly comprehensive instructional book, with the backing, and the accumulated wisdom, of the legary Louisville Slugger company.

Covering every aspect of this challenging game, including hitting, fielding, offensive strategy, and defensive tactics, the book features interviews with top-level collegiate, Olympic, and professional players and coaches, shedding light on some of the fine and more subtle points of the game, from scouting opponents to detecting a pitcher's pitch pattern.

John Monteleone is a former player and coach, and the author of The Louisville Slugger Ultimate Book of Hitting.

Deborah Crisfield is a freelance sportswriter, coach, and former college player. Both authors live near Princeton, New Jersey.