This softball glossary explains the terms you will hear at fastpitch and slowpitch games, from pitch types and hitting styles to rules such as the look-back rule and the DP/FLEX. Terms are grouped by topic so you can find related words together: pitching, hitting, base running, fielding, rules and scoring. Many terms are shared with baseball, but softball has its own vocabulary too, especially around pitching, slap hitting and substitution rules. Use this page as a quick reference when watching games, coaching or learning the sport.
Rulebook note: Definitions of rules-based terms can differ between NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball and slowpitch organizations. Check your league’s rulebook for the exact wording that applies to your games.
Most useful terms at a glance
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Circle | The pitching circle, 16 feet across |
| DP/FLEX | A substitution rule where the designated player hits for the FLEX player, who plays defense |
| Look-back rule | Runners must return or advance once the pitcher has the ball in the circle |
| Slapper | A left-handed hitter who makes contact while moving toward first |
| Pop time | A catcher’s time from catching the pitch to the ball reaching the fielder at second |
| Run rule | A game ends early if one team leads by a set margin after a set inning |
Pitching terms
Windmill: The fastpitch pitching motion in which the arm makes a full circle before an underhand release.
Crow hop: In pitching, an illegal replant of the pivot foot followed by a second push-off. In fielding, a hop step used to gain momentum before a throw.
Leap: A pitching motion in which both feet are off the ground at once; whether it is legal depends on the rule code.
Drop ball: A pitch with forward or topspin that breaks downward late.
Rise ball: A pitch thrown with strong backspin from a low release so it appears to climb through the zone.
Change-up: A slower pitch thrown with a similar arm motion to the fastball to disrupt timing.
Curve ball: A pitch with sideways spin that breaks across the plate.
Screwball: A pitch that breaks in the opposite direction to a curve.
Brush: The contact between the pitcher’s forearm and hip during the release, which helps create a consistent release point.
Power line: An imaginary line from the pitching plate to home plate that pitchers stride along.
Presentation: The pause in which the pitcher brings the hands together before starting the pitch.
Illegal pitch: A pitch that violates the pitching rules, usually resulting in a ball and possible base awards.
Hitting terms
Slap: A left-handed batting technique in which the hitter moves toward the pitcher and makes contact while running.
Soft slap: A controlled slap placed softly on the ground, like a moving bunt.
Power slap: A short, firm swing used by slappers when infielders play in.
Drag bunt: A bunt pushed down the line while the batter is already moving toward first.
Sacrifice bunt: A bunt intended to advance a runner, usually at the cost of the batter’s out.
Squeeze: A play in which a runner on third breaks for home as the batter bunts.
Hit-and-run: A play in which the runner goes on the pitch and the batter swings to protect them.
Opposite field: The side of the field opposite the batter’s pull side.
Exit velocity: The speed of the ball off the bat.
Bat speed: How fast the barrel moves through the hitting zone.
Base running terms
Rocking start: A way of leaving the base on the pitch release by shifting weight back and forward.
Secondary lead: The few steps a runner takes after leaving the base as the pitch approaches the plate.
Double first base: A two-part first base, with the colored part in foul territory for the batter-runner, used to reduce collisions. Also called a safety base.
Commitment line: A line between third and home in some slowpitch codes; once past it, a runner must continue home.
Courtesy runner: A substitute who runs for the pitcher or catcher, often without counting as a formal substitution, under some rules.
Pop-up slide: A bent-leg slide that lets the runner get back on their feet quickly.
Hook slide: A slide to the side of the base away from the tag, hooking the base with the foot or hand.
Tag up: Returning to touch the base after a caught fly ball before advancing.
Fielding terms
5.5 hole: The gap between the shortstop and third baseman.
Cutoff: A fielder positioned between an outfielder and a base to relay or stop a throw.
Relay: A throw passed through an infielder on longer throws from the outfield.
Rundown: A play in which fielders trap a runner between bases, also called a pickle.
Pick-off: A throw, often by the catcher, to catch a runner off base.
Pop time: The time from the catcher receiving the pitch to the ball reaching the fielder at second.
Framing: The catcher’s technique for receiving pitches to present them as strikes.
Blocking: The catcher’s technique for keeping pitches in the dirt in front of them.
Do-or-die: An outfield play where the fielder charges and fields the ball on the run to make a quick throw.
Short fielder: The extra fielder used in many slowpitch leagues, often playing as a fourth outfielder.
Rules terms
DP/FLEX: A substitution rule in which the designated player bats for the FLEX player, who plays defense only; specific rules on re-entry vary by code.
Re-entry: A rule allowing a starting player to leave the game and return once, in the same batting position, in many codes.
Look-back rule: Once the pitcher has the ball in the circle, runners off base must immediately return or advance.
Obstruction: When a fielder without the ball, not in the act of fielding, impedes a runner.
Interference: When an offensive player or spectator impedes a fielder or play.
Infield fly: A fair fly ball that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, with runners on first and second or the bases loaded and fewer than two outs; the batter is out.
Run rule: A rule ending the game when one team leads by a set margin after a certain number of innings.
International tiebreaker: In extra innings, many codes place a runner on second base at the start of each half-inning.
Delayed dead ball: A situation where play continues and the umpire rules afterward, such as on obstruction.
Scoring and statistics terms
ERA: Earned run average, calculated as earned runs times 7 divided by innings pitched.
WHIP: Walks plus hits allowed per inning pitched.
RBI: Run batted in, credited to a batter whose action causes a run to score, with some exceptions.
On-base percentage: How often a batter reaches base by hits, walks or hit-by-pitches.
Fielder’s choice: When a fielder chooses to put out a runner rather than the batter.
Earned run: A run that scores without the help of a defensive error or passed ball.
How to learn softball terms quickly
- Start with the basics, such as positions, outs, innings and the strike zone.
- Watch games with this glossary handy and look up unfamiliar words.
- Ask coaches to explain terms used in practice.
- Learn your league’s rules, since rules-based terms vary.
- Practice terms in context, such as calling cutoffs or signs during drills.
Commonly confused terms
- Crow hop in pitching vs fielding: illegal for pitchers in most codes, but a normal throwing technique for fielders.
- Obstruction vs interference: obstruction is by the defense, interference by the offense.
- Slap vs bunt: a slap is made while moving, often with a swinging or controlled contact, while a bunt is a deliberate tap from a set position.
- Rise ball vs high fastball: a rise ball uses backspin and a low release to appear to climb.
- Earned vs unearned runs: errors and passed balls make runs unearned.
Frequently asked questions
What does DP/FLEX mean in softball?
It is a substitution rule in which a designated player bats for the FLEX player, who plays defense only.
What is the look-back rule?
When the pitcher has the ball in the circle, runners off base must immediately return or advance.
What is the 5.5 hole?
The gap between the shortstop and third baseman, a common target for slappers.
