Softball Terms: A Glossary Every Player Should Know

At a Glance: Softball terms are the shared language of the game. From batting and pitching to fielding and rules, these words explain plays, guide decisions, and keep players and coaches on the same page. They establish the rules of the game, creating structure and consistency from the first pitch to the final out.

Knowing this vocabulary allows teams to move faster and reduce mistakes. Players understand their assignments, coaches can give sharper signals, and officials enforce rules with less confusion. The shared language of softball makes the game smoother for everyone involved.

Softball comes with its own vocabulary distinct from baseball. Terms like the windmill pitch, strategies such as the slap hit, and rules including the DP/Flex and Look-Back Rule are unique to the game. Learning them helps beginners build confidence and gives parents and fans a clearer understanding of the action.

Batting & Hitting Terms

Batting vocabulary is at the heart of softball. These terms describe what happens in the batter’s box, how hitters measure success, and the strategies coaches use to pressure a defense.

• At Bat: An official turn hitting, though not every plate appearance counts as an at bat.

• Plate Appearance: Any completed trip to the plate, ending in a hit, walk, hit by pitch, or out.

• Batter’s Box: The rectangular area on either side of home plate where hitters must stand.

• Batting Average: The ratio of hits to at-bats, showing how often a player records a hit (walks and hit by pitch are not included).

• Home Run: A fair ball that clears the outfield fence or lets the batter circle all the bases and score without a defensive error.

• Grand Slam: A home run with the bases loaded, scoring four runs.

• Slap Hit / Slapper: A left-handed hitter who runs through the swing to put the ball in play and use speed.

• Short Game: A strategy built around bunts and slaps to pressure the defense.

• Sacrifice Bunt: A bunt intended to move a base runner forward while the batter gives up an out.

• Pinch Hitter: A substitute batter who enters for a particular plate appearance.

• Foul Ball: A batted ball that settles or is first touched in foul territory.

• Foul Tip: A batted ball that goes sharply and directly into the catcher’s glove and is caught. Counted as a strike, even if it’s the third strike.

• Line Drive: A ball hit hard in a straight line, often too quick for defenders to react.

Batting terms highlight how the offensive team generates runs and applies pressure. Knowing them helps players communicate with coaches, understand strategy, and anticipate defensive adjustments.

Pitching & Throwing Terms

Pitching sets the pace of every game. In fastpitch softball, pitchers use an underhand motion and a variety of spins and grips to control the strike zone.

• Windmill Pitch: The signature fastpitch motion where the pitcher’s arm rotates in a full circle before release.

• Strike Zone: The rectangular area above home plate where pitches must pass to be called a strike.

• Pitcher’s Circle: The circle around the rubber that governs rules like the Look-Back Rule.

• Illegal Pitch: A pitch delivered with improper mechanics or motion, such as leaping or replanting illegally. The exact rules vary slightly by league (NCAA, NFHS, USA Softball)

• Fastball: A pitch thrown hard with minimal spin manipulation, designed for speed.

• Changeup: A slower pitch that mimics the fastball’s motion but arrives late to disrupt timing.

• Rise Ball: A pitch with backspin that appears to climb as it nears the batter.

• Drop Ball: A pitch that dives sharply downward as it reaches the plate.

• Curveball / Screwball: Pitches that break left or right depending on spin and release.

• Wild Pitch: A pitch so high, low, or wide that the catcher cannot control it with ordinary effort.

Softball pitching has its own vocabulary that sets it apart from baseball. Terms like windmill pitch, rise ball, and pitcher’s circle describe aspects of the game unique to fastpitch. Learning them gives players and fans a deeper understanding of the position.

Fielding & Defensive Terms

The defensive team works together to stop the offensive team from scoring. These terms explain how players move, communicate, and turn batted balls into outs.

• Defensive Team: The side in the field preventing runs.

• Defensive Player: Any fielder working to record an out.

• Ground Ball: A batted ball that rolls or bounces along the infield.

• Pop Fly: A high, catchable ball in the infield or shallow outfield.

• Line Drive: A hard-hit ball traveling in a straight line.

• Double Play: Two outs recorded on one continuous play.

• Triple Play: Three outs on a single batted ball — rare but possible.

• Cut-Off: An infielder who redirects an outfielder’s throw toward the correct base.

• Relay: The act of transferring the ball from one defensive player to another.

• Throw Down: A catcher’s throw to a base to stop a stealing runner.

• Right Fielder: The outfielder covering the area from the foul line to center on the first base side.

• Shift: A defensive alignment where players move from standard positions to counter a hitter’s tendencies.

Softball Fielding terms outline how teams defend against batted balls and turn plays into outs. Understanding this vocabulary helps players position correctly, coordinate during plays, and anticipate what the defense needs to do next.

Game Situations & Umpire Terms

Game situations and umpire calls give structure to softball. These terms define momentum swings, rules, and how games are managed.

• Inning: A segment of play consisting of both teams’ offensive and defensive turns.

• Extra Innings: Additional innings played when the score is tied after regulation.

• Offensive Team: The side currently at bat.

• Offensive Player: A batter or base runner for the offensive team.

• Base Runner: A player advancing safely around the bases.

• Fair Ball: A batted ball that lands in fair territory or touches a base in fair ground.

• Foul Ball: A batted ball that lands or is touched in foul territory.

• Safe: The umpire’s call when a runner reaches a base without being tagged or forced out.

• Out: The umpire’s call when a defensive player records an out.

• Time Out: A pause in play, usually called by the umpire.

• Interference: When an offensive player illegally hinders a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play.

• Obstruction: When a defensive player without the ball hinders a runner’s progress.

• Look-Back Rule: Requires runners to advance or return once the pitcher controls the ball in the circle.

• Flex/DP Rule: A lineup option unique to softball where one player bats (DP) and another plays defense (Flex).

• Mercy Rule / Run-Ahead Rule: Ends a game early if one team leads by a set number of runs after a certain number of innings. The threshold varies by league.

Game situation terms help everyone follow the flow of play. Understanding them ensures players know when to advance, coaches make smart substitutions, and fans follow the drama inning by inning.

Position-Specific Terms & Softball Slang

Position-specific terms and softball slang make communication fast and colorful. They range from technical catcher language to fun phrases players use in the dugout.

• Blocking: A catcher dropping and using the body to stop pitches in the dirt.

• Framing: A catcher’s subtle glove movements to make a pitch appear like a strike.

• Pop Time: The time it takes for a catcher to receive a pitch and throw to a base.

• Charging the Ball: An infielder sprinting toward a slow roller to get the out.

• Backing Up: An outfielder moving behind another player to cover an overthrow.

• Dinger / Bomb: Slang for a home run.

• Smoke: A hard-hit ball, usually a line drive.

• Wheels: Slang for a fast runner.

• Can of Corn: Slang for an easy fly ball.

Slang and position terms bring personality to the game. They make communication quicker on the field and add excitement in the dugout, helping players connect with teammates and enjoy the sport’s culture.

Strengthen Your Game with BRUCE BOLT

Mastering softball terms builds communication and confidence on the field, but performance also depends on having gear designed for the demands of the game. At BRUCE BOLT, we create softball products that help players compete at their best.

Our batting gloves are crafted for grip and durability, giving hitters control in every plate appearance. Our softball pants combine comfort and strength, built to withstand slides and dives while maintaining flexibility. And our protective gear helps players move freely while staying safe through every inning.

Just like knowing the language of softball sharpens your game, using the right gear supports confidence and performance. Explore Bruce Bolt’s Softball Collection and step onto the field ready for every play.