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Fast-Pitch Softball Glossary
Learn the language of Fast-Pitch Softball — answer-first definitions with real examples, beginner to pro.
178 terms
- Adjusting to Speed ChangesIntermediateAdjusting to speed changes means retiming your load and swing when a slower pitch follows fast ones. It avoids being "way out in front" of a changeup.
- Arm CircleBeginnerThe arm circle is the full 360° rotation of the pitching arm around the shoulder joint that defines the fast-pitch windmill delivery and stores elastic energy for release.
- At-Bat Routine (Between Pitches)BeginnerA good routine between pitches is short and the same every time. Check the sign, take a breath, remind yourself of one simple plan for the count and step in ready. After a bad swing, reset with the same routine instead of replaying the miss.
- Backdoor RiseAdvancedA backdoor rise ball starts outside the plate, appearing to miss the corner. Late rotation carries it back over for a strike, fooling hitters who lay off it.
- Backing Up BasesBeginnerBacking up bases means fielders not directly in a play get behind a base or the catcher. They are there in case a throw sails past or is misplayed.
- Backwards K and Other Fast-Pitch SlangBeginnerA backwards K is the scorebook mark for a called third strike, meaning a strikeout looking. A regular K means the batter swung and missed for strike three. Other common fast-pitch slang. A bloop is a soft fly that drops in, a walk-off ends the game for the home team, and a slapper is a running-start hitter.
- Ball BlockingIntermediateBall blocking means dropping to the knees to smother a pitch in the dirt. It prevents wild pitches and passed balls that would let baserunners advance.
- Ball ReceivingBeginnerBall receiving is catching pitches cleanly and quietly. It shows each pitch to the umpire in a way that helps strike calls and sets up a quick throw.
- Bat Grip (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerGrip a fast-pitch bat in the base of your fingers with the hands touching and the bottom hand just above the knob. Many coaches line up the middle knuckles of both hands. Hold it loosely until the swing starts. Choking up an inch is common in fast pitch and gives quicker control against hard throwers.
- Bat PathIntermediateBat path is the trajectory the barrel travels through the hitting zone — ideally a slightly upward, direct line that maximizes the time the barrel stays in the plane of the pitch.
- Bat Sting (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerYour bat stings your hands when the ball hits away from the sweet spot, often off the end or near the handle. That miss makes the bat vibrate, and the buzz runs down the handle into your hands. Squarer contact is the real fix. A fresh grip, batting gloves and bats built to damp vibration soften it.
- Batting Average (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerNo rulebook sets a good batting average for high school softball, because averages swing a lot with the level of pitching. Compare a hitter to her own team and conference, not to one number. The stat is hits divided by official at-bats. Walks, hit-by-pitches and sacrifices are left out of that count.
- Batting Helmet Face Mask (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerUnder USA Softball rules, every youth fast-pitch batting helmet must have a securely fastened face mask or guard approved by NOCSAE. High school (NFHS) rules also require one on fast-pitch batting helmets. Adult fast-pitch players need a double ear-flap helmet, and a face mask is optional. Make sure the mask is approved for use with that helmet.
- Batting Order and Lineup Roles (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerMost coaches bat a slapper first or second, where her speed and on-base skills set up the hitters behind her. A second slapper often bats ninth to lead into the top of the order. Power hitters usually bat third through fifth. No rule sets these roles, but the order you give the umpire must be followed all game.
- Batting Stance (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerThere is no single correct fast-pitch batting stance, but good ones share a few traits. The feet are about shoulder-width apart, the knees are slightly bent and the weight sits on the balls of the feet. The hands rest near the back shoulder, and the barrel can reach the outer edge of the plate.
- Bullpen Routine (Fast-Pitch)IntermediateA bullpen routine is a pitcher's structured warm-up and between-outing throwing plan. It builds from short arm circles to full-distance pitches of every type.
- Bunt and RunIntermediateA bunt and run sends the runner on the pitch while the batter is already committed. The defense must choose between fielding the ball and covering the steal.
- Bunt for a HitIntermediateA bunt for a hit is an offensive attempt to reach base rather than advance a runner, relying on placement and speed instead of trading an out for a base.
- Bunt PlacementBeginnerBunt placement is choosing exactly where to send the ball: down a line, at a certain fielder, or into a soft spot. It goes beyond simply making contact.
- Bunting MechanicsBeginnerBunting mechanics refer to the grip, stance, and bat-angle technique used to deaden a pitched ball and direct it to a specific area of the infield, whether for a sacrifice or a base hit.
- Catcher Throwing MechanicsIntermediateCatcher throwing mechanics are the footwork, transfer, and arm action behind fast, accurate throws. They throw out base stealers and catch runners off base.
- Catcher-Pitcher CommunicationIntermediateCatcher-pitcher communication is the ongoing exchange of signals, circle visits, and hitter reads. It lets the pair agree on each pitch and its location.
- Catcher's RoleBeginnerThe fast-pitch catcher does far more than catch pitches. They call pitches, manage the pitcher's mindset, control the running game, and organize the defense.
- Change of SpeedsIntermediateChange of speeds means deliberately varying velocity, not just pitch type, to disrupt a hitter's timing. Usually a changeup is mixed with full-speed pitches.
- ChangeupIntermediateA changeup is an off-speed pitch thrown with the fastball's windmill motion but 10-20 mph slower. It disrupts timing, so hitters swing ahead of the ball.
- Chip SlapIntermediateA chip slap uses a short, quick adjustment step instead of a full crossover. The slapper stays compact and can react late to fast or off-speed pitching.
- Chop SlapAdvancedA chop slap is a slap swung down through the top of the ball so it hits the dirt near home plate and bounces high. By the time the ball comes down, a fast slapper is close to first base. Coaches use the name loosely, and some teach a level slap instead of chopping down.
- Circle Change RecognitionIntermediateCircle change recognition is spotting a circle changeup out of the hand or early in flight. The hitter can then wait on the slower pitch instead of lunging.
- College Recruiting TimelineAdvancedThe college recruiting timeline is the general order of contact rules, contact windows, and decision points. It shapes when and how coaches can engage a prospect.
- Compact Swing TimingIntermediateCompact swing timing uses a short, direct path from load to contact. It cuts trigger-to-contact time, adding margin for error in a short reaction window.
- Connection (Staying Connected in the Swing)IntermediateStaying connected means the arms and bat move with the turn of the body instead of swinging on their own. A connected hitter starts the barrel with her hips and torso, keeping the bat close to her body before it releases into contact. A disconnected swing casts out early or lets the arms race ahead of the body.
- Contact PointIntermediateThe contact point is the specific location in front of (or at) the plate where the bat meets the ball — which varies by pitch location, pitch type, and desired ball-flight direction.
- Corner Infield PlaysIntermediateCorner infield plays are how the first and third basemen defend the short game of bunts and slaps. They charge, read the hitter, and make the right throw.
- Count AdvantageIntermediateCount advantage describes which side the current ball-strike tally favours, and how each should adjust because of it.
- Courtesy Runner (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerIn USA Softball fast pitch, a team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and the catcher after either one bats and reaches base. Neither player leaves the game. The same runner cannot run for both in one game. The courtesy runner must be reported to the plate umpire.
- Crossover Slap StepIntermediateIn a crossover slap step, the back foot crosses in front of the front foot. It starts the slapper moving toward the pitcher, building momentum into contact.
- Crow HopIntermediateA crow hop is an illegal pitching motion in which the pitcher replants the pivot foot after the initial push-off. The pitcher is effectively relaunching, gaining an unfair advantage in distance or momentum.
- Curveball – Fast-PitchIntermediateA curveball is a fast-pitch pitch thrown with lateral spin that causes the ball to break sharply to one side as it reaches the plate, disrupting a hitter's timing and eye-line.
- Curveball Spin DirectionAdvancedCurveball spin direction is a fast-pitch curve's roughly vertical spin axis, tilted toward horizontal. It breaks the ball away from a same-handed hitter.
- Defensive VersatilityAdvancedDefensive versatility is a player's demonstrated ability to field several positions well. It lets her fill depth needs across the roster, not just one spot.
- Double First BaseBeginnerA double first base is first base built in two pieces. Its white half sits in fair territory and its colored half sits in foul territory. On a play at first, the fielder takes the white piece and the batter-runner takes the colored one, so their feet stay apart. USA Softball uses it at first in all divisions of play.
- DP/FLEX RuleIntermediateThe DP/FLEX rule lets a fast-pitch team bat a designated player (DP) who does not field. The DP bats for the FLEX, who fields but does not bat. The FLEX is listed 10th on the lineup card. The two can trade roles under set limits, and each can re-enter once.
- Drag BuntIntermediateA drag bunt is a bunt for a base hit. A fast runner, usually a left-handed slapper, starts running toward first before contact to beat the throw.
- Drop BallIntermediateIn fast-pitch, a drop ball is a pitch thrown with topspin that makes it dive sharply near the plate. It induces grounders and swings over the top of the ball.
- Drop Curve (Fast-Pitch)IntermediateA drop curve is a fast-pitch breaking ball that dives down and slides sideways at the same time. It blends a drop ball with a curve. To hit it, track it deep, keep your back shoulder from dipping and match its downward path. Lay off the ones that start at your knees, because they finish below the zone.
- Drop Step (Pitching Wind-Up)IntermediateIn the drop-step wind-up, the pitcher steps back and slightly sideways with the non-pivot foot. That extra motion builds momentum toward the plate.
- Early Swing TriggerBeginnerAn early swing trigger is a timing mistake: committing to the swing before release. It usually causes weak contact out front or a miss on late movement.
- End-Loaded vs Balanced Fast-Pitch BatsIntermediateA balanced fast-pitch bat carries more of its weight toward the handle. An end-loaded one shifts extra weight toward the barrel tip. Two bats with the same listed weight can feel very different to swing. Most young hitters, contact hitters and slappers do better with balanced models. Strong hitters who stay on time may gain power from a little extra barrel weight.
- Exercises for Fast-Pitch Bat SpeedIntermediateBat speed comes from the legs, hips and torso, so the best exercises build lower-body strength and rotational power. Squats, lunges and hinges build strength. Med-ball scoop and shot-put throws train fast rotation. Hip and upper-back mobility work keeps the turn free. Add swing-speed work with real bats, and progress slowly with good form.
- Exit Velocity by Age (Fast-Pitch)IntermediateThere is no trustworthy official chart of fast-pitch exit velocity by age. One major swing-sensor maker says it has not published age-based softball benchmarks. Readings change with the bat, the device and tee versus live pitching. The useful comparison is your own average over time, measured the same way.
- Extension at ContactIntermediateExtension at contact is the point in the swing where the arms reach near-full length through the contact zone, transferring maximum energy from the kinetic chain into the ball.
- Fake Bunt SlapAdvancedA fake bunt slap has the hitter show bunt to draw the corner infielders in. Then the hitter pulls the bat back and slaps the ball into the space they left.
- Fast-Pitch Bat Size by AgeBeginnerFast-pitch bats are sized by length and drop, and both change with age and size. One maker's chart suggests 28–29 inches at age 10, 30–31 inches at 11–12 and 31–32 inches at 13–14. Players around 8 to 12 often use a -11 or -12 drop, and many move to -10, -9 or -8 as they get stronger.
- Fast-Pitch Bat Speed and Swing-Sensor BenchmarksIntermediateOne major swing-sensor maker publishes fast-pitch bat speed ranges by level: 38 to 52 mph for 12U to 14U travel ball, 49 to 63 mph for high school varsity and 58 to 70 mph in college. It also suggests on-plane efficiency of 70 percent or more and early connection near 90 degrees. It has not published softball exit velocity by age.
- Figure-8 Wind-UpIntermediateThe figure-8 wind-up is a distinct legal fast-pitch delivery. The ball goes down past the hip, behind the body, and forward to release, never overhead.
- First Baseman Bunt CoverageIntermediateFirst baseman bunt coverage is the job of charging bunts toward the first-base line. The second baseman covers first base in her place.
- First-and-Third DefenseAdvancedFirst-and-third defense is the set of plays used with runners on first and third. It tries to stop the runner on third from scoring while still getting an out.
- First-Pitch Strike RateIntermediateFirst-pitch strike rate is the percentage of at-bats that start with a strike. It is among the strongest signs of pitching effectiveness and count control.
- Foul Bunt With Two StrikesBeginnerIn fast-pitch, a bunt that goes foul with two strikes is an out. A foul ball on a full swing with two strikes keeps the at-bat going, but a foul bunt does not. If the bunt is popped up and caught in the air, the batter is out on the catch and the ball stays live.
- Foul Tip (Fast-Pitch)BeginnerYes. In fast pitch, a foul tip with two strikes is strike three and the batter is out. The ball must go sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's hand or glove and be legally caught. It stays live. If she drops it, the at-bat goes on.
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