Backwards K and Other Fast-Pitch Slang
Also known as: backwards k meaning, what does backwards k mean, backward k in the scorebook, backwards k in softball, bloop hit softball, walk-off in softball, fastpitch slang
A 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.
Scorekeepers use K for a strikeout. Drawing it backwards shows the batter took the third strike without swinging. Coaches track both, because a high number of backwards Ks often means a hitter is too passive.
A bloop is a weakly hit fly ball that falls between infielders and outfielders. It often comes from a hitter who was fooled but still got the barrel close. A walk-off is a hit or play that brings home the winning run for the home team in its last turn at bat. Because the home team takes the lead in the last inning, the game is over.
A slapper is a hitter, usually from the left side, who runs through the box as she makes contact. Other common terms include a frozen rope for a hard line drive and a chopper for a high-bouncing grounder.
Tips by skill level
When you score a game, mark a backwards K for a called third strike and a regular K for a swinging one.
Track backwards Ks separately in your stats. A rising number points to a passive two-strike approach.
Example
A coach reads the scorebook after a game. His leadoff hitter has two backwards Ks. They work on her swing decisions the next practice.
Why it matters
Softball has its own language. Knowing it helps players follow coaches, broadcasts and scorebooks.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a backwards K means a dropped third strike
- Calling every soft hit a bloop
- Thinking slappers only bunt
- Assuming a walk-off can happen for the visiting team
Frequently asked questions
What is a bloop hit in softball?
A soft fly ball that drops in between the infielders and outfielders for a hit.
What is a walk-off in softball?
A hit or play that scores the winning run for the home team in its last turn at bat, which ends the game.
Related terms
- Striking Out Looking (Too Passive at the Plate)Hitters strike out looking when they wait too long to decide or wait for a perfect pitch. Fear of swinging and missing also freezes them. Fast-pitch pitchers make it worse with curves on the corners and drops that start at the knees. Get ready to swing on every pitch, widen your zone with two strikes and learn the umpire's zone early.
- Slap HittingSlap hitting is a left-handed offensive technique where a fast runner moves through the batter's box toward the pitcher while making contact, converting their running start into a head-start toward first base.
- International Tiebreaker (Fast-Pitch)The international tiebreaker is the extra-inning rule in USA Softball fast pitch. If the game is tied after seven innings, or when a youth game's time limit runs out. Each half inning starts with a runner on second base. That runner is the player due to bat last in the inning, the hitter just before the leadoff batter. Teams keep playing full innings until one wins.
- Two-Strike ApproachA two-strike approach is how fast-pitch hitters adjust with two strikes. Most shorten the swing, cover more of the zone, and favor contact over power.
- Zone DisciplineZone discipline is a hitter's ability to reliably swing at strikes and lay off balls. It must hold up against a fast release and pitches that move late.
Related guides & benchmarks
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