Slow-Pitch Softball Glossary
Learn the language of Slow-Pitch Softball — answer-first definitions with real examples, beginner to pro.
12 terms
- ArcBeginnerThe arc is the high, looping flight path a legal slow-pitch delivery must follow — typically a minimum of 6 feet and a maximum of 12 feet. Hitters time their swing to the ball’s descent.
- BPF (Bat Performance Factor)AdvancedBPF measures how much energy a bat returns to the ball compared with a completely rigid wall. A higher BPF means more "trampoline" pop off the barrel.
- Compression RatingIntermediateCompression rating measures how much force it takes to compress a softball a quarter inch, in pounds per square inch. A higher rating means a harder ball with more pop.
- Contact PointBeginnerThe contact point is where the bat meets the ball relative to your body. In slow pitch it sits out front, letting you swing slightly up to match the ball’s steep descent.
- COR (Coefficient of Restitution)AdvancedCOR measures how "lively" a softball is — the ratio of its rebound speed to its impact speed against a hard surface. A higher COR ball comes off the bat faster.
- Double-Wall BatAdvancedA double-wall bat has two layers of barrel material that flex together at contact, adding "trampoline" effect for more exit velocity than a single-wall bat.
- End LoadIntermediateEnd load is extra weight added toward the barrel end of a bat to increase swing momentum and exit velocity. End-loaded bats reward hitters who can control them with bat speed.
- Gap-to-Gap HittingIntermediateGap-to-gap hitting is targeting hard line drives into the outfield gaps rather than swinging for home runs — the high-percentage approach in leagues with home-run limits.
- Home Run LimitBeginnerMany recreational slow-pitch leagues cap how many over-the-fence home runs a team may hit per game; extras become an out or a single, to keep games competitive and balanced.
- Opposite-Field HittingIntermediateOpposite-field hitting is driving the ball to the side of the field away from your pull side — right field for a right-handed batter. It beats defenses that shift to the pull side.
- Pitch TrackingBeginnerPitch tracking is following the high-arcing slow-pitch ball all the way from its peak down to the contact point. Because the ball descends steeply, the eyes lead the swing.
- Stride TimingIntermediateStride timing is when you take your forward step relative to the descending pitch. Against a high arc, the stride lands early and the hands stay back, separating the lower and upper body.
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