Bunting and Chopping Rule (Slow-Pitch)
Also known as: bunt in slow pitch, bunting in slow pitch, bunt in slowpitch, slow pitch bunt rule, slow pitch bunting rule, no bunting rule, chopped ball, chop rule, chopping the ball in slow pitch
No, you cannot bunt or chop the ball in slow pitch. Under USA Softball and USSSA rules, a batter who does either is out, and the ball is dead. A chop is a downward chopping swing meant to pound the ball into the ground, and the plate umpire decides whether a swing was one.
Slow-pitch rules take out the short game. USA Softball's rules list bunting or chopping the ball as a way the batter is out in slow pitch (Rule 7, Section 6J). The ball is dead, the batter is out, and runners return to the bases they held when the pitch was thrown. USSSA's rule book also calls the batter out, and it adds that this applies whether the ball goes fair or foul.
A bunt is a ball tapped slowly on purpose, usually by holding the bat out instead of swinging. A chopped ball comes from a downward chopping swing that drives the ball into the ground. USSSA's definition calls it a deliberate attempt that hits the ground within the infield. The plate umpire judges both.
A normal, level swing that tops the ball into a high bounce is a legal batted ball. If you want a hard ground ball, swing level and hit the top half of the ball. Do not chop down at it.
Fast pitch and baseball are different. Bunting is a normal skill in those games, so players who switch sports need to leave it behind for slow pitch.
Tips by skill level
Take a full, level swing at every pitch you want to hit. There is no bunting or chopping in slow pitch.
If you want the ball on the ground, square up the top half with a level swing. A deliberate downward chop risks an out call.
Example
With a runner on third and one out, a batter squares around and taps a bunt toward third base. The umpire calls her out, kills the ball and sends the runner back to third.
Why it matters
A bunt or chop costs an out and erases any runner movement on the play. Knowing the rule also keeps baseball and fast-pitch habits out of your slow-pitch at-bats.
Common mistakes
- Squaring to bunt out of baseball or fast-pitch habit
- Chopping down on the ball to try for a high bounce
- Assuming a bunt that rolls foul is only a strike
Frequently asked questions
Can you bunt in slow pitch softball?
No. Under USA Softball and USSSA rules, a batter who bunts or chops the ball is out, and the ball is dead. Bunting is part of fast pitch and baseball, not slow pitch.
What is a chopped ball in slow pitch?
It comes from a downward chopping swing meant to drive the ball into the ground, usually for a high bounce. It is illegal in slow pitch, and the batter is out.
What happens if you bunt in slow pitch?
The batter is out and the ball is dead. Under USA Softball rules, runners return to the bases they held when the pitch was thrown.
Is a high-bouncing ground ball an illegal chop?
Not when it comes from a normal swing. The rule covers a downward chopping motion, which USSSA calls deliberate, and the umpire judges it.
Sources
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 7 Sec. 6J (slow pitch: batter out for bunting or chopping the ball) and Effect 6F–M (ball dead, batter out, runners return), p. 86
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Definitions, "Bunt" (p. 16) and "Chopped Ball" (p. 17)
- USSSA Slowpitch Rule Book and By-Laws, 2026 Edition, Rule 7 Sec. 3C (batter out for bunting or chopping the ball downward, fair or foul), p. 38; Rule 9 Sec. 3H (ball dead), p. 52; Rule 3 definitions of "Bunt" and "Chopped Ball", p. 19
Related terms
- Chopping Down on the BallChopping down on the ball is an exaggerated, near-vertical bat path. It hacks down instead of rotating, usually giving weak, high-bouncing grounders.
- Steep Bat PathA steep bat path angles down more sharply than the pitch descends, leaving a tiny contact window. Early contact pops the ball up; late contact tops it.
- Foul Ball With Two Strikes (Slow-Pitch)Under USA Softball slow-pitch rules, a foul ball with two strikes is strike three and the batter is out. Every slow-pitch foul counts as a strike, and the rule book has no courtesy foul. USSSA is different: batters start at 0-0 and are out on two strikes, and an uncaught foul is a strike only with no strikes. Local leagues can differ too, so check your league's rules.
- One-and-One Count (Slow-Pitch)The one-and-one count is a common slow-pitch rule variation where every at-bat starts 1-1, not 0-0. It shortens at-bats to keep games moving.
- Batter's Box Rules (Slow-Pitch)You are out in slow pitch if you hit the ball while any part of a foot is touching home plate, or while an entire foot is on the ground completely outside the batter's box. The ball is dead. USSSA applies that rule to the side and back lines, and it limits how far forward your rear foot can start.
- USA Softball (ASA) League FormatUSA Softball, formerly the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), publishes a softball rule book and approved-bat list. Leagues may adopt its rules for local and championship play.
- USSSA League FormatThe United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) runs slow-pitch leagues and tournaments. It uses its own bat rules, team levels, and tournament format.
Related guides & benchmarks
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