Dropped Third Strike in Slow Pitch
Also known as: dropped third strike in slow pitch, dropped third strike slow pitch, run on strike three in slow pitch, uncaught third strike in slow pitch
No, slow pitch has no dropped third strike. Under USA Softball rules, the batter is out on a third strike whether or not the catcher holds the ball. Only fast pitch and modified pitch let a batter run on an uncaught third strike. In slow pitch, a foul ball with two strikes is also an out.
In baseball and fast pitch, a batter may run to first when the catcher fails to catch strike three. Slow pitch drops that rule. USA Softball's list of ways a batter is out simply says the batter is out after a third strike in slow pitch.
The fast-pitch rule is written separately. There, the batter is out on a caught third strike, or when first base is occupied with fewer than two outs. That is why the dropped third strike belongs to fast pitch and modified pitch only.
Slow pitch adds its own twist. A foul ball after two strikes is an out. A pitch that hits the ground or the plate cannot be legally swung at. If the batter swings and misses before it lands, though, it is a strike.
So in slow pitch there is no reason to run on strike three. Head back to the dugout and get ready for your next at-bat.
Tips by skill level
In slow pitch, strike three is an out no matter what the catcher does.
Remind new players from baseball before their first game. It saves an awkward run to first.
Example
A former baseball player swings and misses at strike three, and the ball bounces away from the catcher. He sprints to first. The umpire calls him out, because slow pitch has no dropped third strike.
Why it matters
Players switching from baseball or fast pitch often run on strike three out of habit. Knowing the rule saves confusion and arguments.
Common mistakes
- Running to first on an uncaught third strike
- Thinking a foul with two strikes is safe
- Swinging at a pitch after it has bounced
- Assuming fast-pitch batting rules apply
Frequently asked questions
Can you run on a dropped third strike in slow pitch softball?
No, the batter is out on any third strike in slow pitch. Only fast pitch and modified pitch allow a run on an uncaught third strike.
Is a foul ball with two strikes an out in slow pitch?
Yes, under USA Softball rules a foul ball hit after two strikes is an out in slow pitch.
Sources
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 7 Sec. 6N (slow pitch: batter out after a third strike, including a foul after two strikes) and Sec. 6O-P (fast pitch third-strike rules), p. 87
- USA Softball, Official Rules of Softball 2026, Rule 7 Sec. 4B (slow pitch: a pitch that hits the ground or plate cannot be legally swung at), p. 83
Related terms
- 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.
- Switching From Baseball to Slow-PitchThe biggest change for baseball hitters in slow pitch is timing. The ball falls steeply on a high arc, and baseball hitters tend to swing too early. Wait for the ball to start dropping, stay back and drive it on a line instead of rolling it over or popping it up.
- Strike Zone – Slow-PitchThe slow-pitch strike zone (USA Softball) is the space over home plate between the batter's back shoulder and front knee. A strike is a legal, properly arced pitch that passes through that zone in flight. Senior play replaces the zone with a strike mat: a pitch that lands on the plate or mat is a strike.
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