Pop-Up Priority Call
Also known as: priority call, infield-outfield priority
The pop-up priority call is the pre-agreed rule for who has the right of way on a shallow fly ball that two or more defenders could reach — generally the outfielder coming in over an infielder going back, and whoever calls first and loudest overriding both.
Slow pitch's shallow bloop zone (see Bloop Hit Coverage) creates constant overlap between infielders drifting back and outfielders charging in. Without an agreed priority rule, both players either collide or both pull up and let the ball drop. The standard convention gives priority to the fielder moving forward and toward the plate over one moving backward and away from it. This is because the forward-moving fielder has a better read on the ball and more control approaching the catch. That said, the rule always yields to communication: the first clear, confident, early call wins regardless of position.
Coaches reinforce this before the season starts, not mid-game, because hesitation in the moment is exactly what the priority rule exists to prevent. A team that has drilled the call in practice reacts right away; a team that has never discussed it freezes.
Example
The shortstop drifts back on a bloop while the left fielder charges in. The left fielder calls "I got it, I got it" early and loud, and the shortstop peels off immediately to avoid a collision.
Why it matters
A clear priority rule removes hesitation from the single most collision-prone play in slow-pitch defense. Script and drill the call in practice before it comes up live in a game.
Common mistakes
- Never establishing the priority rule in practice, so players default to hesitation the first time it matters in a game
- Calling the ball late, after both fielders have already committed to converging paths
- Calling it but not committing — wavering after the call and drifting back toward the other fielder anyway
- Ignoring the call because of positional ego (e.g., an infielder refusing to yield to an outfielder) rather than trusting the pre-agreed rule
Frequently asked questions
Who has priority on a shallow pop-up between an infielder and outfielder?
The outfielder coming in generally has priority over an infielder going back, since the outfielder sees the ball longer and is moving under control toward the catch — but any clear, early, confident call should be honored regardless of position.
Related terms
- Bloop Hit CoverageBloop hit coverage is who covers the shallow no-man's-land where soft hits land. An infielder, the short fielder, and an outfielder usually share it.
- Middle Infield CommunicationMiddle infield communication is how the shortstop and second baseman coordinate, by voice and signal, on cutoffs, bag coverage, and pop-up priority. It helps avoid collisions and missed assignments.
- Short Fielder (Rover)The short fielder, or rover, is slow-pitch softball's 10th defensive player. As a fourth outfielder or extra infielder, they fill gaps the arc creates.
- Reading a Fly Ball off the ArcReading a fly ball off the arc is judging depth, direction, and hang time at contact. Outfielders move on the sound and bat angle, not the full flight.
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