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Slow-Pitch Softball Glossary
Learn the language of Slow-Pitch Softball — answer-first definitions with real examples, beginner to pro.
13 terms
- Back-Side MechanicsAdvancedBack-side mechanics are how the trail hip, knee, and foot fire in the swing. This "engine" side drives rotational power from the ground up through the barrel.
- Backhand (Fielding)AdvancedA backhand fields a grounder on the throwing-hand side of the body (a right-hander's right), with the glove reaching across the body. The glove turns over so its pocket faces the ball, and the feet do not shuffle to square up.
- BPF (Bat Performance Factor)AdvancedBPF (Bat Performance Factor) measures how much energy a bat's barrel returns to the ball compared with a perfectly rigid wall. A higher BPF means more trampoline effect and greater exit velocity from the same swing.
- COR (Coefficient of Restitution)AdvancedCOR (Coefficient of Restitution) measures how much of a ball's impact energy returns as rebound energy. Higher COR means a livelier ball that flies farther.
- Defensive ShiftAdvancedA defensive shift is an unconventional repositioning of fielders toward one side of the field to take away a pull hitter's most likely batted-ball zone.
- Double Play Turn (Slow-Pitch)AdvancedThe double play turn is the pivot at second base. In one motion, a middle infielder catches, touches the bag, and throws to first while avoiding the slide.
- Double-Wall BatAdvancedA double-wall bat has two concentric layers of barrel material that flex together at contact to produce greater trampoline effect — returning more energy to the ball and increasing exit velocity compared with a single-wall design.
- Down-and-In Swing Path (Slow-Pitch)AdvancedA down-and-in path comes in slightly above and outside the ball, then flattens at contact. Advanced hitters use it to cover the plate and hit to all fields.
- Lineup StrategyAdvancedLineup strategy is building the batting order to score the most runs. On-base hitters go at the top, power in the middle, and reliable contact throughout.
- Mis-Hit Diagnosis (Slow-Pitch)AdvancedMis-hit diagnosis traces a weak or misdirected batted ball to its specific mechanical cause: timing, bat path, contact point, or body position.
- Slow Roller ChargeAdvancedA slow roller charge is an infielder's hard sprint at a weak grounder, often bare-handing it on the run. It is the one chance to throw out the batter-runner.
- Swing Sensor Metrics (Slow-Pitch)AdvancedOn-plane efficiency is the share of your swing in which the bat stays on the plane it will meet the ball on. A bat sensor on the knob measures it, along with bat speed, hand speed, attack angle and rotational acceleration. In slow pitch the ball falls steeply, so compare your numbers with your own past swings and your ball flight, not with baseball targets.
- Uppercut OvercorrectionAdvancedUppercut overcorrection is swinging much steeper than the pitch's descent angle while trying to add loft or fix topped balls. It trades grounders for pop-ups.
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