Questions and Answers
What is a double play?
What is a sacrifice bunt?
A bunt for the purpose of advancing a runner
What is a sacrifice fly?
A deep fly ball that is hit so the runner on third base tags up and scores
What is a squeeze bunt?
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What is a safety squeeze bunt?
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What is a suicide squeeze bunt?
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What happens during a dropped third strike?
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What is an infield fly?
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What is a force out?
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What is a tag play?
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What does 'rolling two' refer to?
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What is a defensive shift?
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What is a slap hit?
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What is a hit & run play?
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What is a rundown?
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What is an intentional walk?
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What is a courtesy runner?
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What is tagging up?
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What is a fielder's choice?
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What is a pinch hitter?
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What is a pinch runner?
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What is a passed ball?
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What is an earned run?
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What is an error in softball?
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What is delayed steal?
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What is the role of a designated player (DP)?
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Study Notes
Softball Terminology Overview
- Double Play: Two players are put out in one play, often increasing defensive efficiency.
- Sacrifice Bunt: Bunting specifically to advance a baserunner while risking the batter being out.
- Sacrifice Fly: A fly ball hit deep enough for a runner on third base to tag up and score after the catch.
- Squeeze Bunt: A strategic bunt with a runner on third base, where the batter sacrifices their chance to reach first in order to allow the runner to score.
- Safety Squeeze Bunt: Runner waits for the batter to make contact before advancing, ensuring less risk of being thrown out at home.
- Suicide Squeeze Bunt: Runner attempts to steal home immediately as the pitch is released; failure to contact the ball could lead to an out.
Situational Plays and Tactics
- Dropped Third Strike: If the catcher fails to catch the third strike and first base is unoccupied or there are two outs, the batter can run to first.
- Infield Fly: A fair fly ball that should be caught by an infielder with average effort when runners are on base and less than two outs.
- Force Out: An out made by a fielder touching a base before a forced runner arrives; essential for maintaining defensive pressure.
- Tag Play: Requires a runner to be physically tagged with the ball to be called out, often complicated by strategic base running.
- Defensive Shift: Re-alignment of players in the field to increase chances of fielding a hit based on anticipated batted ball direction.
- Slap Hit: A technique used mainly by left-handed hitters to strike the ball with a short, controlled motion, distinguishing it from a bunt.
Offensive Strategies
- Hit & Run: A dynamic strategy involving a baserunner stealing a base while the batter attempts to hit, aiming to exploit defensive positioning.
- Bunt & Run: Similar to hit & run, but the batter bunts the ball instead of swinging, seeking to advance runners.
Base Running Techniques
- Delayed Steal: Stealing a base with a calculated wait until after a pitch or while the catcher is distracted.
- Rundown (Pickle): When a baserunner is caught between two bases, creating a scenario where the runner risks being tagged out.
- Intentional Walk: A tactical decision to issue a walk on purpose to avoid pitching to a strong hitter.
Miscellaneous Concepts
- Earned Run: A run scored not due to errors by the defensive team, important for evaluating pitcher performance.
- Error: A statistic for defensive misplays allowing runners to advance; impacts team credibility.
- Fielder's Choice: Defensive strategy where a player opts to put out a preceding runner instead of the batter, influencing defensive outcomes.
- Passed Ball: A pitch that should have been caught by the catcher but wasn’t, allowing baserunners to advance.
Substitution and Player Roles
- Pinch Hitter: A player substituted into the game to hit; counts against the team's substitution limit.
- Pinch Runner: A substitute who runs for another player, specifically not using a team substitution charge.
- Designated Player (DP): A special player role who bats for another player in the lineup without changing their defensive role.
- Re-entry: Allowed return of a substituted player, limited to one time per game.
Leading and Positioning
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Base Leads:
- First Base Lead-Off: Generally three steps straight from the base, creating distance for better chances to steal.
- Second Base Lead-Off: 5-7 steps from the base, ready for strategic advancement on hits.
- Third Base Lead: A cautious lead allowing for quick decisions on scoring opportunities while avoiding direct threats.
Additional Plays and Situations
- Crow Hop: A technique used by players to gain momentum and enhance throwing strength.
- Relay/Cut-off: A coordinated throw strategy by a relay player to direct the ball to the optimal target base.
- Pitch Out: An intentional pitch thrown high and outside to prevent offensive strategies like stolen bases or hit-and-runs.
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Description
This quiz covers essential softball terminology to enhance your understanding of the game. Each card presents a term along with its definition, helping players and fans alike become more familiar with the sport's language. Perfect for beginners and seasoned players wanting to refresh their knowledge.
